- Highlights: Views, Stony Man, Mary’s Rock
- Distance: 9.5 miles point to point
- Elevation Change: 1,522 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt and rocks
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Trailhead Parking: Skyland Resort, Skyline Drive MP 42
- Trail Markings: White blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: Shenandoah National Park
- Beer Pairings: Hopkins Ordinary—Innkeepers’ IPA & Second Breakfast Stout
Trail Map:
The Hike:
This last leg of the four day inn to inn hike in Shenandoah National Park may have the best views. Follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail north from Skyland Lodge. The AT soon reaches the Stony Man Trail where a .8 mile loop climbs to the summit. The views from Stony Man are well worth the added mileage.
Continuing north on the AT, the trail passes over the Little Stony Man summit with some great views of Stony Man to the south and the valley below. parking area. Continue north on the AT as the trail begins the climb to the rocky summit of The Pinnacle. The AT then passes beside Byrds Nest #3, one of four stone shelters donated to the park by Senator Harry F. Byrd.
A .1 mile spur trail on the left leads to Mary’s Rock, one of the most popular vistas in the park. The views from Mary’s Rock seem to get better every time we visit. Return to the AT and follow the trail northbound as it descends to the Panorama parking area. This is a great place to meet your shuttle or pick up your second vehicle.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Hopkins Ordinary in Sperryville is about 15 minutes from the Thornton Gap SNP entrance station. Hopkins Ordinary is a bed & breakfast with an in-house brewery. They have 9 taps of craft beer, indoor and outdoor seating, and dogs are welcome outside.
Kathy liked the Innkeepers’ IPA (6.7% ABV • 54 IBU), a medium hopped IPA made with centennial, citra, and cascade hops. It was a tasty, well balanced beer. Pete also liked the Second Breakfast Stout (4.6% ABV), a coffee-oatmeal-milk stout brewed with beans from Sperryville’s own Central Coffee Roasters. Hoppy trails.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.