Climb the peaks of Shenandoah National Park! This challenge includes peaks along the crest of the Shenandoahs and trailed peaks in the western reaches of the park. If you've done the classic Old Rag and yearn to explore deeper into the Shenandoah, this is an excellent challenge to tackle. Easy day-trip striking distance from Washington DC area!
Highest peak
Hawksbill
4,050 ft / 1,234 m
Most prominent peak
Hawksbill
2,148 ft / 654 m prom
Most summited peak
Old Rag Mountain
127 summits
Most difficult peak
Hawksbill
Class 1
Difficulty breakdown
Class 1/2 2 peaks
Class 3/4 2 peaks
Highlights
Latest summits
"4 of 4 for the day. Hightop is 3 miles RT and there arent really any views at the summit. However, just before the summit are some incredible views on the right side of the trail that are picture worthy. I still think Little Stony Man is the best overall hike in Shenendoah NP, but this was a pretty solid trail too. " — puddlepirate • Apr 2, 2022
"Went up from the Pinnacle overlook south of Marys Peak , used the Alltrails app to verify. Muddy but clear trail. Very cold this morning, few icy spots in the shade about 9 am . " — puddlepirate • Apr 2, 2022
"Went up from Berry Hollow . Great hike, Trail in good shape. If you use the alltrails app for directions to the trail head, go until the road dead ends , thats the parking lot you want. You lose signal in this area and the app will take you to the waterfall trailhead about a 1/2 mile short of where you need to be. " — puddlepirate • Nov 18, 2021
"This was a hike on one of the most popular trails in the mid-Atlantic region. I completed this hike solo. Be advised that the rock scrambling on this trail requires the use of hands and feet. I hiked this trail clockwise.
This trail gets very crowded in the summer. There are three parking lots, so there shouldn't have too many issues with parking. The hike begins steadily gaining elevation, but it is not overly steep. After about a mile, you'll hit an intersection. Follow the trail left (blue-blaze) to the rock scramble that leads to the summit. At about 2.5 miles, you'll reach an outcropping where there are gorgeous views. At around the three-mile mark, the rock scrambling truly begins. Another advantage of starting this hike early is that you won't get caught in the traffic congestion that inevitably happens here. After 3.8 miles, you will reach the summit.
On the way down, at the 4.5-mile mark, you'll arrive at the Byrd's Nest Shelter. Follow the trail right (blue-blaze) to continue down. At 5.4 miles, you should see the Old Rag Shelter. You will then turn right to get onto the Weakly Hollow Trail and follow it until the 6-mile mark where you will turn right onto the Weakl..." — Noodles • Aug 8, 2021
"Great day in the woods, Shenandoah is a great place. No issues on the trail today. The trail is completely shaded until the actual top. Steady incline, nice workout but nothing tough. " — puddlepirate • May 27, 2021