Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia

Rose River Falls is often overshadowed by it's more popular cousin, Dark Hollow Falls, as both hikes begin at the same trail head. But because Dark Hollow Falls is such a short and well known hike, it can get extremely crowded. It is also one of the few trails in Shenandoah where dogs are not al...

The Three Falls Hike in Shenandoah National Park will take you past three beautiful waterfalls all found within the central district of the park: Lewis Spring Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, and Rose River Falls. You are able to start the loop from any of the waterfalls’ trailheads, but I prefer to sta...

Visiting Shenandoah National Park for the first time can be quite overwhelming. The 109 mile long Skyline Drive, combined with over 500 miles of hiking trails, makes camping is a necessity if you truly want to experience Shenandoah.From the Appalachian thru-hiker to the RV'er, Big Meadows is perf...

Catch the trailhead to these falls at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive, just north of Big Meadows Lodge and Campground and the trailhead is just to the left of the parking lot. This is an easy 1.4 mile roundtrip hike, straight down to get to the falls, and straight up to arrive back at your car. Many...

This nature preserve can be hiked year-round and is a sanctuary for rare wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife including deer and fox. There are six main interconnecting trails that run through the preserve; winding their way around matured hardwood forest, sheer bluffs, and rocky cliffs overloo...

There are two parking spots for this trail. Park at the lower lot if the gate is closed, if the gate is open, continue up the road for another mile until you reach another closed gate. Park here. If the gate is closed you will need to hike a mile up the road to get to the trail head.From the seco...

Big Meadows is home to many types of wildlife and is a great location to photograph many different types of animals. The best time to see the wildlife in the meadow is near dawn and dusk. White-tailed deer and a variety of local birds are the most common animals seen in the meadow, and because o...

Lewis Spring is the source of Hawksbill Creek which forms Lewis Falls (also known as Lewis Spring Falls) and eventually flows through the town of Luray and joins the Shenandoah River. The waterfall starts with 2 streams before hitting rock halfway down and fanning out. During dry seasons and summ...

Bird Knob trail and aptly-named Emerald Pond are a not-so-well-kept secret worth sharing. Located just two hours away from Washington DC, this hike has everything: bouldering, views, and the perfect swimming hole.  Even the drive to reach the hike is scenic and enjoyable with mountain views and f...

Hike along the Appalachian Trail as it passes through South Mountain State Park, taking you to a number of very scenic lookout spots.From the parking area, take the connector trail a short distance until you see blue blazes on the left – these will lead you to the Appalachian Trail (white blazes)...

For this hike park at the Milam Gap parking lot located at mile 52.8 on Skyline Drive. Once parked you will cross Skyline Drive to reach the trail.  Hikers will follow the blue blazes along the trail and creek. After you have crossed the creek twice you will come to a larger waterfall. At this po...

Park in the lot off of Watkins Mill Road to access the trail. This hike is dog friendly and is accessible from March until November. 

Please note that there is no trail leading to these falls.  This hike is for advanced hikers.Park your car at Naked Creek Overlook in Shenandoah National Park and walk through the field staying to the left. As you start to enter the woods you will hear the creek running on your left. Make your wa...

Starting at the Graves Mill Parking area, head up the yellow blazed trail that is marked by a big cement marker. The trail will follow closely beside the gorgeous Rapidan River. Hike for half a mile until you come to the intersection of the Staunton River Trail. Turn left (do not cross the river)...

Park at the Graves Mill Parking Area. From here you can easily follow the Rapidan River up the mountain. Fishing reports inform that the lowest concentration of brookies are at the lower boundaries of the park so take some time to enjoy the trail and hike up stream. At the lower boundaries you mi...

Turkey Run Park is available to hikers year-around and is located just off of George Washington Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The exits are clearly marked and you simply drive to parking lot C-1 to start this hike.Turkey Run has numerous trail options available but I chose an out-and-back. When yo...