Hiking · Luray, Virginia
Stony Man
The best view-per-effort hike in Shenandoah: a short, gentle climb to a cliff-top panorama.
- Distance
- 1.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 340 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Typical time
- 1 hr – 1.8 hr
About this route
Stony Man is the park's second-highest summit and one of its easiest big views. The trail leaves Skyline Drive near the Skyland entrance, climbs gently through birch and spruce, and ends on an open rock ledge looking west over the Shenandoah Valley.
It is the hike to bring visiting family on, and a fine sunset objective given how short the return is.
Why this difficulty rating: Short with a modest, steady grade and good footing.
Highlights
- Big view for little effort
- Second-highest peak in the park
- Great for families
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Loop
- Surfaces
- Rocky, Dirt
- Setting
- Mountain, Ridgeline, Forest
- Amenities
- Parking, Restrooms, Shade
- Parking
- Stony Man Overlook parking near Skyline Drive milepost 41.7.
- Restrooms
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Fees
- Shenandoah National Park entrance fee applies.
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Not yet verified
- Dogs
- Dogs not allowed
- Accessibility
- Not yet verified
- Stroller friendly
- No
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Seasonal notes
- Skyline Drive closes for ice and snow, which makes winter access unpredictable.
- Weather exposure
- Exposed summit ledge with wind and lightning risk.
- Cell service
- Not yet verified
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Cliff edges at the summit
- Lightning
- Wind chill at 4,000 feet
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