Shenandoah National Park!

Marys Rock, The Pinnacle, and Buck Hollow! An Easy Side of Strenuous 9 Mile Hike with An Optional Post Hike Meal!

The hike over the Pinnacle to Marys Rock traverses the most spectacular section of the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park. The views are expansive and frequent. And hiking to a view is always more rewarding than driving to a view. Views open up shortly after you leave Jewell Hollow Overlook. The Pinnacle is outstanding and many Shenandoah hikers feel Marys Rock is the best vista in the entire park.Take this hike and find out for yourself. The view from the huge outcrop is panoramic and best views in winter when leaves are off of the trees for a crisp and clear view. The Choose your viewing spot. To the north, there are easy view of many blue Ridge peaks. The town of Luray and the Shenandoah Valley are visible to the west. Skilled climbers can walk to the highest rock an see in every direction. Decide for yourself if Marys Rock has the best view in the park but just be careful doing it!

Hike Pace

The pace for this hike will be a moderate pace and that of an average hiker (about 2.5-3.0 mph). If this is not a comfortable pace for you, then please join another hike today because this hike does not have multiple leaders like many of our do. We will not leave anyone behind but if you know upfront that you are a slower or much faster hiker, you might want to consider another hike just for comfort reasons. Please don't hesitate to contact the hike leader to help you make an informed decision if you are not sure as that is just one of the many reasons we are here for! The leader’s number is at the bottom of this listing.

Trail Information                

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Luray
Length: 9 total miles
Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Skill Level: Easy Side of Strenuous
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elevation:700 feet
Top Elevation:3,730 feet
Local Contacts: Shenandoah National Park
Topo Map: Marys Rock Topographic Map
Guide Book: None, this hike is from hikingupward

Note:Hike leaders and sweeps please use PATC map # 10, SNP, Central District for this hike as it has the most updated trails in this area. If you do not have it, please contact Kellie and I will send one to you to keep and if it is short notice I have the entire map, trip description, etc. scanned in as a .pdf as well. I want to give credit where credit is due, so once again, to clarify, this hike is from hikingupward.

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for the forecast of the area we will be hiking.

Carpool Information                 

There are 2 carpools for this hike!                 
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station.  Click here for directions to Savage Station.

DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meet at the Centreville Park and Ride. Click here for informationand directions to the Centreville location.

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

 Directions to the Trailhead                  

Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike.

Hike is at 9:00 a.m.                       

Carpool meetup time from Savage Station is 6:30 a.m.                       

Carpool meetup time at Centreville Park and Ride is 7:15 a.m.                

Gear Information

Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette . We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.

See you there and please take my number with you just in case...

Kenny T: [masked]