8 of the Best Hiking Spots in the Shenandoah Valley
Living an active lifestyle isn't difficult when you live in a place like Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. There are plenty of trails for the novice hiker and adventurous sort alike, and we've compiled a list of the best 8 for you to check out!
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Located at 780 University Boulevard, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is one of Harrisonburg's most well-known, but still hidden, treasures. Both an arboretum and botanical gardens, this is a great place that will appeal to the whole family. Kids will love the abundance of trees, flowers, and wildlife that are prevalent at this destination. Here you'll find more than two miles of hiking trails perfect for an afternoon trek.
Hillandale Park
Next up on the list, and also located in Harrisonburg, is Hillandale Park. You'll find it at 801 Hillandale Ave. The 'Burg's largest park, Hillandale sits on more than 70 acres and boasts some of the best trails available. There are designated spots for hiking, biking, and jogging. There's even an easier, 1.3 mile hike located just off the parking lot where you pull in!
Purcell Park
Last on the list of spots you'll find in Harrisonburg is Purcell Park, located at 41 Monument Ave. While not quite as expansive in size as Hillandale, Purcell is still a larger park that sits on 67 acres. Another great choice for the kids, this park hosts a 1.5 mile hiking trail perfect for an afternoon out with the family.
The Shenandoah National Park takes up a great deal of land throughout the Shenandoah Valley, and hosts some of our favorite hiking spots.
Shenandoah National Park - Dark Hollow Falls
One of our personal favorites for the beautiful scenery, Dark Hollow Falls is located on the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. The trailhead is located at mile 50.7 on the Skyline Drive, and is well marked. While the complete trail is just over a mile, with the steep climbs back up, this is definitely a moderate hike. Don't let that deter you, though, the beautiful waterfalls you'll encounter along the way are well worth it!
Shenandoah National Park - Fox Hollow Trail
Located at mile post 4.6 in the Shenandoah National Park, Fox Hollow Trail is a great hike to take your kids on! A shorter hike, only 1.2 miles long, you'll be mesmerized by the scenery.
Reddish Knob
Located west of Harrisonburg, in the George Washington National Forest, Reddish Knob is a local favorite. It's an incredibly long hike, but well worth the time investment for the 360 degree views of Virginia and West Virginia! Known around here as the 'parking lot in the sky,' Reddish Knob isn't a hike you want to miss out on.
Fridley Gap
Also located in the George Washington National Forest, Fridley Gap offers a long, strenuous hike along with a swimming hole for the optimal way to cool off after a long hike. If you're a seasoned hiker, Fridley Gap's 6.2 moderate to strenuous hike is the spot for you.
Old Rag Mountain
Last on our list, and not for the faint of hearth is the Valley's favorite Old Rag Mountain. This one is an all-day hike, taking about 7-8 hours to complete. If you undertake this endeavor, you'll surely be wowed by the breathtaking views and scenery.
Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley sport some of the most beautiful spots to get your family out and going. Whether you're a local looking for something new to explore in your backyard or just in for the weekend, you'll be sure to have a great time exploring in one of these awesome spots.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Located at 780 University Boulevard, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is one of Harrisonburg's most well-known, but still hidden, treasures. Both an arboretum and botanical gardens, this is a great place that will appeal to the whole family. Kids will love the abundance of trees, flowers, and wildlife that are prevalent at this destination. Here you'll find more than two miles of hiking trails perfect for an afternoon trek.
Hillandale Park
Next up on the list, and also located in Harrisonburg, is Hillandale Park. You'll find it at 801 Hillandale Ave. The 'Burg's largest park, Hillandale sits on more than 70 acres and boasts some of the best trails available. There are designated spots for hiking, biking, and jogging. There's even an easier, 1.3 mile hike located just off the parking lot where you pull in!
Purcell Park
Last on the list of spots you'll find in Harrisonburg is Purcell Park, located at 41 Monument Ave. While not quite as expansive in size as Hillandale, Purcell is still a larger park that sits on 67 acres. Another great choice for the kids, this park hosts a 1.5 mile hiking trail perfect for an afternoon out with the family.
The Shenandoah National Park takes up a great deal of land throughout the Shenandoah Valley, and hosts some of our favorite hiking spots.
Shenandoah National Park - Dark Hollow Falls
One of our personal favorites for the beautiful scenery, Dark Hollow Falls is located on the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. The trailhead is located at mile 50.7 on the Skyline Drive, and is well marked. While the complete trail is just over a mile, with the steep climbs back up, this is definitely a moderate hike. Don't let that deter you, though, the beautiful waterfalls you'll encounter along the way are well worth it!
Shenandoah National Park - Fox Hollow Trail
Located at mile post 4.6 in the Shenandoah National Park, Fox Hollow Trail is a great hike to take your kids on! A shorter hike, only 1.2 miles long, you'll be mesmerized by the scenery.
Reddish Knob
Located west of Harrisonburg, in the George Washington National Forest, Reddish Knob is a local favorite. It's an incredibly long hike, but well worth the time investment for the 360 degree views of Virginia and West Virginia! Known around here as the 'parking lot in the sky,' Reddish Knob isn't a hike you want to miss out on.
Fridley Gap
Also located in the George Washington National Forest, Fridley Gap offers a long, strenuous hike along with a swimming hole for the optimal way to cool off after a long hike. If you're a seasoned hiker, Fridley Gap's 6.2 moderate to strenuous hike is the spot for you.
Old Rag Mountain
Last on our list, and not for the faint of hearth is the Valley's favorite Old Rag Mountain. This one is an all-day hike, taking about 7-8 hours to complete. If you undertake this endeavor, you'll surely be wowed by the breathtaking views and scenery.
Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley sport some of the most beautiful spots to get your family out and going. Whether you're a local looking for something new to explore in your backyard or just in for the weekend, you'll be sure to have a great time exploring in one of these awesome spots.
