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Discover iconic destinations and lesser-known gems of Shenandoah National Park through 50 unforgettable hikes.
With its forested ridgelines, cascading waterfalls, rocky summits, mountain streams, and sweeping Blue Ridge views, Shenandoah National Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. To find the best of them, follow expert author Johnny Molloy, who has written more than 90 books about hiking, camping, paddling, and exploring America’s wild places.
Leave the roads to experience the heart of the park—whether you’re seeking a family-friendly overlook, a refreshing waterfall, a challenging rock scramble, or a quiet journey into the backcountry. Summit celebrated peaks such as Hawksbill, Stony Man, and Old Rag; cool off in the swimming holes of Whiteoak Canyon; and discover quiet trails rich with wildflowers, wildlife, history, and mountain solitude. Whether you want a short scenic outing, a rewarding day hike, or a memorable backpacking adventure, you’ll find it in Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park.
Inside you’ll find:
- 50 favorite routes for hikers and backpackers of every experience level
- Detailed maps and elevation profiles
- Trailhead directions and “don’t get lost” milestones
- Key at-a-glance information, including trail length, difficulty, features, and facilities
- Expert trail commentary and planning advice
- Insights into the park’s natural and cultural history
Johnny Molloy is a writer and adventurer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. He has authored more than 90 books, many of which cover national parks generally and Virginia specifically. His writings include hiking, camping, and paddling, along with true-adventure books. Johnny continues to write and travel extensively throughout the United States. He also writes for websites, including the Virginia state tourism website.
Shenandoah National Park Map
Shenandoah National Park Trail Features Table
Using Top Trails
Introduction to Shenandoah National Park
On the Trail
Chapter 1: North District
- Dickey Ridge Historic Hike
- Compton Peak
- Big Devils Stairs Vista
- Sugarloaf Loop
- Overall Run Falls
- Little Devils Stairs Loop
- Overall Run Loop
- Heiskell Hollow Loop
- Elkwallow Loop
- Piney River Falls
- Knob Mountain and Jeremys Run Loop
- Neighbor Mountain and Jeremys Run Loop
- Thornton River Loop
Chapter 2: Central District
- Marys Rock via The Pinnacle
- Hazel Falls and Cave
- Hazel Country Loop
- Corbin Cabin Hike
- Old Rag Loop
- Stony Man Loop
- Robertson Mountain
- Falls of Whiteoak Canyon
- Cedar Run Falls
- Hawksbill Summit
- Rose River Falls Loop
- Lewis Spring Falls Loop
- Hazeltop and Rapidan Camp Loop
- Staunton River Loop
- Bear Church Rock via Staunton River
- Bear Church Rock from Bootens Gap
- Conway River Loop
- Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble
- Pocosin Mission
- South River Falls Loop
Chapter 3: South District
- Hightop
- Rocky Mount Loop
- Rocky Mountain Loop
- Loft Mountain Loop
- Patterson Ridge Loop
- Big Run Loop
- Rockytop and Big Run Loop
- Austin Mountain and Madison Run Loop
- Falls Loop from Browns Gap
- Trayfoot Mountain Loop
- Furnace Mountain via Blackrock
- Blackrock Loop
- Big Branch Falls via Moormans River
- Moormans River Loop
- Chimney Rock
- Turk Branch Loop
- Turk Mountain
Appendix: Local Resources
Index
About the Author