The Stony Man Summit Trail is one of the most accessible high-elevation hikes in Shenandoah National Park, ascending to the park's second-highest peak at 4,011 feet (1,222 m) above sea level. The trailhead is located at Skyline Drive Mile Post 41.7 near Skyland Resort in Page County, Virginia, with parking available at either the Skyland Resort area or the dedicated Stony Man Trailhead pullout. A Shenandoah National Park vehicle pass ($35) is required for access via Skyline Drive.
The loop covers 3.6 miles with a modest elevation gain of 340 feet (104 m), making it one of the few high-summit hikes in the park suitable for families with younger children or hikers seeking a shorter outing. The trail begins on the Little Stony Man Trail, ascending through northern hardwood forest dominated by birch, beech, and spruce. The surface is a mix of packed dirt and exposed rock with moderate footing challenges near the cliffs.
At the Little Stony Man overlook, approximately 1.5 miles in, dramatic columnar basalt cliffs drop sharply west toward the Shenandoah Valley, offering a preview of the summit views. The path then connects to the Appalachian Trail for a short section before reaching the true Stony Man summit — a broad rocky plateau with open south- and west-facing views across Page Valley and the Massanutten Mountain range.
A loop return via the AT and the upper Stony Man connector returns hikers to the starting point through mixed forest. On clear days, views extend well over 50 miles across the Virginia Ridge and Valley province. Winds at the exposed summit are frequently strong; a windproof jacket is advisable even in summer. No water sources exist on the trail.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Shenandoah National Park
- Best season
- April–November
What to bring
- Trail runners or light hiking boots
- 1L water
- Jacket (windy at summit)
Location
Stony Man Trailhead, Skyline Dr MP 41.7, Luray, VA 22835
38.5889, -78.4112 View on map
Highlights
- Second-highest peak in Shenandoah National Park at 4,011 feet with open 50-mile views
- Little Stony Man columnar basalt cliffs — a dramatic midpoint overlook above the Shenandoah Valley
- Short 3.6-mile loop accessible to families and hikers of most fitness levels
- Appalachian Trail junction providing optional extension north or south along the ridgeline
- Northern hardwood forest of birch, beech, and spruce characteristic of high-elevation SNP terrain
Tips for visiting
- Carry a windproof jacket regardless of lowland temperatures; the Stony Man summit is consistently breezy
- The Skyland Resort trailhead sometimes fills on peak fall weekends — arrive before 9 AM
- Combine with the nearby Limberlost Trail (accessible boardwalk at MP 43) for a full-day outing in the area
- No water is available on the trail; carry at least 1 liter for the 3.6-mile loop
- Sunrise and sunset visits from the summit offer some of the most dramatic light along Skyline Drive
When to visit
April through November offers the most reliable access to Stony Man Summit. October delivers peak fall foliage color along the Skyline Drive corridor; spring brings blooming wildflowers in the northern hardwood understory below the summit cliffs.
Accessibility
The Stony Man Summit loop is not wheelchair or stroller accessible due to exposed rock sections and uneven terrain near the summit cliffs. The nearby Limberlost Trail (approximately 1.5 miles south at Skyline Drive MP 43) is a fully paved, ADA-accessible loop through old-growth forest that serves as an accessible alternative in the same area.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Stony Man Summit trail good for families?
Yes. The 3.6-mile loop with only 340 feet of elevation gain is one of the most family-friendly summit trails in Shenandoah National Park. The trail is well-marked and mostly on packed dirt with some rock sections near the top that require careful footing.
How long does the Stony Man hike take?
Most hikers complete the 3.6-mile loop in 1.5 to 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace including time at the summit and Little Stony Man overlook.
Do I need a permit to hike Stony Man?
No per-person permit is required. A valid Shenandoah National Park entry pass ($35 per vehicle) is needed to access Skyline Drive. No timed entry or reservation system applies to this trail.
What is the elevation at Stony Man Summit?
The Stony Man summit reaches 4,011 feet (1,222 m) above sea level, making it the second-highest point in Shenandoah National Park after Hawksbill Summit at 4,051 feet.
Are there any water sources on the trail?
There are no water sources on the Stony Man Summit loop. Hikers should carry sufficient water from the Skyland Resort area or the trailhead parking before setting out.