Hiking
Two of Shenandoah's most legendary hikes are practically at the cottage's doorstep — the rock-scramble summit of Old Rag and the cascading pools of Whiteoak Canyon.
If you're staying with us, you're staying in one of the best basecamps in Virginia for hiking — two of Shenandoah National Park's most iconic trails are just minutes away.
Whiteoak Canyon (Lower Falls) is the closest and most convenient option, with the boundary trailhead only a short drive from the cottage. The hike to the lower falls is an easy 2-mile round trip with about 500 feet of elevation gain — perfect for a relaxed morning or an outing with kids. You'll pass cascades and swimming holes along the way, ending at the base of the falls. If you're up for more, the trail continues toward the upper falls (an 86-foot drop, the second-highest in the park), but that adds a steep 6-mile round trip and should only be attempted by prepared hikers.
Old Rag Mountain is the crown jewel of Shenandoah hiking, and also just a short drive from the cottage. This 9-mile circuit is strenuous — expect roughly 2,400 feet of elevation gain and about a mile of true rock scrambling near the summit, where you'll climb, crawl, and squeeze through boulders. The reward is a 360-degree summit view that's hard to beat anywhere in Virginia. Plan for 6-7 hours, start early to beat crowds and heat, and note that a separate Old Rag-specific ticket (in addition to park entrance) is required during peak season.
Beyond these two, Shenandoah offers over 500 miles of additional trails — from the easy boardwalk to Dark Hollow Falls to segments of the Appalachian Trail along Skyline Drive — so there's something for every ability level if you want to explore further during your stay.
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