3 Easy Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy Shenandoah. Over the years, we’ve found several easy hikes in Shenandoah National Park that are perfect for families—even when our kids were still in strollers! Below are three of our favorite kid-friendly trails, along with tips to help make your visit smooth and memorable.
Easy Hikes in Shenandoah National Park - Table of Contents
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About Shenandoah National Park Easy Hikes
Shenandoah National Park is one of our favorite day trips from the D.C. area. Located just 70 miles from the city, it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the park depending on traffic. As the closest national park to both Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, it’s an easy escape into nature that feels worlds away.
The park stretches along the Blue Ridge Mountains and covers over 300 square miles filled with scenic overlooks, peaceful trails, waterfalls, and tons of wildlife—from deer to black bears (we’ve spotted both!). Whether you’re driving Skyline Drive or heading out on foot, there are so many ways to enjoy the beauty of the park.
Photo in Public Domain, NPS, found on Flickr.
Details on the 3 Easy Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
Sign at the Pinnacles Picnic Ground.
1) Jewell Hollow Overlook - Easiest of the Hikes in Shenandoah (mile marker 36.7)
The first place we like to head when visiting Shenandoah with our kids is the Pinnacles Picnic Ground, located at mile marker 36.7 on Skyline Drive. It’s become one of our go-to spots because it’s so accessible and family-friendly—honestly, it’s the easiest trailhead and picnic area we've found so far when hiking with little ones.
Parking is easy at the Pinnacles parking lot, just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance Station. From there, you’re already on the Appalachian Trail, and you can head either north or south depending on your energy level. One of our favorite mini hikes here is the 0.3-mile walk north to Jewell Hollow Overlook. It’s flat, scenic, and perfect for young kids—plus you get a beautiful view at the end without any effort.
We also love that the Pinnacles area has picnic tables and fire pits, which makes it a great lunch stop. On our last visit, we brought hot dogs and charcoal and had a simple but fun cookout after our short hike. It’s an easy way to make the day feel special, and there’s plenty of open space for kids to run around while the food is cooking.
2) Limberlost Trail - Accessible and Easy Hike in Shenandoah (mile marker 43)
Just under 10 miles south of Jewell Hollow Overlook is one of Shenandoah’s most family-friendly gems: the Limberlost Trail. It’s actually the only fully accessible trail in the park, which makes it perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, or simply an easy forest walk with little ones who tire quickly.
The 1.3-mile loop winds through a peaceful, shaded woodland filled with mountain laurel, ferns, and towering trees. The trail is crushed greenstone and very flat, so it’s stroller-friendly the entire way. When we visited, we didn’t catch any sweeping valley views like you might get on other hikes, but we did get a magical surprise—fresh snow covering the forest floor, which made the whole experience feel like a winter fairytale.
It’s a calm, beautiful trail that’s perfect if you want a relaxing walk without the steep climbs or rocky paths that some other Shenandoah hikes require. You can find updated trail conditions and accessibility details on their website here.
Even pretty views from the overlooks!
3) Dark Hollow Falls - Waterfall Easy Hike in Shenandoah National Park!
Our final pick—though still on our “to-hike” list—is one of the most recommended trails for families visiting Shenandoah: Dark Hollow Falls. We’ve heard from several other parents that this short, scenic hike is a favorite with kids, especially those who love the reward of a real waterfall at the end!
The trail is located at mile marker 50.7 on Skyline Drive, and you can park at the clearly marked Dark Hollow Falls Parking Area. From there, it’s a 0.75-mile hike downhill to reach the falls. The path follows a stream most of the way, which adds to the adventure for little explorers. Once you reach the falls, you simply retrace your steps back up.
While the hike is short, it does involve a steady incline on the return, so be prepared for a bit of a climb coming back. We’re planning to bring snacks, water, and take our time when we go. More info here.
Photo by ForestWander. Creative Commons License. Photo here.
Tips for Visiting Shenandoah National Park with Kids
- During peak months/weekends, highly recommend reserving your pass online first. They open another lane at the entrance stations to just show your pass. (I've heard of Fall weekends taking an hour plus if you haven't purchased ahead of time!)
- If you are coming from DC for the day, I highly recommend entering through the Thornton Gap Entrance Station rather than Front Royal. Thornton Gap is less busy and you can go both north and south on Skyline Drive as Thornton Gap is in the middle.
- Check Shenandoah's online webcams here to see the foliage.
- Bring a lot of food and water! Once you are on Skyline Drive, it is a 105 mile long road along the spine of the mountains. There are 3 Lodges with snacks and restaurants but it can take a while to get to depending on where you entered, if they are full etc.
- There is actually a lot of wildlife at Shenandoah National Park. Over 50 types of mammals and 20 reptile and amphibian species. Please read their wwebsite on Wildlife Safety and notes on keeping pets safe.
Where We Stayed near Shenandoah National Park
We've done a couple day trips to Shenandoah but we have also stayed overnight in the area.
The National Park does have some basic cabins at the park which you can read about here. (They book up months or even a year in advance so check it out asap if interested!)
Instead of staying in the park, we've stayed in nearby Harrisonburg, Virginia about 40 miles away and loved it. We've stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn Harrisonburg on 2 separate occasions. It's great for families as all rooms have kitchenettes free hot breakfast and a pool!
Check out more kid-friendly hikes in Virginia here!
