Kennedy Peak
A challenging 5.1-mile hike in George Washington National Forest with rewarding summit views and a lookout tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Kennedy Peak
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 5.1-mile hike in George Washington National Forest with rewarding summit views and a lookout tower.
"The view is incredible. If you're up for a challenge, I would highly recommend!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The last 1.5 miles are steep and rocky. Good hiking shoes are essential for grip and ankle support.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for the challenging incline. You'll need it to stay energized.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kennedy Peak Summit
Summit
Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains await at the top. A truly rewarding sight after a challenging climb.
Rocky Ascent
Upper trail sections
The final 1.5 miles offer a vigorous, rocky climb, testing your endurance for a spectacular payoff.
Lookout Tower
Summit
A welcome spot at the summit to rest, enjoy a snack, and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Navigation
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The last 1.5 miles are steep and rocky. Good hiking shoes are essential for grip and ankle support.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for the challenging incline. You'll need it to stay energized.
⚠️ Watch for Trail Markers
A sharp left turn around mile 1.7 can be missed. Look for orange blazes to stay on the correct path.
🐍 Be Snake Aware
Reviewers have spotted snake skins on the trail. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The last 1.5 miles are steep and rocky. Good hiking shoes are essential for grip and ankle support.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for the challenging incline. You'll need it to stay energized.
⚠️ Watch for Trail Markers
A sharp left turn around mile 1.7 can be missed. Look for orange blazes to stay on the correct path.
🐍 Be Snake Aware
Reviewers have spotted snake skins on the trail. Be mindful of your surroundings.
📸 Summit Views
The views from the top are stunning! Allow time to enjoy the scenery from the lookout tower.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kennedy Peak is lauded for its stunning summit views and challenging, rewarding hike. While the trail offers a vigorous workout and beautiful scenery, hikers should be prepared for steep, rocky terrain, limited parking, and potential navigation challenges.
"This was a great trail to hike. Well maintained and easy to access. Around mile 1.7 there is a sharp left turn and it’s very easy to miss—we got off route about .2 miles before realizing we hadn’t seen the orange blazes. I’ve included a photo with the tree that marks this turn with red arrows I drew on the photo for reference. Views at the top were stunning! It was nice to have a space in the lookout tower to sit and have a snack before coming back down."
Carrie Boyd
"This was an incredible vigorous hike. The first mile is easy with minimal up and down terrain. The second mile is more of a moderate rockier terrain with mostly incline hiking. Once you reach the sign to the peak it is a straight incline hike for about 5 minutes. The view is incredible. If you’re up for a challenge I would highly recommend! It took us about 2 hours and 15 minutes with a steady pace."
Kaileen Savage
"I drove to Luray to hike Duncan Knob but the forest was closed. Luckily I stumbled on this gem! It's a beautiful hike with the mountains on both sides of the trail. The view at the top is stunning! It's about 5.4 miles out and back to Kennedy Peak."
Fit and Grandmother
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kennedy Peak is located in the George Washington National Forest, Virginia. Access is typically via Forest Service roads. The trailhead parking is roadside and very limited.
While Kennedy Peak is in the general vicinity of the Blue Ridge Mountains and often mentioned alongside Blue Ridge Parkway attractions, it's not directly on the parkway itself. It's a hike within the George Washington National Forest.
The closest town is Edinburg, Virginia. Many hikers use Edinburg as a base for exploring the surrounding national forest.
No, Kennedy Peak is a hiking destination. You must hike to reach the summit and its viewpoints.
Unfortunately, there are no restrooms available at the Kennedy Peak trailhead. It's advised to use facilities before arriving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to hike the Kennedy Peak trail. It's a free public access trail within the national forest.
Kennedy Peak is accessible during daylight hours as it is part of the George Washington National Forest. There are no set operating hours.
Generally, there is no entrance fee for George Washington National Forest itself. However, some specific recreation areas within the forest might have day-use fees. Kennedy Peak trail is typically free to access.
The best times to visit are typically spring and fall for pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter may bring icy conditions. Early mornings are recommended to avoid crowds and find parking.
Yes, Kennedy Peak is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a challenging hike with rewarding views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to Kennedy Peak is approximately 5.1 to 5.4 miles round trip, depending on the exact route taken.
The trail is considered vigorous and challenging, especially the last 1.5 miles which feature steep inclines and rocky terrain. The first mile is easier.
You can expect stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the summit. There's also a lookout tower for a comfortable viewing experience.
Be aware of potential hazards such as steep, rocky sections, and wildlife like snakes. Proper footwear and caution are advised.
While generally marked, some reviewers note that certain turns can be easy to miss, particularly a sharp left around mile 1.7. Paying attention to orange blazes is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic vistas, especially from the lookout tower. The rocky terrain and lush forest also provide scenic shots along the trail.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting for photos, but be mindful of hiking in the dark. Ensure you have a headlamp and are comfortable with the trail conditions.
Fall offers vibrant foliage for colorful photos. Spring can bring wildflowers, while summer provides lush greenery.
Drone usage is subject to regulations within national forests. Check with the George Washington National Forest Service for current rules and restrictions before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing extra snacks and water, and be prepared for the limited parking. If a less strenuous option is preferred, exploring other trails within the George Washington National Forest might be more suitable. For families looking for a scenic drive with easier access to views, the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway offers many pull-offs and shorter, flatter trails.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Hikers looking to push their limits can aim for a faster completion time, but remember to prioritize safety on the steep sections. The rewarding summit views serve as a fantastic post-hike reward. Remember to bring adequate hydration and nutrition to fuel your efforts.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting. However, be prepared for hiking in low-light conditions if you plan to stay for sunset. The rocky trail itself can also offer interesting textures and compositions.
Remember to pack appropriate gear, such as a wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod, to make the most of the scenic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kennedy Peak Trail Experience
Despite the difficulty, the payoff is immense. The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making the effort worthwhile. A lookout tower at the top provides a comfortable spot to rest and fully appreciate the scenery.
Navigating the trail requires attention. While generally marked, a sharp left turn around mile 1.7 can be easily missed, leading hikers off-course.
Navigating the George Washington National Forest
When visiting areas like Kennedy Peak, it's important to be prepared for a more rustic experience. Amenities can be limited, with many trailheads offering only basic parking and no facilities like restrooms.
Beyond Kennedy Peak, the George Washington National Forest offers other notable spots. For instance, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearby, offering scenic overlooks and access to other hiking opportunities.
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