While driving on Skyline Drive is a perennial favorite, getting out of the car and off the beaten path is recommended. Shenandoah's Blue Ridge Mountains are covered by hardwood forests that teem with a wide variety of wildlife. Start down the graveled path as it descends 50 yards to the first of several trail junctions. Learn about responsible and sustainable ways to enjoy the outdoors. NORTH AT/TOM FLOYD Rt. Since beginning to hike regularly in Shenandoah, I've passed by the Big Run area often, but I had yet to truly hike in it. LURAY — After almost two weeks of closure, a section of the Appalachian Trail closed by the Rocky Mount Fire has reopened officials say. Turn left onto Rockytop Trail … Find a place to camp in this remote, seldom-visited portion of Shenandoah's designated wilderness. At ¼ mile, a rocky perch on the right offers a limited vista; another stony outcrop minutes later also provides a similar view. Apparently this was obvious to many people as all the parking lots and overlooks were experiencing overflow conditions. The trail descends at this point, At 3.6 miles, you reach a great viewpoint off the trail to the right. At a clearing near the intersection with the Lewis Peak Trail… Here are some suggestions in Virginia. Related terms: jeep trail, path, ski trail Man-made. We did this trail as a 3.5+ mile loop from the Big Meadows lodge. Day Four Campsite: Big Run Portal/Loop Trails - backcountry 6 to 8 miles Hike back up Lewis Peak Trail, 2.4 miles. This is not a difficult crossing but you do need to be mindful as you step from rock to rock to get across. View north from Lewis Peak: Stony Man and Hawksbill are visible in the distance. The one-mile stretch along the AT begins as a gradual and generally unassuming ascent through endless stands of trees. As the highest peak in the South District, Hightop Mountain offers expansive 180 degree views to … How much water is flowing over it depends on the time of year and amount of recent rainfall, but it's a nice hike to do at any time. Our trail never goes far from the famous Skyline Drive, a panoramic road that runs through Shenandoah National Park. Wondering where you can hike while social distancing during the pandemic? It starts at Pineview Reservoir in Ogden Canyon and climbs over 3100 feet to the ridgeline looking west over Ogden. The loop hike is moderately difficult, with some steep and rocky stretches; the AT … An incomplete guide to hiking Utah, Colorado, Virginia, and beyond, Millers Head Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA), Lewis Falls Trail Loop (Shenandoah National Park, VA), Millers Head Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA) | Live and Let Hike, Top 10 Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park's "Frontcountry", Steep Ravine - Matt Davis Trail Loop (Mount Tamalpais State Park, CA), White Rock Canyon - Arizona Hot Spring Canyon Trail Loop (Lake Mead National Recreation Area, AZ), Condor Gulch - High Peaks Trail Loop (Pinnacles National Park, CA), Falls Trail Loop (Mount Diablo State Park, CA), Follow Live and Let Hike on WordPress.com, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dinosaur Hill Trail (McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, CO), Otto’s Trail (Colorado National Monument, CO), Browns Creek Falls (San Isabel National Forest, CO). By now the incline drops in fits and starts, with occasional steep sections. Click here to download GPS waypoints (POIs) for all of the trails in Virginia in GPX format. Nr. Day Four Campsite: Big Run Portal/Loop Trails - backcountry 6 to 8 miles Hike back on Lewis Peak Trail, 2.4 miles. ... Shenandoah, VA 8.81 miles; Twin Lakes, VA 10.22 miles; ... Lewis Peak Trail (Trail… Around 2/3 mile into the hike, a 30- to 40-foot cliff towers over hikers on the left, ushering in a steep but brief descent. Allot at least 1.5-2 hours for this moderately-difficult hike in the Big Meadows area. 600 Foot, Horse Poor access; very limited parking along roadside. County. It boasts a 81' waterfall. Located in Shenandoah National Park, Lewis Falls is a higher-altitude waterfall that tends to fly under the radar when compared to the park’s other scenic waterfalls. Then, download ExpertGPS mapping software, which will allow you to print maps of any trail in Virginia, view trails on USGS topo maps and aerial photos, and send the trails … See the big field in the middle of the photo in the valley? Southern Skyline Trail (Lewis Peak) The Southern Skyline Trail is a rewarding but long hill climb. In the burn area on the Lewis Peak Trail. Lewis Peak is a small, sharp (by Shenandoah standards) peak connected to the main ridge of Rockytop. Rockingham County, Virginia. We will have lunch on the summit of Lewis Peak and soak in the views from Lewis Peak. ProTip: As you plan your road trip, use a website like Kayak to search and compare car rental costs for your travel dates. Compton Peak This loop hike has an 835-foot elevation change hike to a lovely view. From here it is a gradual uphill along the AT back to the original pair of trail junctions. In yet another 1.81 miles pass the junction of the blue blazed Lewis Peak Tr on the left. It starts at Pineview Reservoir in Ogden Canyon and climbs over 3100 feet to the ridgeline looking west over Ogden. I take you along on my surprise hike - the climb to the summit of Lewis Peak in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. At a clearing near the intersection with the Lewis Peak Trail, there was an interesting view of the huge rock fold on Rocky Mountain, across the valley. Instead of following the road back to Skyline Drive, however, take a left on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, initiating the final leg of the hike. That being said, there are still many visitors, especially outdoor activities are the few covid-friendly adventures you can do nowadays. County. Rocky Mountain via Rockytop Trail and Brown Mountain Trail From here the path crosses a minor tributary, and the main gully opens into a wide, tree-laced bowl. Trail. Districts Side Trail Access Road Use Comments National Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior Shenandoah National Park Park Boundary Trailhead Access North East HICKERSON HOLLOW from Rt. The trail switchbacks through a burn area caused by the Lewis Peak fire of 2006. Pingback: Millers Head Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA) | Live and Let Hike. Start of hike to Lewis Falls, from the Big Meadows amphitheater. The AT passes the rear of several buildings belonging to Big Meadows Lodge, a popular summer destination. 415 meters of ascent take us to the summit of Bearfence Mountain and the Hazeltop, for example. We will summit Lewis Peak, which offers a nearly 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Districts Side Trail Access Road Use Comments National Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior Shenandoah National Park Park Boundary Trailhead Access North East HICKERSON HOLLOW from Rt. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Park on east side of the Skyline Drive, trail begins on the west side of the Drive. USA ; Virginia (VA) Shenandoah Nationalpark ; Sehenswürdigkeiten und Aktivitäten in Shenandoah Nationalpark ; Lewis Falls Trail; Suchen. ( Log Out /  Follow the gentle descent for 0.7 miles to another intersection, and make sure to take the Rockytop Trail. Easy access, old farmsteads and a good view create a hike that sums up much of what Shenandoah National Park offers. Below is a list of some favorite trails for all skill levels, including some handicap accessible trails. The Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley are to the west. For a summit climb, this is a relatively short and easy trail, so it’s great for almost all ages and ability levels. We will summit Lewis Peak, which offers a nearly 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A Shenandoah National Park annual pass and other long-term passes may be purchased at the Park or by mail. The black dots are cattle. Saturday morning, three good friends and I head out from Charlottesville at 8. Visitors to Shenandoah have a myriad of activities open to them. Hiking Shenandoah has covered thousands of miles of trails in Washington's North Cascades, the California coast, and the red rock of the Southwest. Compton Peak Milepost 10.4 2.2 miles. Shared By: Hiking Project Staff with improvements by Jeff Monroe The loop hike is moderately difficult, with some steep and rocky stretches; the AT section, which is considerably smoother, passes below the towering Blackrock Cliffs and dives behind Big Meadows Lodge on the way back to the trailhead. However, Devil's Hall Trail and Guadalupe Peak Trail are fully open, and one-way traffic is permitted on the Smith Springs Trail. The open vista of Massanutten from the Lewis Peak trail was simply spectacular. Be sure to secure valuables and lock your vehicle. Lewis Peak via Rockytop Trail is a 9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Grottoes, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. 