Stony Man Shenandoah National Park
Stony Man offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley via an accessible, short hike, perfect for all skill levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Stony Man Shenandoah National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stony Man offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley via an accessible, short hike, perfect for all skill levels.
"Easy hike with awesome views. Enough space to sit and enjoy the view."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Dirt trails and rocky sections mean sneakers are okay, but hiking boots offer better grip.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for any hike, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated and energized.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stony Man Summit Views
Stony Man Trailhead (Milepost 41.7)
Panoramic vistas of the Shenandoah Valley from a relatively easy hike. Perfect for sunrise or sunset.
Little Stony Man Cliffs
Connects to Stony Man Trail
Dramatic rocky cliffs offering sweeping mountain vistas without a long trek. A quick adventure with a big payoff.
Scenic Skyline Drive
Blue Ridge Mountains
A 105-mile route with 75 overlooks, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Essential for accessing trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Trail Etiquette & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Dirt trails and rocky sections mean sneakers are okay, but hiking boots offer better grip.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for any hike, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated and energized.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Popular spots fill up fast. Consider parking at nearby overlooks if the main lot is full.
🚫 Leave Pets at Home
Dogs are not allowed on the Stony Man Summit trail. Respect the signs.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Dirt trails and rocky sections mean sneakers are okay, but hiking boots offer better grip.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for any hike, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated and energized.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Popular spots fill up fast. Consider parking at nearby overlooks if the main lot is full.
🚫 Leave Pets at Home
Dogs are not allowed on the Stony Man Summit trail. Respect the signs.
🌅 Aim for Sunrise/Sunset
The light is magical for photos, but be prepared for a short walk to the viewpoint.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stony Man for its stunning panoramic views and accessible trail, making it a must-do in Shenandoah National Park. While parking can be challenging and dogs are prohibited on the summit trail, the rewarding vistas and relatively easy hike make it a highly recommended experience for most visitors.
"Fabulous place for sunrise but you must account for a 15 min walk to get to the viewpoint. If you want that famous photo of Smokey Mountains..... this is it."
esseGesse Et
"Easy hike with awesome views. Fairly flat, dirt trail but wear appropriate footwear."
Melissa Tait
"Great place for quick hiking.
Enough space to sit and enjoy the view.
Easy trail that younger kids can try too.
2 things I don't enjoy.
1. Parking is large but limited because it's popular.
But if you don't mind walikg little more, you can park at Skyland or Little stony an or overlook next to it.
2. It has no dog signs but people still bring their pets."
Sin Jeon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stony Man is accessed via Skyline Drive, a scenic road running through Shenandoah National Park. The main trailhead is at Milepost 41.7. You'll need to pay an entrance fee for the park.
Skyline Drive is generally open year-round, but can be closed temporarily due to inclement weather, especially snow and ice in winter. Always check park conditions before your visit.
The Thornton Gap Entrance (Route 211) is a common entry point for accessing the Stony Man area.
While GPS can help, it's best to have a park map as cell service can be spotty within Shenandoah National Park. Milepost markers on Skyline Drive are your best guide.
There are no public shuttle services directly to the Stony Man trailhead. You will need your own vehicle to access Skyline Drive and the parking areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance fee is required for Shenandoah National Park. Fees are typically per vehicle and valid for a set period. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
No special permits are required for the Stony Man hike itself. However, if you plan to hike the more challenging Old Rag Mountain, a permit is mandatory.
Shenandoah National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, Skyline Drive may have seasonal closures or temporary closures due to weather.
You can purchase Shenandoah National Park entrance passes online in advance through recreation.gov, which can save time upon arrival.
There is no separate fee for parking at the Stony Man trailhead beyond the park entrance fee. However, parking lots can fill up quickly.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Stony Man Trail is a relatively short loop, typically around 1.5 miles, making it accessible for many hikers. 
The Stony Man Trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It has a short, semi-steep incline but is manageable for most fitness levels, including families.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a prime spot for photography.
There are no restrooms directly at the Stony Man trailhead. The nearest facilities are typically at visitor centers or larger overlooks along Skyline Drive.
Yes, many visitors find the Stony Man hike suitable for young children due to its short length and manageable terrain.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning for sunrise or late afternoon for sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for stunning photographs.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset.
The main summit offers the classic panoramic view. The Little Stony Man Cliffs also provide dramatic perspectives.
Drone usage is restricted in Shenandoah National Park. Check the NPS website for current regulations regarding drone operation.
Fall offers vibrant foliage, while spring and summer provide lush greenery. Winter can offer unique, stark beauty if conditions allow access.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Key recommendations for families include packing plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited. Ensure children wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for the dirt and rocky paths.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Little Stony Man Cliffs also provide unique angles and perspectives for capturing the rugged mountain landscape. Tips for photographers include arriving early to secure a good spot, especially if you plan to photograph the sunrise. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive vistas. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images in lower light conditions. Remember that drone usage is restricted within the park.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Recommendations for road trippers include planning your visit to coincide with the best light for photos (early morning or late afternoon). Be prepared for potential parking challenges at the trailhead, especially on weekends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Stony Man Trail Experience
What truly sets Stony Man apart are the breathtaking panoramic views from its summit and the nearby Little Stony Man Cliffs. Visitors consistently rave about the sweeping vistas of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This makes it a prime location for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
+1While the hike is generally considered easy to moderate, it's important to wear appropriate footwear, as the trail is unpaved and can be rocky. Parking at the trailhead (Milepost 41.7 on Skyline Drive) is popular and can fill up quickly, so arriving early or on a weekday is advisable.
Navigating Shenandoah National Park
Park entrance fees are required and can be purchased at entrance stations or online in advance. These fees typically cover a vehicle for a set period. It's crucial to check the official National Park Service (NPS) website for the most current fee structure and operating hours, as Skyline Drive can experience temporary closures due to weather, particularly in winter.
Navigation within the park relies heavily on milepost markers along Skyline Drive. While cell service can be unreliable, having a park map and noting these mileposts will help you locate trailheads and points of interest like Stony Man. Consider downloading offline maps for your navigation apps as a backup.
Best Times for Fall Foliage
To experience the fall colors at Stony Man, aim for weekday visits to avoid the heaviest crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best light for capturing the vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow against the mountain landscape.
It's important to note that fall color conditions can change rapidly. The National Park Service often provides updates on leaf conditions, so checking their website before your visit can help you time your trip for the most brilliant display.
Social
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