Stony Man Trail
A short forest climb to one of the park’s classic north-central Blue Ridge viewpoints.
Route overview
Stony Man Trail in Blue Ridge Mountains.
The route follows part of the Appalachian Trail before branching toward the rocky Stony Man viewpoint. Its modest distance makes it highly popular, but the summit edge, crowding and slick rock require more care than the mileage suggests.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Blue Ridge Mountains
- Distance
- 1.6 miles / 2.6 km loop
- Typical duration
- 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Spring through autumn; use caution with ice, fog and thunderstorms
- Trail type
- Loop
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Park entrance required
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Cliff edge, wet rock, fog, lightning, crowds and ticks
Highlights
Shenandoah National Park, Stony Man, viewpoint hike, Appalachian Trail, short hike
Why find a buddy
A popular short climb where a companion improves pacing and edge awareness.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.