Stony Man in autumn.
NPS / Katy Cain · Public domain

Stony Man

The easiest big view in the park: a short climb to cliffs over the Shenandoah Valley.

Stays on the map
Distance
1.6 mi
round trip
Elevation gain
340 ft
Hiking time
1 hr
NPS estimate, no breaks
Difficulty
Easiest
NPS scale

From the Stony Man lot at mile 41.7, follow the Appalachian Trail to a trail post, then the blue-blazed Stony Man Trail to the summit cliffs. The view looks west over the Shenandoah Valley to Massanutten Mountain. Return the same way.

No pets on this trail

Shenandoah prohibits pets on this route. Service animals are welcome. NPS pet rules

Park entrance pass only

$30 per vehicle, good for 7 days, or an annual pass. NPS fees

Highlights

  • Valley view at sunset
  • Short and well graded
  • Next to Skyland

Before you go

  • Dogs may walk the Appalachian Trail section but not the Stony Man Trail to the summit.

Where to stay, by the drive

Rank on the map

Ordered by drive time to the parking area, then by how close the stay is to this area and how complete and current its listing is. How ranking works.

Exterior of the Skyland dining room and taproom.
Unclaimed

Skyland

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 41.7

3min drive

0.4 mi by road · 0.3 mi straight

Exterior of Big Meadows Lodge.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Lodge

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 51

26min drive

10.6 mi by road · 5.6 mi straight

Sunrise over Big Meadows.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Campground

National park campground (reservation only) · Skyline Drive, mile 51

26min drive

10.5 mi by road · 5.5 mi straight

Moss phlox on the rocks at Crescent Rock Overlook in spring.
Unclaimed

Lewis Mountain Cabins

Rustic cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 57.5

35min drive

15.9 mi by road · 12.1 mi straight

Main Street in Sperryville, Virginia, in October.
Unclaimed

Hopkins Ordinary

Bed and breakfast with a brewery · Sperryville

37min drive

17.8 mi by road · 9.2 mi straight

2 more beyond 60 minutes
Fields toward the Blue Ridge from Route 231 near Etlan, Madison County.
Unclaimed Some pet-friendly units

Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges

Lodge rooms, cabins, farmhouses and campground · Syria

1 hr 10 mindrive

37.3 mi by road · 7.7 mi straight

Panorama across a field toward Old Rag from Route 231 near Etlan.
Host verified Dogs welcome

Birch's Library

Cabin, 1865 homestead · Syria

1 hr 26 mindrive

36.9 mi by road · 4.1 mi straight

Sources

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