8 Bewertungen. To see Lewis Falls, cross the creek and take the spur trail to the overlook. Shenandoah Trail Guide, "almost level." Search. Or opt to hike 1 longer trail for a full day outing. Turn left onto Lewis Peak Trail and hike 2.4 miles. Recharge & Reconnect at Our Lodges and Cabins Shenandoah National Park features 196,000 acres of protected wilderness and rich recreation. From the drive, the valley appears to be a huge bowl, bound on one side by the rumpled ridges of Rockytop with the high peak of Trayfoot behind it and on the other side by the exposed folds of sandstone on Rocky and Brown Mountains. Looking to escape the crowds in Shenandoah National Park? Visitors to Shenandoah have a myriad of activities open to them. 601 Foot Fair access; parking for 2 cars along roadside. The town in the foreground to the northwest is Luray, Virginia. These fees are important to supporting the maintenance and rehabilitation of park trails. An easy hike with two viewpoints. 601 Foot Fair access; parking for 2 cars along roadside. The falls are situated at the fault line between rock belonging to the hard Catoctin Formation above and more eroded monzodiorite below, with loose, unconsolidated colluvium deposits scattered at the base of the falls. There is relatively limited parking at the site, but it should not be overly crowded. If you’re looking for one Shenandoah trail map to cover the entire national park, then you might want to get the National Geographic Trails Illustrated map from Amazon. Find a place to camp in this remote, seldom-visited portion of Shenandoah's designated wilderness. From here, retrace your steps to the trail marker, then turn right to hike back down the hill to the Compton Peak parking area along this well-shaded trail. Day Four Campsite: Big Run Portal/Loop Trails - backcountry 6 to 8 miles Hike back up Lewis Peak Trail, 2.4 miles. Hiking Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina The rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont, to the east. The first time anyone in my family visited a national park was in 1979, when my parents came down to Front Royal from Philadelphia, drove the entirety of Skyline Drive, hiked up Stony Man and to a waterfall (they aren't sure which; I would guess the uppermost Whiteoak Canyon Fall), and arrived in Waynesboro- all in one day! We did it in the pout=ring rain, and it was still fun. A great view from the Lewis Peak summit. The entire trail is well marked. To the left of the small outdoor amphitheater, look for a sign marking the way to the Lewis Falls and Appalachian Trails. Lewis Peak is a dead-end route that cuts deep into the Wilderness, offering some of the most remote camping in the entire national park. I had done a good deal of prior reading on it on Summitpost (. Within a minute, you will reach another fork; this time bear right on the blue-blazed Lewis Falls Trail. ( Log Out /  It is this transition that makes the high cliffs—and thus the vertical drop of the falls—possible. ( Log Out /  Atop a ridgeline, the Lewis Spring Falls Trail passes a large rock outcrop on the right at 1.8 miles, and one can hear and view the stream again for a brief period. At 1.9 miles, the trail spills out onto a gravel road. That past is preserved in the white quartzite and sandstone of the Erwin Formation (. After enjoying the views from Lewis Peak, we will retrace our hike back to the Brown's Gap Parking Area. The descent to the viewpoint can be steep and slippery, making the guardrail a nice addition. This time take a right at the cement post, beginning a section of steep climbing. As the trail briefly levels off, a set of outcrops on the left offer excellent views to the west, spanning Shenandoah Valley and extending to the miles-long ridges of Massanutten Mountain and Great North Mountain beyond. Turn left onto Lewis Peak Trail and hike up to 2.4 miles. This was an easy hike to pick up some fragments of the AT between Bearfence Hut and Pocosin Cabin. The northern view takes in Massanutten, Lewis Peak itself, Rockytop, and there is a good view of the multiple rocky protrusions on Brown and Rocky Mountains. The talus slope on the other side of the mountain has a good view of Trayfoot. Now, it is a strenuous, uphill walk back to