Easy Hikes for a Weekend in Shenandoah National Park (VA)

Over 4th of July weekend 2025, we crossed off two big milestones together—our 26th U.S. state (Virginia) and our 26th National Park. It was a bit of a trek to fit in for a weekend, but absolutely worth it for another East Coast adventure filled with mountain views, waterfalls, and easy, rewarding hikes.

CAMPING

On our 6 hour drive from South Carolina to Virginia, we decided to car camp at a Cracker Barrel in Harrisonburg, VA. This was only a couple minutes off the direct route, and was about a 35 minute drive to the southern Swift Run Gap entrance of the park. We’re usually arriving late and leaving early, so free car camping spots are always a good way to cut down the night time drive and save money. We checked the reviews beforehand and had seen a couple people have stayed before. We’re glad this was an option since many states on the east coast prohibit spending the night in rest areas.

We stayed at Big Meadows Campground, which put us right in the heart of the park along Skyline Drive. The campground is wooded, quiet, and incredibly convenient for accessing multiple trailheads and scenic overlooks. Being near everything made it feel so seamless. We had a relaxing time here, and enjoyed some great post hike naps.

HIKES

We originally planned to hike Old Rag Mountain, one of the most iconic and challenging hikes in Shenandoah. There are actually two main ways to experience it: the full Old Rag Circuit Hike (~9 miles) which includes a long approach and the famous rock scramble, and a shorter version via Berry Hollow that cuts down mileage (~6 miles) and skips the scramble. Both versions are extremely popular, and parking or access can be very limited depending on the season. The Berry Hollow one was extremely tiny; the lot for the classic circuit was in a bigger large field. You will need a day-use permit for either one.

We made a reservation and were aiming for the easier/shorter option, but unfortunately weren’t able to find parking. Instead, we pivoted to a collection of shorter hikes—and it ended up being a perfect backup plan. We did this trip solo, but easily could have brought our (then) one year old in a backpack carrier. Maybe we’ll make it back to Old Rag someday ;)

🥾 Stony Man Trail (1.5 miles)

One of the most balanced hikes we did. The trail is short and steady, leading to a summit with sweeping views of both mountain ridgelines and farmland below

🥾 Hawksbill Summit (1.6 miles)

This hike takes you to the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. The summit feels expansive and elevated, with panoramic views that make the short climb feel well worth it.

🥾 Dark Hollow Falls (1.6 miles)

The most popular waterfall hike in the park—and it shows. Parking is extremely limited, so getting there early is important. The trail is shaded and cool, and we saw two separate waterfalls along the way

🥾 Blackrock Summit (1.2 miles)

This ended up being our favorite surprise of the trip. It’s a very short hike with minimal elevation gain, but the summit opens up onto wide, rocky outcrops with some of the best views in the park.

FOOD

After a long day, we drove about 40 minutes to the town of Elkton, VA. We grabbed a Domino’s pizza and finished off at Elkton Brewing Company (although who is surprised?) It’s a relaxed, local brewery that feels like the perfect post-hike stop. They don’t serve food, but we grabbed a well deserved beer & cider. They had several options on tap, and we loved the quaint but spacious white brick building with wood accents.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This trip was a great reminder that flexibility often leads to the best experiences. Even without making it up Old Rag, we still packed in a full weekend of beautiful views, accessible hikes, and peaceful time in nature. Shenandoah felt like a quieter, more spacious version of the Smoky Mountains—familiar in landscape, but easier to explore without heavy crowds. It’s a park that works beautifully for both ambitious hikers and families looking for shorter, high-reward trails.

Highlight Reel