Stony Man Shenandoah National Park
Stony Man offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains via a rewarding, accessible hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical light for photos
Stony Man Shenandoah National Park
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stony Man offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains via a rewarding, accessible hike.
"Little Stony Man proves you don’t need a long trek to find jaw-dropping adventure!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While some call it easy, rocky and steep sections exist. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are best!
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The sunset views from Stony Man are incredible and a popular choice for photographers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stony Man Summit Views
Summit of Stony Man Mountain
Panoramic vistas of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. Absolutely breathtaking!
Little Stony Man Trail
Trailhead at mile 41.7 on Skyline Drive
A rewarding, relatively short hike with stunning overlooks. Perfect for a quick dose of nature.
Appalachian Trail Section
Along the Little Stony Man Trail
Experience a segment of the iconic Appalachian Trail on your way to the summit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Trail Etiquette & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While some call it easy, rocky and steep sections exist. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are best!
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The sunset views from Stony Man are incredible and a popular choice for photographers. 
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for any hike, especially with kids. Stay hydrated and energized on the trail.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot at mile 41.7 can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While some call it easy, rocky and steep sections exist. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are best!
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The sunset views from Stony Man are incredible and a popular choice for photographers.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for any hike, especially with kids. Stay hydrated and energized on the trail.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot at mile 41.7 can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes fast! Be prepared for cooler temps and wind, even on warm days.
🚶♀️ Kid-Friendly Option
The Little Stony Man trail is great for families, offering big rewards with manageable effort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stony Man for its breathtaking summit views and the rewarding experience of the Little Stony Man Trail, often highlighting its accessibility for families and photographers. While generally considered easy, some note the rocky and steep sections, recommending appropriate footwear. The popularity means parking can be a challenge during peak times.
"Lovely hike!! Beautiful views"
Jasmin Nirwal
"Easy trail, beautiful endpoint."
Yunong Shi
"2nd highest summit in park. Rocky areas and a steep climb straight up, but there is a family friendly trail to right we didn't take. The families reached the summit at same time we did."
Beryl Lucero
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stony Man is accessible via the Little Stony Man Trail, located at milepost 41.7 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. The closest entrance is the Thornton Gap Entrance.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead for the Little Stony Man Trail. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can fill up quickly.
The Little Stony Man Trail briefly follows a section of the Appalachian Trail, offering a chance to experience both.
Navigate to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and look for the trailhead marker at milepost 41.7. The park has multiple entrances; the Thornton Gap Entrance is often convenient.
Public transport options are very limited within Shenandoah National Park. Driving your own vehicle or a rental is the most practical way to reach Stony Man.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Shenandoah National Park requires an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee grants access to the park for a specified period.
Stony Man itself is accessible during park hours. Shenandoah National Park is generally open year-round, but Skyline Drive may close due to weather. Always check the official NPS website for current conditions.
Discounts may be available for certain passes like the America the Beautiful Pass. Check the NPS website for details on passes and potential local discounts.
No, access to Skyline Drive and its trailheads, including Stony Man, requires payment of the Shenandoah National Park entrance fee.
The hike to Stony Man is included with your Shenandoah National Park entrance fee. There are no additional charges for accessing the trail itself.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Little Stony Man Trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It's a 1.6-mile loop with some rocky and steep sections, but many find it manageable for families.
The hike typically takes under an hour to complete, making it a great option for those with limited time.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's considered one of the most scenic spots in the park.
There are no restrooms directly at the Little Stony Man trailhead. The nearest facilities are typically at visitor centers or picnic areas along Skyline Drive.
Yes, many visitors find the Little Stony Man Trail to be very kid-friendly due to its relatively short length and rewarding views.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for stunning landscape photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset.
Look for the subtle beauty of wind-rippled puddles on the trail, which can create unique reflections.
Be mindful of other hikers and always stay on marked trails. The rocky terrain can be slippery, so prioritize safety.
Drone usage is restricted in Shenandoah National Park. Check the official NPS guidelines for current regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 1.6-mile loop offers a rewarding experience with minimal effort, ensuring kids stay engaged and excited about the hike. The stunning summit views provide a great payoff, and the trail's connection to the Appalachian Trail adds a touch of adventure. Key recommendations for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited along the trail.
The relatively short duration of the hike also means it won't exhaust younger hikers, leaving energy for other park activities.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and a tripod for stable shots in lower light conditions. Don't overlook the smaller details; the wind-rippled puddles on the trail can create unique, reflective photographic moments. Tips for photographers: Arrive well before sunrise or stay after sunset to secure the best light and fewer crowds.
Be aware of the rocky and uneven terrain when setting up your shots, and always prioritize safety by staying on marked trails. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is also a great way to save money, as dining options within the park are limited and can be pricey. Budget-friendly tips: Utilize the park's free overlooks for stunning views without needing to hike.
If you're camping, staying outside the park in more affordable campgrounds can significantly reduce overall trip expenses. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Little Stony Man Trail Experience
+1 Many visitors, including families with young children, find it to be an ideal hike. The trail winds through wooded areas and eventually opens up to rocky outcrops, offering stunning panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the unique aspects of this trail is that it briefly merges with the Appalachian Trail, allowing hikers to experience a small segment of this legendary footpath.
The summit area provides ample space to explore and soak in the scenery. Be prepared for some uneven and rocky terrain, and sturdy footwear is highly recommended. For those seeking an unforgettable experience, hiking the Little Stony Man Trail during golden hour is highly recommended. The soft, warm light of sunrise or sunset casts a magical glow over the landscape, creating spectacular photo opportunities.
+1 While the views are stunning at any time, catching the sunset here is a bucket-list item for many visitors. Remember to check the weather forecast and arrive early, as the parking area can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons like fall foliage. Navigating Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive
Driving Skyline Drive is an experience in itself, with speed limits generally set at 35 mph to allow for safe enjoyment of the views and wildlife spotting.
Keep in mind that sections of Skyline Drive can be closed during inclement weather, particularly in winter, so always check road conditions before your visit. When planning your visit to Stony Man, consider its location at milepost 41.7 on Skyline Drive. This places it roughly in the central section of the park.
While there are no restrooms directly at the Stony Man trailhead, facilities can be found at nearby picnic areas and visitor centers. For a more comprehensive experience, consider visiting other nearby attractions like Luray Caverns, which is a popular addition to a Shenandoah day trip. 
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