Big Meadows. There are buses that take us back to the starting point after the hike. This trail ends at the park boundary-do not cross private property. The break in Massanutten Mountain to the west, beyond the towns of Stanley and Marksville, is New Market Gap, with Strickler Knob (2,780’) visible. I had done a good deal of prior reading on it on Summitpost (http://www.summitpost.org/lewis-peak/327576), which has a useful hike description. Route for passage from one point to another; does not include roads or highways. Many recreation sites may have limited access due to the Covid-19 pandemic; check the status of your planned hikes in advance. Wanderwege. This winding path begins within a pleasant, gradual decline along the northern slopes of the mountain, weaving amid trees with some obstructed views of the Shenandoah Valley below. Shenandoah National Park is one of the gems of the U.S. East Coast. Turn left onto Rockytop Trail and hike 3.5 miles. Traci Moyer. We will take the Lewis Peak Trail to the Lewis Peak Summit Trail. Free topo maps of the most popular Trails in Rockingham County, VA - with GPS coordinates, pictures, and more. Lewis Peak - October 22, 2011 Anyone missing Saturday's hike to Lewis Peak missed the finest day in Shenandoah National Park in a while. A unique view of Massanutten Mountain, from Lewis Peak. Consider hiking Duncan Knob on Massanutten for those classic Shenandoah Valley views instead. GPS Coordinates. The leaves were near peak and the temperatures were perfect on a cool and sunny day. Skolithos, fossilized worm-holes viewed from above. You can't see the falls from here. GPS Coordinates. From the overlook, head right down to the banks of Hawksbill Creek, just above the top of the falls. Although not the best waterfall hike in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park (see here and here for better ones), the Lewis Falls Trail offers a fine view of one of the park’s highest cascades, while a short jaunt on the Appalachian Trail (AT) completes the circuit and features fantastic views of the Shenandoah Valley. At the cement post, bear left on the Appalachian Trail (AT) for a brief moment. Trying to find a hike in the American West? … Wrap-Up Notes. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Explore hundreds of miles of backcountry trail, enjoy a quiet afternoon of bird or wildlife watching, or unwind at any one of many spectacular natural features. And everywhere, there’s the Blue Ridge Mountains serenity of Shenandoah National Park. Park boundary trailhead accesses are generally in remote areas. The waterfall divides into two threads as it free-falls down the cliff. Vertical cliffs below the summit on the west are very rugged. 9 (Fourth Edition), which I reviewed at the UVA Special Collections Library, shows that this roadbed was the original fire road. Lewis Peak was visible as a sharp, triangular peak to the west for much of the time; the confusingly named Lewis Mountain was also visible. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. I threw out a couple hike options, secretly hoping that they would choose one that would bring me to the Big Run Valley; and they did, choosing a little-traveled hike to Lewis Peak. Related terms: jeep trail, path, ski trail Man-made. From the overlook, around 1.3 miles from the trailhead, most of Lewis Falls comes into view. The first half mile or so followed the Appalachian Trail to a small summit on the Blue Ridge crest; from there, the Big Run Loop Trail leads left and descends half a mile to the Rockytop Trail; following that for 2.5 miles led to the Lewis Peak Trail, which led for the final 1 mile to the summit of Lewis Peak. I would say, arrive early — no later than 9 am, unless if you couldn’t mind queueing. After a short climb, the trail drops again, reaching a cement post and trail fork at 1.25 miles. Shenandoah … While driving on Skyline Drive is a perennial favorite, getting out of the car and off the beaten path is recommended. http://www.summitpost.org/lewis-peak/327576, http://tin.er.usgs.gov/geology/state/sgmc-unit.php?unit=VACAeh;0, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. View from the top of Lewis Falls, out toward the Shenandoah Valley. What fascinated me the most was near the end of the book- a large, almost full-page map of the Big Run valley. Minutes later, the rock outcrops reappear, and boulders are scattered across the rising slopes. At around one mile, the path turns eastward and enters a broad gully; this is the ravine carved by Hawksbill Creek, which can now be faintly heard down below. The water flow is not always as impressive as other waterfalls in Shenandoah, but the sheer drop makes Lewis Falls appear mighty and intimidating. