Little Stony Man and Stony Man – Two Scenic Summit Hikes in Shenandoah

Some mountain summits just keep calling us back. Little Stony Man and Stony Man in Shenandoah National Park are two of those places.

We’ve watched the sunset from these rocky overlooks, stood looking into a wall of fog where there should have been miles of mountain views and paused for a much-needed break in the summer heat during our 101-mile Appalachian Trail hike through Shenandoah.

We’ve visited in all four seasons, and each experience has been different.

Located in the central district of Shenandoah National Park, these neighboring summits offer views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. Several connecting trails make it possible to enjoy a short summit outing or a longer hike through the area.

Trailhead Parking & Access

Both summits are along Skyline Drive near Skyland in the central district of Shenandoah National Park. Thornton Gap Entrance, at milepost 31.5, is the closest entrance station. Drive south to either trailhead.

Little Stony Man Parking Area, near milepost 39.1, provides access to the Appalachian Trail and Little Stony Man cliffs. Stony Man Parking Area, near milepost 41.7, is the starting point for the shorter Stony Man loop and other connecting routes.

Parking can be limited on busy weekends, especially during fall foliage season. Visiting during quieter months often means fewer people on these popular trails.

Hiking Little Stony Man

From the Little Stony Man parking area, follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail south, then take the signed spur toward the cliffs. The route is short but includes rocks and uneven footing. At the overlook, the forest opens to broad views of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains.

Return to the parking area by retracing your route, or use the Appalachian Trail and nearby connections to make a longer outing. Check your map at each junction rather than assuming all connecting paths return to the same lot.

Hiking Stony Man Summit

At approximately 4,011 feet, Stony Man is Shenandoah National Park’s second-highest peak, after Hawksbill. The popular summit loop from the Stony Man parking area is approximately 1.6 miles with about 340 feet of elevation gain.

Begin on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and follow signs to the blue-blazed Stony Man Trail. The route climbs through forest to a broad rocky overlook with views across the Shenandoah Valley toward Massanutten Mountain. Continue around the signed loop to return to the parking area.

One evening, we left the pups behind and hiked to Stony Man to watch the sunset. On other visits, clouds have hidden the landscape entirely. Even when the view disappears, the experience reminds us why we keep coming back.

Important reminder: If you plan to watch the sunset on the cliffs, take a headlamp for the descent. The trail gets dark and you should never rely on your cell phone for light.

Longer Hiking Options – Connecting the Summits

One of our favorite loops in Shenandoah connects both Stony Man summits with the Passamaquoddy Trail. It’s approximately 3.5 miles when starting from the Stony Man parking area or from one of the Skyland lodge rooms near Furnace Spring. The loop is longer if you begin at the Little Stony Man parking area.

The route combines sections of the Appalachian Trail, Passamaquoddy Trail and connecting paths, taking hikers through forested slopes, rocky terrain and two scenic overlooks. The Passamaquoddy Trail follows the mountainside below the cliffs, offering a different perspective of the landscape.

We’ve hiked this loop in different seasons, and it’s one we continue to enjoy. For hikers looking for something beyond a short summit visit, it’s a wonderful way to experience both Stony Men in a single adventure. If you are hiking with dogs, use the Horse Trail as noted under the Hiking With Dogs section below.

Hiking in All Four Seasons

There is something to appreciate about these summits in every season. Summer brings green mountains and welcome shade in the forest, although exposed rocks can be hot. During our Appalachian Trail hike through Shenandoah, we were especially grateful for a chance to stop and rest.

Autumn brings changing colors, winter opens views through leafless trees and spring offers another look at the forest coming to life. Sometimes, regardless of season, the clouds roll in and there is nothing to see but fog.

Another benefit of hiking year-round is visiting beyond the busiest months. We have enjoyed days when the trails were quiet and we could linger at an overlook without crowds. In colder weather, check Skyline Drive closures and trail conditions before setting out.

