Although the US National Parks are not typically known for being the most dog friendly hiking destinations, Shenandoah National Park is one of the best for hitting the trails with your canine companion. Shenandoah has over five hundred miles of dog friendly trails, with only a few off limits to pets. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when hiking and camping in the park, a rule that we thought would be challenging for a usually off leash hiker like Lucy, but it turned out to be no problem and helped make sure Lucy didn’t get exhausted by the heat in her usually bounding around hiking state. Also, be sure to clean up after your dog so that these trails can stay clean and usable for everyone!

Lucy and I spent three days in the park hiking and spreading trail magic to thru hikers as the first National Park of our cross-country road trip. Here are our three favorite short hikes to see some gorgeous views with your pup! And don’t forget to pack extra snacks and water for Appalachian Trail thru hikers. They often hike over 20 miles a day so any extra calories you can give them are always greatly appreciated!

Marys Rock

The hike to Marys Rock begins at Thornton Gap at mile 31.5 of Skyline Drive. Here there is a comfort station with water and restrooms available. From the parking lot get on the Appalachain Trail going south to gently wind your way up to Marys Rock. The beginning of the trail starts with wooden beams creating stairs to climb the first section, and then continues as a gently graded dirt path. The ascent was very pleasant with wildflowers lining the trail.

About a quarter mile from the summit, turn right at the junction to make the final ascent to Marys Rock. Here you’ll be greeted with a gorgeous panorama showcasing the Blue Ridge Mountains and the valleys of northwestern Virginia. Lucy and I climbed the rocks for a stunning view and some summit solitude.

This short hike was our first in Shenandoah National Park and we were blown away by the beautiful views. We had of course seen many overlooks coming south on Skyline Drive, but something about being on top of the mountains instead of a pullout off the road made everything look just a little more amazing.

Whenever we’re hiking along the AT, Lucy and I make an effort to bring extra snacks and water for thru hikers on their way to Katahdin. On this hike we met many hikers and passed out granola bars, jerky, and candy to fuel them on their long trek. The hiker culture along the Appalachain Trail is incredible with so many unique personalities attempting to hike the 2,200 mile trail. We loved chatting with them and learning more about their journeys!

Hawksbill

This short hike is a classic in Shenandoah with the best bang for your buck views in the entire park. This tiny trek leads to a gorgeous panorama atop a jagged rocky summit that’s sure to impress even the most beginner hikers with its ease and beauty.

The Upper Hawksbill Trail starting at mile 46.6 of Skyline Drive is the easiest way up to the summit following an incredibly gentle wide trail. Like so gentle that everyone from your 4 year old child to an 80 year old grandparent can join in on the fun. I daresay even a running stroller could make its way up this slope with a little upper body strength from its driver.

Just before reaching the summit there is a small shelter perfect for a lunchtime picnic or waiting out an afternoon shower. Just a few steps from there you’ll reach the summit of Hawksbill, the tallest point in Shenandoah National Park at 4,051 feet.

This rocky summit is a great place to wach the sunset or have a midday picnic with a flat rocky platform perfect for sitting if navigating the rocky area is too intimidating. Lucy and I summited around 6pm, about two hours before sunset, but if we were to do it again we would certainly go to the westerly facing lookout to watch the sun dip below the mountainous horizon. This hike is great for stretching your legs as you make your way down Skyline drive for some unique views from the highpoint of the park.

Blackrock and Trayfoot Mtn

This short hike in the southern section of Shenandoah National Park was probably the most challenging of the three hikes in this article. At mile 84.4 of Skyline Drive, Blackrock is a popular short hike on the southern end of the park. Lucy and I had planned to hike Blackrock, Trayfoot Mtn, and Furnace Mtn, but our plans were thwarted by weather so we ended up cutting our hike short.

Starting at the Blackrock parking area, the trail climbs 200 vertical feet to reach the jagged summit cone of Blackrock. The trail doesn’t actually scale the peak fully, surely due to the scree filled area leading to the top, but the views are excellent nonetheless.

Looking out at the peaks to the east, we could see afternoon storms pushing toward us but decided to continue on. The hike up to Trayfoot Mtn looked well sheltered by brush and tall trees, and we weren’t afraid of a little rain! After pulling my waterproof cover over my pack we continued on the trail towards Trayfoot Mtn.

Just a few minutes after ducking under treecover, the sky opened up and buckets of cool droplets covered us from head to toe. It was nice to cool off after hiking in the 80 degree heat and humidity. We were just a few tenths of a mile from the summit of Trayfoot Mountain when a lightening bolt struck too close to where we were and we decided to turn around.

By the time we got back to Blackrock the storm had passed but we were still drenched. On hot days like these I welcome the occasional shower by rainstorm, but when the thunder and lightening comes that’s when we call it a day and look for shelter. Although we had to cut the hike short, we still had a great adventure and unique views from the Blackrock summit.