Washington, D.C.: Old Rag via Berry Hollow
Take the lesser-traveled route up one of Shenandoah National Park's most storied peaks.
Shenandoah National Park pairs natural beauty with modern life. Its most famous attraction is Skyline Drive, a scenic byway that runs the length of the park. For those hoping to get off the road and into the woods, Shenandoah hikes will not disappoint. Across 500 miles of Shenandoah hiking trails visitors will see the quiet beauty the Blue Ridge Mountains, and make stops along its waterfalls and other attractions. While you’re out on one of Backpacker’s top Shenandoah hikes keep an eye out for the occasional black bear; these gentle giants still roam the Shenandoah wilds.
Take the lesser-traveled route up one of Shenandoah National Park's most storied peaks.
This 4.2-mile out-and-back hike is a local's favorite, climbing gently from the flood-torn banks of the Moormans River to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park.
Take this 8.8-mile out-and-back dayhike or overnight to escape high-season crowds; it stitches together a lesser-known route leading to a photo-worthy waterfall.
Gurgling mountain streams and peaceful vistas line this 9-mile loop in southern Shenandoah National Park
This 6.6-mile out-and-back canyon hike is fantastically verdant and loaded with glistening cascades, including the park's second highest waterfall.
Solitude rules on this 6.2-mile out-and-back past the headwaters of a lively mountain stream where deer and black bears roam by the skeleton of a weatherbeaten homestead.
This rugged, 16.8-mile, 2-day backpacking trip reveals classic Appalachian wonders: idyllic waterfall-laden hollows, reborn woodlands, and scenic backcountry campsites.
This 5.6-mile lasso loop departs the popular Big Devils Stairs hike, scramble upstream to waterfalls and connecting with a forgotten trail free of crowds.
This 9.6-mile hike into a narrow wooded valley passes through old settler farmlands, impressive waterfalls, and mountain overlooks to a quiet creekside lunch spot.
Mature oaks, overgrown homesites, a mountain hut, and a scenic viewpoint highlight this 3.6-mile dayhike on the Appalachian Trail.
Navigate switchbacks, boulder scrambles, and rock mazes on this 8.6-mile loop that ascends Old Rag Mountain, one of Shenandoah's most famous peaks.
Sample both high ridges and stream-filled valleys on this challenging 12.1-mile dayhike in Shenandoah National Park.
From routes to food to post-hike brewski, we've got your weekend backpacking plans dialed. This week, we've got three killer adventures in Kings Canyon and Shenandoah. Ready? Read. Rip. Go!
Ramble through brilliant red and yellow fall foliage.