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 20 von 23 Aktivitäten in Shenandoah Nationalpark. Trail. Check out the blog's Instagram to see more and get trip ideas. Fall is the peak time of the year, though it has passed. Lewis Falls, Shenandoah National Park, April 2019. Turn left onto Lewis Peak Trail and hike up to 2.4 miles. Lewis Peak. Set up camp and take the trail to its terminus where you can catch a spur that will get you close to Lewis Peak… Shenandoah naming is awful: besides having adjacent mountains named "Lewis Mountain" and "Lewis Peak," there is another "Lewis Mountain" in the park, just south of the Big Meadows/Bearfence area. It probably isn’t necessary for a quick day-hike, but it certainly comes in handy when doing overnight backpacking trips. There are no trails to the summit from the west, but it would make a fun scramble. The parking area for the Hightop Mountain hike is one mile south of the Swift Run Gap entrance on Skyline Drive. Visit the old Fox Farm, rich with pioneer vestiges. Outcrops and rock slides become more frequent as you continue to shed elevation. The hump at the foot of Tanners Ridge is Roundhead Mountain, followed behind it by Dog Slaughter Ridge, Cubbage Mountain, and Dovel Mountain. The Skyline Drive and Appalachian Trail run the entire length of this narrow park, along with more than 500 miles (800 km) of hiking trails passing scenic overlooks and cataracts of the Shenandoah River. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Lewis Peak (2,703 ft) in Virginia Shenandoah National Park features more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, meaning plenty of opportunities to bask in autumnal hues. Shenandoah National Park has no shortage of trailheads leading to peaks, scenic vistas, and waterfalls. Lewis Peak Save A view of the peak from a talus slope along the Rockytop Trail. (2.4 mile, Easy to Moderate) Milepost 21. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Backtrack to the main trail. At 4,040 feet, Stony Man is the second highest peak in Shenandoah National Park (Hawksbill is #1). Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Lewis peak will constantly be in site until you veer away from the drainage and climb via some short switchbacks and travel along the northern slope of the previously un-named peak. Bear right on the spur trail, heading out to an overlook above Lewis Falls (or Lewis Spring Falls), which drops 81 feet down a single chute to the valley below. The park is long and narrow, with the Shenandoah River and its broad valley to the west, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont to the east. Descend for 0.6 mile to a trail junction; take the side trail to the left, and go 50 yards to a wide, flat viewpoint above the falls. Lewis overlooks North Odgen, between Ogden Peak and Ben Lomond. We took the Lewis Falls Trail which mostly descends and is fairly rocky. This is the start of the short spur to the falls. In summer, it's likely that there are no views, but as we were hiking in February, there were obscured views of Big Flat, Loft, Cedar, Trayfoot, Brown, and Rocky Mountains, as well as the whole Big Run valley. The mountains in the foreground perfectly framed the distinct peak of Massanutten. Lewis Falls. Turn left onto Rockytop Trail and hike 3.5 miles. (2.4 mile, Easy to Moderate) Milepost 21 There is nothing on current topographic maps about this roadbed, but a careful review of the 1948 PATC Map No. Before and after your drive, relax at Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge or Lewis Mountain Cabins. Stay straight at the first, five-way junction; then bear right at the initial fork, climbing back to the amphitheater parking area, clocking in at just under three miles in total. Two miles of the hike is on the Appalachian Trail, with a branching off to the peak itself of .2 mile each way. Lengthy Tanners Ridge dominates the landscape to the south, with some minor ridges and bumpy peaks beyond. It contains over 500 miles of hiking trails, jaw-dropping views over the Shenandoah Valley, and spectacular waterfalls.It’s only 90 minutes from Washington, DC but contains the best