Have you ever arrived to a trail and thought, “it’s a little too peoplely here”? Us, too. During the heat of the pandemic everyone flocked to the mountains for fresh air. Who could blame them? It seems such excursions have become a tradition now and our trails are feeling the impact. Perhaps together we can give the popular trails a break and enjoy others that offer fantastic views but are typically a little less crowded. Come along!
Mill Prong Trail | Shenandoah National Park | 7.4 miles
Shenandoah National Park is a favorite destination for those who appreciate a great view and love the outdoors. Some of the trails are a bit overcrowded, however. Especially on the weekends. Try trails like Mill Prong Trail which is an all-day hike that includes Camp Rapidan, the first iteration of a presidential getaway.
Hoovers on bridge over Mill Prong at Rapidan Camp. Courtesy of National Park Service.
Storybook Trail | Luray | .5 mile
Within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests is the Storybook Trail (Forest Trail #642). It’s handicap accessible and includes interpretations of both the amazing views and the geological birth of Massanutten Mountains. The birding is great along this short walk. Be sure to keep your dog leashed.
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Tuscarora Trail to Eagle Rock | Frederick County | 2 miles
Also within the GWJ National Forests, Tuscarora Trail is actually more than 250 miles long and stretches north into Pennsylvania. That’s not quite what you bargained for with this particular list, is it? If not, we recommend the fantastic two-mile out-and-back leg-stretcher to Eagle Rock. Stay on the blue blaze and enjoy the views from the outcroppings.
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Hidden Rocks/Hone Quarry | Rockingham County | 2.5 miles
Looking for a waterfall hike? This is a good candidate! Within GWJ National Forests, Hone Quarry is recreation area with a trail system, and Hidden Rocks is one of its trails. Your venture along Hidden Rocks Trail will include creek crossings and feature beautiful rhododendron and the aforementioned waterfall with a wading pool.
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Rose River Falls | Shenandoah National Park | 4 miles
Did you know nearly 80,000 acers of Shenandoah National Parks 196,466 acres is protected wilderness area? The Rose River Falls Trail happens to fall within one of those chunks of protected land, and you’re going to love its main attraction: a 67-foot waterfall.
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Upper Hawksbill | Shenandoah National Park | 2.1 miles
If you’re interested climbing the highest peak within Shenandoah National Park, this is it. Upper Hawksbill to Hawksbill Summit an easy hike, which is likely a surprise based on the previous sentence, but it will only take about an hour-and-a-half and only gains about 520 feet in elevation. The pay off is superb: 360-degree views!
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Peaks of Otter Johnson Farm Trail | Bedford | 2.1 miles
Have kids and love a bit of history? Hit up the Johnson Farm Trail, one of five trails at Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Johnson Farm is a restored homestead representative of the 1930s, the time when the Parkway was created. Interact with the living history interpreters and then keep trekking. Note that this trail is a TRACK Trail, part of the Kids in Parks program.
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Limberlost Trail | Shenandoah National Park | 1.3 miles
Fully accessible, the Limberlost Trail is the easiest trail in Shenandoah National Park. Just stay on the path and enjoy the wildflowers and other foliage along the way. This, too, is a TRACK Trail.
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Raven Rock Trail | Bruceton Mills, WV | 1.3 miles
Perhaps the best – and most photographed – view in Coopers Rock State Forest is Raven Rock Overlook. What’s it overlooking? Cheat River Canyon, a 10-mile stretch of river gorge along the western Allegheny Mountains that features rapids in the range of Class III to Class V.
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Laurel Run Trail | Goshen | 2.8 miles
Out-and-back in the beautiful gorge of Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve and Wildlife Management Area is the Laurel Run Trail with its namesake Mountain Laurel making an impressive show along the way.
Header: Limberlost Trail in Shenandoah National Park. Courtesy of National Park Service.