Prepared to be blown away by these beautiful views in Shenandoah National Park! Mary’s Rock is a popular hiking spot. Why? Well, there are magnificent views throughout the hike, it’s a well-maintained trail, and the summit is a perfect place to relax after the hiking all those miles. Who doesn’t love summit hikes? Make sure to add this to your hiking bucket list!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Shenandoah National Park – Entrance Fee
Entrance into Shenandoah National Park is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the Annual Park Pass (America the Beautiful Pass) then you get in for free. If you don’t have an Annual Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase. It costs $80 but totally worth it!
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Mary’s Rock from Pinnacles Picnic Ground via the AT
Location: Mary’s Rock is located within Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 4 to 5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Most people are this hike as moderate (depending on fitness level).
Terrain: This trail has dirt, gravel/rocks, and steps.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
How to Get to the Trailhead
Mary’s Rock Trailhead (for the route we took) is located at the Pinnacles Picnic Ground at milepost 36.7 about 10-12 minutes south of the Thornton Gap entrance.
Put this address in google maps: Pinnacles Picnic Ground, Luray, VA 22835
A sign directing you towards Mary’s Rock is located near the entrance of the parking area. We had a hard time finding it due to there being multiple trails in the area (Pinnacles Picnic area trail, Appalachian Trail). Simply walk towards the front of the parking lot to the left and you will see this sign (below).
Alternate Routes
There are a few other trailhead locations where you can start hiking to reach the most beautiful views in Shenandoah National Park (aka Mary’s Rock). Some hikes are longer than others and some shorter. They’re all considered to be moderate in difficulty rating with some differences in elevation gain.
1. Jewel Hollow Overlook: 6.2 miles out-and-back and 1,300 feet elevation gain.
2. Panorama Parking Area: 3.7 miles out-and-back and 1,210 feet elevation gain.
3. Meadow Spring Parking Area: 2.9 miles round trip and 830 feet elevation gain.
We hiked this trail on July 18th, 2022 and wrote a blog post about our personal experience. Let’s just say… this trail blew us away. 😉 Interested in reading Our Adventure Journal post about hiking to Mary’s Rock??
Trail Directions
Starting at the trailhead at the Pinnacles Picnic Grounds, follow the Appalachian Trail north. White blazes on the trees mean you’re on the Appalachian Trail (AT). You will pass Jewel Hollow Overlook. Continue on the AT where you’ll pass a few beautiful overlooks and the Byrd’s Nest Shelter.
As you reach closer to the summit, you will get to an intersection where you will take a left. The trail now changes from the AT to Mary’s Rock Summit trail. From there you only have about 0.1 miles to hike before reaching the summit of Mary’s Rock!
Once at the top, enjoy the great views, eat plenty of snacks, and drinks lots of water. You deserve it! Once you’re done soaking in the views, retrace your steps back the way you came until you reach the Pinnacles Picnic Ground.
Congrats, you made it! 🥳
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
There are a bunch of awesome hikes to do in Shenandoah National Park! Below is a list of some of our personal favorites.
Old Rag Circuit – This is THE most popular hike in all of Shenandoah National Park! It is both challenging and extremely fun. It includes a long, beautiful hike through nature and awesome rock scrambling to reach the summit.
Hawksbill Summit– This is one of the best spots to watch sunset in Virginia! The views are amazing… oh and it’s the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park!
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