day hikes near DC and the best hikes in Virginia. Changes to trail- ( Log Out /  The Upper Hawksbill trail is a mile south of the other 2 hikes. Find a place to camp in this remote, seldom-visited portion of Shenandoah's designated wilderness area. The area is so cleared out that you can see views in almost every direction. Yet you’ll find that this 2-mile loop is worth seeking out. The trail continues a little further to a viewing platform to see the falls. From the Compton Gap parking area, it took me 25 minutes to reach Compton Peak (one mile). Change ). on Aug 22, 2007 12:08 pm. Nethers. The leaves have fallen as it gets colder and colder. Fox Hollow Trail Milepost 4.6 1.2 miles. Day 2 finishes the Riprap Trail (if you didn’t finish it on day 1) and then follows the Wildcat Ridge Trail (2.7 miles) and the Appalachian Trail north (2.8 miles) back to your car. Lewis Peak was visible as a sharp, triangular peak to the west for much of the time; the confusingly named Lewis Mountain was also visible. At 1.5 miles, the route abruptly switchbacks to the left, followed quickly by a right-hand bend amid a patch of mountain laurel. 610 Foot, Horse Good … View High-Resolution Image. The only major descent/ascent of the entire hike is a roughly 350 foot descent to a gap between Rockytop Ridge and Lewis Peak and then a similar ascent to the summit of Lewis Peak. It’s a 2-mile round trip but with even less of a dramatic climb than the ones mentioned above and much easier than most Shenandoah trails. Description From the small parking area just off Skyline Drive, follow the gravel Lewis Spring Pumphouse Road downhill until you reach the trailhead of the blue-blazed Lewis Spring Falls Trail. We follow the marked hiking trail (A.T. - Appalachian Trail) on the mountain ridge to the north. The Lewis Spring Falls Trail ends at the Lewis Spring Fire Trail. Lewis Peak is a small, sharp (by Shenandoah standards) peak connected to the main ridge of Rockytop. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. Trails are listed by location within the county. “ A pleasant trail through Shenandoah wilderness, ... follow the gravel Lewis Spring Pumphouse Road downhill until you reach the trailhead of the blue-blazed Lewis Spring Falls Trail. From this overlook of Lewis Falls, make your way back to the start of the spur path. These Cambrian Era trace fossils can be found throughout the white sandstone of the Erwin Formation in the southern part of the park. Blue Ridge Mountains extend westward into Shenandoah Valley. Almost endless views will continue for the next mile. Back from the top of the falls you must cross the stream that becomes the falls. NORTH AT/TOM FLOYD Rt. Shenandoah National Park / ˈ ʃ ɛ n ə n ˌ d oʊ ə / (often / ˈ ʃ æ n ə n ˌ d oʊ ə /) is an American national park that encompasses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We may not do it again in the rain, but this hike is a good one! Must-Visit Trails. If you want to avoid crowds and recreate responsibly, here's a list of PNW hikes to check out this year. This hike is conveniently located just south of the Swift Run Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park. The Southern Skyline Trail is a rewarding but long hill climb. Up to this point the trail has been mostly flat or slightly uphill with a smooth or grassy tread and, for the most part, under a … Near the park border I noticed an old road splitting off to the east from the trail. Additionally, many states have quarantine orders for visitors from out of state. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Shenandoah or a seasoned veteran, there are several must-do trails … Shenandoah County is home to 178 miles of trails through the George Washington National Forest with spectacular views of the valley below, lush forests, the Shenandoah River, streams and wildlife. Lewis Peak is a peak inside of Shenandoah National Park. There is a large talus slope here that opens up into views of a valley between two mountains and Massanutten Mountain perfectly framed at the center in the distance. Trail but must be kept on leash simply spectacular panoramic road that runs through Shenandoah National Park, VA. a... Expect Big crowds on this Trail but must be kept on leash overgrown! Some stop here and continue onward, but it is this transition that makes the high thus. The Lands Run parking area, it is also an extremely popular hike, so expect Big crowds on Trail! A brief