I’m biased, but Virginia is a beautiful state. One thing we love the most is that we can drive a few hours and get to the beach. Driving a few hours in the other direction takes us to the mountains. We go to Shenandoah National Park often and try new hikes each time we go. One of our recent hikes was to Stony Man and Little Stony Man. This hike also gave us a chance to hike a very, very, very, very (you get the point) small portion of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking Stony Man and Little Stony Man with kids is fairly easy and worth it.
Stony Man and Little Stony Man are located closest to the Thornton Gap entrance of Shenandoah National Park. Coming from the north, pass the small parking lot on the right for Little Stony Man. Continue on Skyline Drive and bear right on the next road to the right. This is the highest point on Skyline Drive. After the turn you should see a large parking lot on the right side. This is the parking lot for Stony Man.
The Stony Man Trail and Appalachian Trail are the same until you get to an intersection on the trail. Go straight to continue on the trail for Stony Man. It’s an easy hike to the Stony Man Cliffs.
As you begin to walk out on the rocks, you are going to be standing on Stony Man’s “forehead.” Viewed from the north, Stony Man resembles the face of a bearded man reclining on the mountain.
It’s definitely a little cooler at the Stony Man Cliffs. Bring a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt if you get cold easily. We did this trail mid-September and there were a few times I wished I had a long-sleeved shirt. The Stony Man Cliffs offer a great view of the Shenandoah Valley, the town of Luray, and the Massanutten and Allegheny Mountains. If solitude is your thing, you won’t find this area enjoyable. It can get crowded. At least it was when we were there. Granted we went on a Saturday afternoon. We enjoyed our lunch (sandwiches, grapes and water) while sitting on the rocks.
I’d like to say we enjoyed a view of the Shenandoah Valley while we took a few minutes to eat our lunch. In reality we watched two girls in front of us trying to get a pic worthy of making their Instagram feed. They were part of a very large group of young adults. Some were carrying purses and Starbucks cups. I’m not joking. Honestly, they didn’t stay long and we still enjoyed our time at the Stony Man Cliffs. We took some pictures and started back on the trail.
As we made our way back down the trail we took a left at the trail intersection. There will be a trail marker at the intersection. Hiking 0.5 miles in this direction takes you to the Little Stony Man Cliffs. I would say the hike in this direction is mostly downhill. Therefore, you’ll be hiking mostly uphill on the way back. Kris said he enjoyed Little Stony Man better. There weren’t as many people here as there were at Stony Man. We stayed there for a few minutes before backtracking on the trail until reaching the intersection I keep talking about.
You’ll want to take a left at the trail intersection to get back to the parking lot.
Next time…
- We plan to go here again in the spring to see other wildflowers in bloom.
- We’ll incorporate the Passamaquoddy Trail into our hike.
- Have a meal at the Pollock Dining Room at the Skyland Resort.
What to Remember:
- Pets are not allowed on the Stony Man Trail.
- Check for ticks after your hike.
- Bring water and snacks, especially if you’re going to extend your hike.
- Don’t forget a camera.
- You might want to bring a light jacket.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
– John Muir
So interesting , your posts are! I love your stories and your pictures, learn something different with each post!
Thanks!