Shenandoah National Park Hikes – Mary’s Rock Summit

When it comes to stunning hikes you’re spoiled for choice in Shenandoah National Park. Home to Skyline Drive, over 105 miles of the Appalachian Trail and countless hiking opportunities Shenandoah National Park is one of the best getaways you can have in Virginia. Whether you want to enjoy the serenity of the forest or seek out beautiful mountain views of the Blue Ridge Mountains Mary’s Rock is one of the best hikes you can do in Shenandoah National Park.

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Located in the northern part of the Central District of Shenandoah National Park near the Thornton Gap Entrance Mary’s Rock is a great option for a moderate hike. The Thornton Gap Entrance to Shenandoah National Park is 85 miles from Washington DC with a travel time of 2 hours, 57 miles from Charlottesville (1.5 hours) and 115 miles from Richmond ( 2hours 15 minutes). The closest city to Thornton’s Gap is Harrisonburg, VA.

Hiking Routes and Where to Park for Mary’s Rock.

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There are three different routes to Mary’s Rock Summit. The shortest leaves from the Meadow Springs Trailhead and is 2.6 miles roundtrip though there is a section with a steep ascent. The Meadow Springs Trailhead has a small parking lot with 12 spots so its best to arrive early, or you can park along the side of the road. Alternatively you can park at the Panorama lot near the Thornton Gap entrance to Shenandoah, this lot has space for over 50 vehicles and also has restrooms. This route  is the steepest option that offers up a 3.4 mile out and back hike with dramatic views. The longest route to Mary’s Rock leaves from the Pinnacles parking area with a 7 mile out and back hike.

The Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is open year round though Skyline may be closed in the winter due to snow and ice. The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is April through October, with October being very busy with the fall foliage season.

For our hike to the Mary’s Rock summit we opted to do the route leaving from the Panorama parking lot as we wanted to fit in several moderate hikes that day. We visited during the day on a Friday and the parking lot and trail were fairly empty but Shenandoah is quite popular and much busier on the weekends. This hike is a great moderate hike with a distance of 3.4 miles and an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. Steps from the parking lot this hike joins up with the famed Appalachian Trail.

As you climb you’ll be treated to east facing views of the Thornton River Valley as well as Hogback Mountain and the Peak which are located in the Northern District of Shenandoah National Park. The trail switches back several times and at 1.6 miles you will split off from the Appalachian Trail for a short trail to the summit. From Mary’s Rock Summit (at an elevation of 3,514 feet) you can see several of the most well known mountains in Shenandoah, including the Pinnacles, Stony Man Mountain,  and Old Rag. Mary’s Rock also offers sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley.

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