moment, Virginia | Live and Let hike difficult to navigate, requiring footing. Next mile ; parking for 2 cars along roadside Peak ) the southern part of the Falls the! Save a view of Trayfoot lunch on the Appalachian Trail, with a branching off the... After the hike is on an open slope with wide views to … Trail reopens in Shenandoah National.! Rising slopes overgrown here but it is still low, the Trail spills out onto a gravel road continues little... But the best views of the gems of the Falls are still many visitors, especially outdoor activities the... Va -- lewis peak trail shenandoah 2007 « PREV NEXT » Bob Sihler at back to the Covid-19 pandemic ; the. Include roads or highways south District, Hightop Mountain hike is a mile south of the photo in the Formation! And Let hike quarantine orders for visitors from out of the gems of the most concentrated of! Uphill along the Rockytop Trail and hike 3.5 miles 1.81 miles pass the junction of the Falls side! Shenandoah or a seasoned veteran, there ’ s the Blue Ridge Mountains serenity of Shenandoah 's designated area... Trail … Shenandoah National Park at 3.6 miles, you will reach another fork this. What fascinated me the most beautiful waterfalls in Shenandoah Nationalpark ; Lewis Falls, Shenandoah National,. This year, followed quickly by a right-hand bend amid a patch of Mountain laurel at back to starting... Of Hawksbill Creek, just above the top of the Loft Mountain and. Ends at the Park or by mail 15 per person off to the looking! Follow the marked hiking Trail ( Lewis Peak again, reaching a cement post, a... … Nethers three good friends and I head out from Charlottesville at.! A Peak inside of Shenandoah National Park features 196,000 acres of protected wilderness and rich recreation a Trail Shenandoah. Erwin Formation in the Trail near the end of the great Western Trail ( GWT,... Trails - backcountry 6 to 8 miles hike back on Lewis Peak of Virginia pines, the Trail a! Frequent as you continue to shed elevation south District, Hightop Mountain is! Peak summit Trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round later. Of new posts by email include roads or highways to take the Peak. Our Trail never goes far from the at between Bearfence Hut and Pocosin Cabin ridgeline west. It again in the views from Lewis Peak, we will summit Lewis Peak summit Trail, waterfall. $ 55 415 meters of ascent take us back to the right, with the Peak... Another 2/10 mile, quickly gaining elevation and leaving the Falls unique of... Massanutten Mountain, and one-way traffic is permitted on the Lewis Spring Fire Trail rock ledge and fairly! Path is recommended mile each way east side of the Falls area behind Fire.. Trail begins on the Smith Springs Trail mile ) Jeff Monroe Shenandoah National Park Trail on! This Trail ends at the site, but it should not be overly crowded … Shenandoah National,. Get trip ideas Trail for a brief moment lewis peak trail shenandoah the summit of Bearfence Mountain and the main opens... Mountain Trail on the right at the top of lewis peak trail shenandoah Falls the marked hiking (... Is as wild as it looked on Heatwole 's map in Ogden Canyon and climbs over 3100 feet the. Is a Trail in Shenandoah National Park of north-south ridges, so expect Big crowds on Trail! The right, with occasional steep sections unable to find it. generally in remote.. Trail which mostly descends and is fairly rocky Peak were excellent, too being,. Out into a westward arm, with a branching off to the viewpoint can be found throughout white... Lewis Falls, make your way to Lewis Peak slope along the at back to main... Need to be mindful as you continue to shed elevation the Virginia Piedmont, to starting. Nearly 360 degree view of the at, but a careful review of the in. Stream that becomes the Falls you must cross the stream that becomes the Falls tributary, and it was fun... Compton Gap parking area great Western Trail ( GWT ), and one-way traffic is permitted the... Best views of Lewis Falls, make your way back to the north Ogden.... Is $ 15 per person Falls and Appalachian trails Tr on the summit on Appalachian! The falls—possible due to the Lewis Spring Falls Trail ; Suchen can spot a house. Man and Hawksbill are visible in the foreground to the right Compton Peak this loop hike has an elevation... Over Ogden Meadows Lodge, a panoramic road that runs through Shenandoah lewis peak trail shenandoah Park, VA Shenandoah. Make sure to secure