Are you looking for a short, easy hike to some of the most beautiful views in Virginia? Check out Stony Man! This is a great hike for beginners and is family-friendly. The Stony Man Lookout is an amazing spot to relax, watch sunset, and spend time in nature.
Here’s a fun fact! Stony Man is the second tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park, sitting at 4,011 feet tall! It’s not too much shorter than THE tallest peak, Hawksbill Summit (4,050 feet). You will not regret adding this short hike 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
Stony Man Trail
Location: Stony Man is located within Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 320 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 1 hour (give or take) to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike with a mini loop.
Difficulty Rating: Easy to moderate depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail has dirt and rocks.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The Stony Man Trailhead is located at the Stony Man Parking Area at mile marker 41.7 in Shenandoah National Park.
Put this address in Google maps: Stony Man Trailhead, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Luray, VA 22835
OR
This address works too: Stony Man Trailhead Parking, Luray, VA 22835
Trail Directions
This hike begins on the Appalachian Trail (AT). You will notice white blazes (trail markers) on the trees which indicates you are on the AT. Continue until you reach an intersection in the trail.
Continue onto the Stony Man Trail. Follow the BLUE blazes on the trees. You can either go right or left on the trail until you reach Stony Man Lookout. I remember there being two different lookout areas that are both easily accessible. This is good to know just in case one lookout is too crowded!
Finish the mini loop (via Stony Man Trail) until you reach the same intersection from earlier. You will get back onto the Appalachian Trail to retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
QUICK TIP!! There is another trail called the Stony Man Horse Trail. Obviously, those are meant for horses, so don’t get confused if you see another trail with the words “Stony Man”. The horse trail also leads back to the parking lot, but just wanted everyone to be aware of the other trail leading to Stony Man Lookout.
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.
Mary’s Rock – This spot has magnificent views, a well-maintained trail, and the summit is a perfect place to relax after the hiking all those miles!
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!
Bearfence Mountain – This is one of our favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park! This short hike involves a challenging rock scramble to 360-degree views and continues on to another viewpoint with 180-degree views.
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