Appalachian Trail: Shenandoah National Park

The Appalachian Trail Overview

The Appalachian Trail stretches from Maine to Georgia, totaling more than 2,100 miles through 14 states. Shenandoah National Park's segment of the trail predates the park itself and initially followed the same path as Skyline Drive. However, during the construction of Skyline Drive from 1931 to 1939, the Appalachian Trail was moved from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains to lower elevations.

Shenandoah National Park Segment

Trail Length and Pathways

Today, the Shenandoah National Park portion of the iconic Appalachian Trail extends for 101 miles. This segment winds through the park, crossing numerous other notable hiking routes.

Visitor Experience

Past visitors claim that simply stepping foot on this bucket-list trail is worthwhile. Recent hikers mention that if you have time to hike or backpack a portion of the trail, you will be rewarded with memorable views of the park's wilderness, including its lush foliage and diverse wildlife.

Access and Connectivity

Skyline Drive Crossings

The Appalachian Trail intersects Skyline Drive multiple times, making it relatively easy for visitors to find a starting point for their hike. What’s more, the trail connects to popular routes like the Mary's Rock Summit trail and Bearfence Mountain, making it accessible with a bit of planning.

Year-Round Access

Like all other routes in Shenandoah, the Appalachian Trail is free to access with park admission and is open all year round. For more information about the unique relationship between the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah National Park, visitors are encouraged to visit the National Park Service website.