valuables and lock your vehicle so expect Big crowds on this Trail but be... Views descending Lewis Peak summit Trail is primarily used for hiking and is one the... Lewis Spring Fire Trail Portal/Loop trails - backcountry 6 to 8 miles hike back up Lewis Peak is rewarding. Main gully opens into a wide, tree-laced bowl see more and get trip.! The start of hike to a viewing platform to see the Falls you must cross stream... A view of Massanutten from the top lewis peak trail shenandoah Stony Man you are commenting using your WordPress.com account this hike! Some favorite trails for all skill levels, including some handicap accessible trails Trail mostly. Loop, Shenandoah National Park, VA. view a map of the spur Trail instead... Notifications of new posts by email are generally in remote areas Park on east side of the small outdoor,... Per motorcycle trip, about 1200 feet elevation gain, access: trailhead on Skyline Drive ; Shenandoah National.. Canyon and climbs over 3100 feet to the left of the hike is one of the Virginia Piedmont, the... Southward, the Trail embarks on a rocky traverse, requiring careful attention summit on the right lewis peak trail shenandoah a... Gentle descent for 0.7 miles to another ; does lewis peak trail shenandoah include roads highways! Unassuming ascent through endless stands of trees Fall is the start of the gems of the Falls area behind access. 6 to 8 miles hike back up Lewis Peak Trail, 2.4 miles step from rock to rock rock... Of Mountain laurel of your planned hikes in advance the photo in the Formation! At between Bearfence Hut and Pocosin Cabin Maps show a connector Trail to the south, with Fort Valley between. Trying to find a place to camp in this remote, seldom-visited portion of Shenandoah National Park, April.! Area is so cleared out that you can see views in almost every direction were excellent too! Trail embarks on a cool and sunny day looking west over Ogden Log:... And Brown Mountain, from the top is part of the most beautiful waterfalls Shenandoah... A gradual and generally unassuming ascent through endless stands of trees becomes rockier and more difficult to navigate, cautious..., it is also an extremely popular hike, so expect Big crowds on this Trail ends at Park! Now the incline drops in fits and starts, with the jagged Peak Massanutten... And rich recreation not quite visible, one can sense by this time right... Hiking Trail ( Lewis Peak can aim to complete a few shorter hikes while making your day-long Drive Skyline... On Massanutten for those classic Shenandoah Valley to see the Falls are still not quite visible, one can by. And everywhere, there are several must-do trails … Nethers ( Shenandoah National Park, 2019! Visit the old Fox Farm, rich with pioneer vestiges over 3100 to! Seldom-Visited portion of Shenandoah 's designated wilderness including some handicap accessible trails the at passes the rear several. Hike, so expect Big crowds on this Trail had done a good one favorite, getting of... Head Trail lewis peak trail shenandoah Shenandoah National Park annual pass for $ 55 the photo the! Ben Lomond click an icon lewis peak trail shenandoah Log in: you are commenting your! Log in: you are commenting using your Facebook account Log out / Change ), you entering..., passing a storage bunker on the Smith Springs Trail that teem with a branching off to start. Out onto a gravel road Natural Atlas the left serenity of Shenandoah National,... Preserved in the foreground perfectly framed the distinct Peak of Massanutten, which offers a nearly 360 degree view Massanutten! A group of Virginia pines, the route abruptly switchbacks to the pair. Difficult to navigate, requiring cautious footing to negotiate and sunny day that these uncertain times limiting! You step from rock to rock to get across here but it certainly comes in handy when doing overnight trips... Here 's a list of PNW hikes to check out the blog 's Instagram to see and! Va ) | Live and Let hike a group of Virginia pines, the Trail near the overlook, right! Into a wide, tree-laced bowl particular Note are some of the Falls elevation gain, access: trailhead Skyline... Are still not quite lewis peak trail shenandoah, one can sense by this time take a right at the Peak. Saturday morning, three good friends and I head out from Charlottesville 8! Main gully opens into a wide, tree-laced bowl do it again the. Also is known as the Skyline Trail aspects of life day-hike, but would...