The Best Fall Color Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia offers some of the most amazing fall colors in the country. There are many ways to take advantage of the color, including driving or biking down Skyline Drive. The best way, however, is to hike. Almost all of the hikes in the park are beautiful during autumn, but in the many years I've been hiking in this national park, I've found the trails that stand out for fall color. Generally, the best time to hike these trails if you're looking for fall foliage is mid- to late October through early November.

Put on your sweaters, grab your Camelbak, and follow me to the best hikes for amazing color in the park. We'll see waterfalls green with moss and speckled with oranges and reds, swathes of color washing panoramic views, and everything in between. We'll be starting at the north end of the park, coming in from Front Royal, Virginia, and traveling South on Skyline Drive.

Sugarloaf-Keyser Run Fire Road & Hogback Mountain Loop

This trail can get tough at times, and you should be in good shape to give it a try. But the views are worth it. Running along the Appalachian Trail (AT) for a ways, the big attraction to this hike in the fall is the view of Massanutten Mountain and the Shenandoah Valley.

Hike distance: 4.9 mile loop; To get there: Drive to mile 21, just passed Hogback Overlook, and park on the west side of Skyline Drive in the lot. The trailhead is marked by a cement post at the end of the parking lot.

Mary's Rock

This is one of my favorite hikes in the entire national park. The main parking lot was closed in 2008 while they renovated Panorama Lodge, so you'll want to get a map from the ranger for the alternate parking location if they're still doing construction. The hike is moderate from either lot. The trail ends in a beautiful, natural overlook. You can scramble up Mary's Rock itself, or stay on the overlook and join other hikers in a picnic lunch as you watch the birds soar. The color here during fall is always spectacular, and if you climb Mary's Rock, you can get a 360-degree view.

Hike distance: Varies from each parking lot, but is about 3.6 miles out and back; To get there: The trail head traditionally starts at Panorama parking lot, mile 31.6; however, currently it's about a mile further up Skyline Drive, and you will want to get a map from the ranger.

Cedar Run & Whiteoak Canyon Loop

This trail is rigorous, and you should not try it unless you are in very good shape. The natural beauty of this hike and its many waterfalls and swimming holes is worth every drop of sweat if you're up for it. If it's a warm fall day, pack your suit and take an invigorating swim during your hike! The waterfalls collect falling leaves and reflections and become swirling pools of color.

Hike distance: 8.8 mile loop; To get there: Drive to mile 45.6 and park at the Hawsbill Gap lot. Trail begins on west side at post.

Hawksbill Summit

At the same trailhead is Hawksbill Summit, a trail I hike regularly. The hike is nothing special, aside from being straight up hill for just under a mile; but the views are majestic. Rolling mountains pile on top of each other in layer after layer into the horizon, making this one of the best spots in the park for panoramic fall pictures.

Hike distance: 1.9 miles out and back; To get there: Same as Cedar Run & Whiteoak Canyon Trail, except that trail begins at north end of lot.

Big Meadows

Big Meadows is more of a walk than hike, but in the fall it is ablaze with reds and golds. You can hike the wandering trails through the meadow for as long as you want. In the evening you can watch deer stroll through the meadows colors in the waning light, making for some of the most spectacular pictures I've ever seen on the Shenandoah National Park.

Hike distance: You determine the distance; To get there: Drive to mile 51, and park across from the Visitor Center.

South River Falls

Hands down, this is the best fall hike in the park. With a towering canopy of trees that literally rain down brilliant leaves onto the stream-bed and hikers alike, it's an awe-inspiring hike. The golden leaves filter sunlight into dapples here that glint off of the stream, where startlingly green moss peeks out between leaves of red and orange. The hike is steep in some spots and difficult. The waterfall at the end is lovely if there's been rain, and it is the park's third largest, but the real beauty of this hike in the fall is the hike itself.

Hike distance: 4.4 miles out and back; To get there: Drive to mile 62.8 and park at the South River Picnic Area. Look for the drinking fountain, and you'll see the trailhead to the right.

Doyles River Falls and Jones Run

This is an all-day hike. It's strenuous, and you'll want to take your time to appreciate the scenery as there are three waterfalls. The tumbling falls catch leaves, and the falls themselves make wonderful centerpieces to the fall foliage on this hike. If it's a warm day, take a dip in one of the best natural pools in the park. Please watch children and dogs as the pool rests at the edge of the 42-foot drop of the waterfall.

Hike distance: 7.8 mile loop; To get there: drive to mile 81.1 and park at the Doyles River parking area.

Riprap Trail

The appeal of this trail is its remoteness. It often feels like no one else has been where you're standing. The hike itself fairly strenuous, and you should consider doing it as an overnight trip if you can. There are some striking natural features here that are worth extra time, and which enhance the experience of a fall hike.

Hike distance: 9.8 mile loop; To get there: drive to mile 90 and park at the Riprap lot. Trailhead starts at the traditional cement post, where you'll follow the trail uphill for a short ways before linking up with the AT running north.

Don't forget to watch for wildlife. Bears are regular sites in Shenandoah National Park, and while there has not been an attack for many years, you should never approach a bear. Feeding wildlife is prohibited. It's dangerous for humans as well as the animals.

It's important to prepare when hiking, especially in colder weather. Don't forget to take and drink plenty of water, as it's easy to get dehydrated quickly in cool, dry air. Dress in layers, and expect the mountains to be 10 to 15 degrees colder than the lowlands. You'll warm up during your hike, and layers make it easy to regulate your temperature.

Enjoy Shenandoah National Park, and please remember to leave it cleaner than you found it, so that you and those who come after you can enjoy the hiking experience.

Resources: Things to do. NPS.gov