Hiking With Dogs – Know the Trail Restrictions

Most Shenandoah National Park trails welcome leashed dogs, but the blue-blazed Stony Man Trail to the summit is one of the exceptions. The restriction applies year-round, even when the trail is empty.

There are other ways to explore the mountain with four-legged hiking companions. On one visit, we followed the Stony Man Mountain Horse Trail to the hitching area near the summit. We took turns visiting the overlook while the other stayed with our dogs on the permitted route. The hitching post is intended for horses, not for tying up dogs.

Little Stony Man is another option for hikers with dogs, using the permitted Appalachian Trail approach. Dogs must remain on a physical leash no longer than six feet. Always check the current National Park Service pet regulations and posted signs before hiking.

Official National Park Service Pet Information

Skyland Resort – A Scenic Stop Before or After Your Hike

Just down Skyline Drive from the Stony Man trailhead, Skyland Resort is a convenient place to stop for a meal, a drink or a little relaxation after your hike.

The Pollock Dining Room offers sit-down dining, while the Mountain Taproom provides a more casual setting. We usually find ourselves in the Taproom because our hiking adventures tend to put us on a rather unconventional dining schedule, with a late lunch around 3 p.m. or dinner well after the usual dinner hour. The menu offers a nice variety of food, including vegan and gluten-free options.

There’s also a grab-and-go counter for coffee, other beverages and pastries, perfect for a quick stop before heading back onto the trails.

Outside, patio tables offer a place to sit and enjoy the mountain scenery. It’s also a lovely spot to watch the sunset, even without hiking to a summit. You’ll find a gift shop and restrooms, too.

Want to stay a little longer? Skyland offers lodge rooms and cabins, including some pet-friendly accommodations.

Skyland operates seasonally, so check current opening dates, dining hours and lodging availability before your visit. Visit the official Skyland Resort website for details.

Trail Map & Details

Hike difficulty classifications (link)
Route type	Out and back or loop
Trail difficulty level	Moderate
Geographic location	Shenandoah National Park, Central Section
Trailhead parking options	Stony Man (milepost 41.7) or Little Stony Man (milepost 39.1) Parking Lot
Trail amenities	None. Restrooms available atSkyland Resort, milepost 41.7, or Big Meadows Resort, milepost 51 – Seasonal
Elevation – trailhead	4,011′ or 3,642′
Elevation – highest peak	4,051′
Elevation gain	650′ to 800′
Total mileage	1.7 to 3.5 miles depending on route
Water sources	None on the trail. Water available at Skyland Resort (milepost 41.7) or Big Meadows Resort (milepost 51)- Seasonal
Highlights	Rocky overlooks, valley views & Appalachian Trail access

About Shenandoah National Park – Exploring the Central District

The Central District of Shenandoah National Park stretches from Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap along Skyline Drive. This section includes some of the park’s highest peaks, popular hiking trails and familiar destinations, including Skyland, Big Meadows and Hawksbill Mountain. It’s also the oldest section of the park, where Shenandoah was officially dedicated in 1936. Near Stony Man, Skyline Drive reaches its highest elevation of 3,680 feet at the entrance to Skyland Resort.

An interesting bit of history: Stony Man takes its name from the mountain’s profile, which resembles an old man’s face when viewed from the north. Its rocky features are made of ancient volcanic greenstone. With short summit hikes, longer Appalachian Trail routes and scenic overlooks, the Central District offers a variety of adventures. Shenandoah has four entrance stations along Skyline Drive.

Visit the official Shenandoah National Park website for entrance fees, seasonal services and current park conditions.

Explore More Shenandoah Adventures

Whether you’re looking for a short summit hike or a longer adventure along the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah offers plenty of opportunities to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Little Stony Man and Stony Man, or the Little Stonymen, as I like to call them, have become two of our favorite places to return to in Shenandoah.

Ready for another adventure? Explore more of our Shenandoah National Park hiking adventures: