Shenandoah National Park
Located at the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounded by the mystical Blue Ridge Mountains, Glen Gordon Manor is the perfect home base for visiting outdoor enthusiasts. Autumn is an incredible time of year to get out and explore the many trails and take in the sprawling views of our beautiful countryside. A great place to start is within the Shenandoah National Park. Read on to learn about our top recommended hiking trails and book your fall getaway today!
White Oak Canyon
One of the best loops in the Shenandoah National Park, White Oak Canyon is the trail to take for waterfall chasers. While it offers a variety of inclines, this is a great option for hikers of all skill levels and takes about 4 hours roundtrip. The trails are well maintained with footbridges to help cross over any streams or creeks. There is a more difficult loop that will also reward more advanced trekkers with views of the White Oak Canyon falls. Especially popular in the spring and fall, be prepared to cross paths with other happy hikers.
Mary’s Rock
Mary’s Rock is the eighth highest peak in the Park. You’ll find the trailhead at mile 31.6 on Skyline Drive and from there, you can hike over 1,200 feet along the Appalachian Trail to the rock’s summit, offering panoramic views of Page Valley and the northern section of Shenandoah National Park. Just under four miles roundtrip, this makes for a great moderate hike. You can also take the somewhat easier 3.4-mile Pass Mountain Loop.
Little Devils Stairs
A 6-mile roundtrip journey, the Little Devils Stairs trail offers a variety of scenery and exertion. You’ll be greeted by a steep ascent in the first couple miles with a climb up the ravine. Especially if it’s a hot day, don’t forget to pack your water and sunscreen! If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some mist from the waterfalls you’ll pass along the way. It’ll level off after you reach the top and from there, you’ll enjoy the views as you make your way through the switchbacks of Keyser Run. Then you’ll head down and your return trip includes a nice walk along the Bolen Cemetery.
Old Rag Mountain
One of the more difficult, and arguably the most popular trails within the Park, is on Old Rag Mountain. Offering challenging sections and some of the most spectacular 360-degree views, this is a hiker’s dream. If you’re up for some rock scrambling and a potentially crowded pathway, the views from the top make the journey there more than worth it. Plan to spend almost a full day out here as the whole thing is about a 9-mile loop. We especially recommend this hike if you’re here during the week to avoid the crowds and many prefer to conquer the loop counterclockwise and tackle the rocks on the way down.
Stony Man Mountain
For those preferring something a bit lighter and less challenging, the Stony Man Mountain trail is a great option for your Shenandoah National Park hiking adventure. One of the shorter and more leisurely hikes within the Park, it still offers fantastic views along the ridge so make sure you venture out on a clear day.
Pick the Perfect Package
Take a Hike!
Make the most of your outdoor adventure with our hike + picnic package! You’ll venture out with your own lightweight and durable GGM backpack with everything you could possibly need for the perfect picnic for two. Plus, the backpack is yours to take home with you!
Massage
What’s better than a post-hike spa treatment? Treat yourselves to a well-deserved 60 or 90 minute massage in our Tack Room Spa! We also have a couple massage packages to help you fully unwind, indulge, and relax after your big adventure. You deserve it!
Book your favorite room at Glen Gordon Manor today and get ready to reach new heights during your fall getaway.
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