Shenandoah Central

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Thornton Gap Area | Shenandoah National Park 2017 R oc ky ntain ou M Branch Trail l Trai Pass Mountain Hut ss Pa MP 30 North ut Fire Road tain H oun sM Pas Pass Mountain Overlook Pass Mountain Overlook Trail P MP 31 US Entrance Station Restrooms P 211 Thornton Gap P US 211 MP 32 US 211 Trail Mary’s Rock Tunnel Buck Hollow Overlook w Tra ll o Ho il Tunnel Overlook Mary’s Rock Summit MP ck Bu P Ri dge H Byrds Nest 3 Shelter R Trail Buck az ck Ro s g din Le a Meadow Spring Trail id ge 33 Hazel Mountain Overlook h it W el e MP 34 i Tr a Mo un t ai n H Hiking Trail Hiking Trail (Appalachian Trail) Hiking Trail (Horses) Unpaved Road Paved Road Skyline Drive Park Boundary Stream P Parking Building 0 0 el az er l il Tra T rai l Ri v 1.0 Kilometer 1.0 Mile Viewpoint Emergency 1-800-732-0911 • Information 540-999-3500 • Online www.nps.gov/shen Marys Rock Summit Hike Markers & Blazes 3.7-mile round trip 2¼-hrs hiking time Moderate 1210-ft elevation gain Trail markers are at trailheads and intersections. The metal bands are stamped with directional and mileage information. From the trailhead at the back of the Panorama parking area at mile 31.6, take the short connector trail to the Appalachian Trail and go left (south). At the trailpost take a right to the viewpoint. Retrace your steps. Trail blazes are found on trees and rocks throughout the Park. The color identifies the trail type: Marys Rock Summit 2 Hike 2.9-mile round trip 3-hrs hiking time Moderate 830-ft elevation gain Blue - Hiking trail White - Appalachian Trail Yellow - Open to horses From Meadow Spring parking area at mile 33.5, cross skyline Drive and take the Meadow Spring Trail to its intersection with the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Go right onto the A.T. and follow it to the trailpost. Go left to the viewpoint. Retrace your steps. Pass Mountain Loop Hike Need to Know 3.4-mile round trip 2½-hrs hiking time Moderate 670-ft elevation gain From the trailhead at the back of the Panorama parking area at mile 31.6, take the short connector trail to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and go right (north). Cross Rt. 211 and Skyline Drive. Go right onto the fire road and follow it to the hut. There, look for the blue-blazed Pass Mountain Trail and take that back to the A.T. south which will take you back to your starting point. Hazel River Falls and Cave Hike 5.3-mile round trip 5-hrs hiking time Moderate 1070-ft elevation gain From Meadow Spring parking area at mile 33.5, take the yellowblazed Hazel Mountain Trail past the Buck Ridge Trail. At the fork, go left onto the yellow-blazed White Rocks Trail. At the next trailpost, go right and continue to see two small waterfalls and a modest cave. Retrace your steps. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6’ at all times. Be sure you are physically able to complete the hike you’ve chosen. Take plenty of water—at least a quart per hour. When you return from your hike, check for ticks. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect your return. Stay on the trail and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation Good to Know When hiking in Shenandoah, it’s always good to stay on the trail for your safety and for the protection of the natural and cultural resources. On Marys Rock, it’s particularly important! Fragile plants and lichens thrive in these rocky places.Take in the expansive views, but don’t forget to notice what’s underfoot to avoid crushing fragile plants and lichen! Fun to Know Like many of the Park trails, Marys Rock Trail was built by the “boys” of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). While you’re at the Park stop by Byrd Visitor Center (mile 52) to learn more about these young men who made Shenandoah what it is today! Hiking Difficulty Scale Easiest: Generally suitable for anyone who enjoys walking. Mostly level or with a slight incline. Generally less than 3 miles. Moderate: A moderate hike generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and may have some steeper sections. Generally 3 to 5 miles. Moderately Strenuous: Generally challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline. Generally 5 to 8 miles. Strenuous: Will challenge most hikers. The hike will generally be longer and steeper, but may be deemed strenuous because of the elevation gain. Generally 7 to 10 miles. Very Strenuous: Only well conditioned and well prepared hikers should attempt. Generally long and steep, and may include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other challenging terrain. Generally 8 miles and over. Trail maintenance and map funded by recreation fee dollars.