Outbound Collective logo

Mary's Rock via Meadow Spring Parking Area

Luray, Virginia

4.6/5
based on 10 reviews

Details

Distance

2.75 miles

Elevation Gain

640 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Sarah Giek

A beautiful hike with expansive views of Shenandoah National Park and the valley below.

Mary’s Rock is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance in Shenandoah National Park’s Central District. This write-up details the hike from the Meadow Spring Parking area, but there are alternate routes starting from the Panorama parking area (3.7 miles round trip), Jewell Hollow Overlook (6 miles round trip) and Buck Hollow parking area (9 miles round trip). The Meadow Spring option is the shortest route to the summit, which is my preferred choice when hiking to see the sunset.

The Meadow Spring Parking area is just past the Hazel Mountain Overlook on Skyline Drive, at mile 33.6. Across the street from the parking area, the trail begins 50 yards south along Skyline Drive. The Meadow Spring Trail is marked with blue blazes and is easy to follow. Most of your elevation gain will be on this first stretch of the hike, which is 0.6 miles in length. Look for the old homestead about halfway up.

After reaching the junction with the Appalachian Trail, turn right and follow the white blazes. This section of the trail is mostly flat and will provide a few viewpoints before reaching the Mary’s Rock Lookout Trail. Turn left at the next intersection and follow the trail for a short walk to the summit, where you will find a 180 degree view that includes the Shenandoah Valley, surrounding mountains, and the Thornton Gap Entrance. The rock outcropping is a great place to eat lunch, especially if you chose one of the longer route options. It is also one of the best places in the park to watch the sunset. To return, retrace your steps back to the parking area (be mindful of the trail junctions; you can easily miss a turn and end up at the wrong parking area!)

Although Shenandoah National Park is open year-round, Skyline Drive may be closed in the winter due to weather conditions. Always check for closures before you head out! If you’re thru-hiking, Byrd’s Nest Shelter #3 is 0.7 miles south of the junction with the Meadow Spring Trail on the Appalachian Trail and is available for overnighters.

For a hiking map of the area, visit NPS.gov (or ask for one at the park entrance).

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Scenic

Mary's Rock via Meadow Spring Parking Area Reviews

Due to its location right next to the Thornton Gap entrance, expect a lot of hiking traffic. I hiked it from the Panorama parking area, and the ascent is gradual but steep at times. A good aspect of this hike is the size of the summit-there is room to climb up some of the rocks and spread out so it doesn't feel as crowded. The views to the north are just gorgeous!

The one real negative on this hike is it is so close to the Thorton Gap entrance, you get a lot of road noise while hiking and from the summit. The views are great and it is an easy trail to find as it is right at the Panorama Station.

Worth it 100% A moderate hike well worth the effort.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Hazel Falls in Shenandoah National Park

Photograph Hazel Mountain Overlook

Photograph Buck Hollow Overlook

Photograph Pinnacles Overlook

Mary's Rock via Appalachian Trail

Photograph Jewell Hollow Overlook