It will still be early Spring in the high elevations of Shenandoah, so wildflowers will be in abundance on this classic hike over the highest stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the park. Both hikes start at Skyland Lodge and cross the lookouts at the Stony Man Mountain summit and Stony Man cliffs. Short hikers stop at Pinnacle Picnic Grounds. Long hikers continue to Panorama, crossing The Pinnacle and Marys Rock-two more exquisite viewpoints. The long hike heads northward off I-66 at Linden, climbs to the Manassas Gap Shelter and follows the crest of the Blue Ridge through the Richard Thompson Wildlife Area and beyond.
Short hikers take a loop trail in the state park for more leisurely wildflower viewing.
This is simply one of the best hikes in Shenandoah. The long hike is a circuit from Route 211 that climbs the steep, lovely Buck Ridge Trail and returns down the Buck Hollow Trail. An added roundtrip to Marys Rock provides breathtaking views. The short hike starts at Panorama and continues down Buck Hollow following the long hike. Start your summer early with this traditional Memorial Day weekend excursion to this barrier island and its 30 miles of undeveloped seashore.