Stony Man Mountain from Pinnacles Picnic Area

Join me for a strenuous hike (8.9 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain) along the Appalachian Trail (AT) and nearby trails in the central district of Shenandoah National Park.

The hike begins at the Pinnacles Picnic Area, which is located at milepost 36.7 on Skyline Drive. From the picnic area, we'll follow the AT southbound for about 2.7 miles to the Passamaquoddy Trail. We'll then take the Passamaquoddy Trail and the Furnace Spring Trail to the Stony Man Parking Area. From the Stony Man Parking Area we'll head northbound along the AT until it intersects with the Stony Man Trail, which we'll follow to Stony Man Lookout for our lunch break about 5 miles into our hike.

After our lunch break enjoying the views from Stony Man Lookout, we will descend to the AT and then hike northbound along the AT back to the Pinnacles Picnic Area. The total round-trip distance is almost 9 miles, and the elevation gain is about 2,000 feet. It is important to be aware of the elevation gain and to be prepared for some strenuous sections of the trail.

Here are details for this event:

• Distance: 8.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
• Pace: ~2.5 miles/hour
• Difficulty: Strenuous (hiking difficulty scale)
• Start time: 9:30 a.m.
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/stony-man-mountain-from-pinnacles-picnic-area-250b164
• Trailhead parking: Pinnacles Picnic Area (Skyline Drive mile 36.7)
• Parking coordinates: 38.623523, -78.343585

What to bring

Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring backpack, hiking poles, food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent. Dress for the weather, including hat, gloves, layers, and rain gear as needed.

Dogs

No dogs are allowed on this hike as pets are prohibited on the Stony Man Trail.

Park entrance / parking fees

You are required to pay an entrance fee or present your "America the Beautiful" park pass in order to access Shenandoah National Park.

Rehydration

The Black Twig Diner & Bar, 12018 Lee Hwy, Sperryville, VA 22740

Weather

Here's a National Weather Service URL you can use to check the 7-day weather forecast at the trailhead (Pinnacles Picnic Area).

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.623523&lon=-78.343585

In case of poor or severe weather, this hike will be postponed.

Disclaimer

Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following Disclaimer / Liability Waiver.