Day Itinerary
4 Activities
Day 2
174 mi
Hike the Shenandoah
One drive through Shenandoah isn't enough. Today, you'll hike a path to Mary's Summit, which has beautiful, sweeping views of the park.
You'll also visit one of the top wineries in a state filled with amazing wineries. On the way home, drive through the park again and stop wherever your heart desires.
Don't forget to pack some snacks for your hike in the morning.
You'll also visit one of the top wineries in a state filled with amazing wineries. On the way home, drive through the park again and stop wherever your heart desires.
Don't forget to pack some snacks for your hike in the morning.
12.5 mi
25 min
08:304 hrs
Jewell Hollow Overlook
Hiking Trail
Open Details
It's time to see the beauty of the Shenandoah. There are a ton of paths you can hike in this National Park, but one of the most beautiful is called Mary's Rock. It offers sweeping mountain views of the Shenandoah, but is less crowded and less strenuous than the incredibly popular Old Rag Mountain.
Begin this hike by parking in one of the lots at the Jewell Hollow Overlook, at mile 36.5 of Skyline Drive. Once you've parked, walk alongside the road (keeping mindful of the cars) until you find the connector trail. There will be a marker post showing you the way.
After about 0.1 miles of hiking, turn right on the Appalachian Trail. The rest of the path will take you directly to the summit of Mary's Rock, with spectacular views. (Along the way, you'll also come across an old AT hut with a picnic table, if you want to stop for a snack.)
This hike is about 6.5 miles and moderately difficult.
Begin this hike by parking in one of the lots at the Jewell Hollow Overlook, at mile 36.5 of Skyline Drive. Once you've parked, walk alongside the road (keeping mindful of the cars) until you find the connector trail. There will be a marker post showing you the way.
After about 0.1 miles of hiking, turn right on the Appalachian Trail. The rest of the path will take you directly to the summit of Mary's Rock, with spectacular views. (Along the way, you'll also come across an old AT hut with a picnic table, if you want to stop for a snack.)
This hike is about 6.5 miles and moderately difficult.
38.5 mi
1 hr
13:302 hrs
Early Mountain Vineyards
Restaurant
Open Details
Early Mountain Vineyards is one of the top wineries in a state filled with amazing wineries.
In the 2021 Virginia Governor's Cup competition, four Early Mountain wines received gold medals and five more earned silver medals. If the wine wasn't enough of a reason to visit (and to be clear, it is), this vineyard also has a full restaurant menu crafted from seasonal produce from local farms.
After lunch, it'll be easiest if you enter Skyline Drive through the Swift Run Gap Entrance. Drive up to the Front Royal entrance and head back home.
In the 2021 Virginia Governor's Cup competition, four Early Mountain wines received gold medals and five more earned silver medals. If the wine wasn't enough of a reason to visit (and to be clear, it is), this vineyard also has a full restaurant menu crafted from seasonal produce from local farms.
After lunch, it'll be easiest if you enter Skyline Drive through the Swift Run Gap Entrance. Drive up to the Front Royal entrance and head back home.
18.7 mi
30 min
16:001 hr 30 min
Swift Run Gap Entrance Station
Other Great Outdoors
Open Details
On your way back home, drive through Skyline Drive again and stop wherever your heart desires. There are overlooks along the entire road, where you can pull aside, stop, and enjoy the view.
104.3 mi
2 hrs
19:301 hr 30 min
The Block
Bar
Open Details
The Block in Annandale, Virginia, was one of the first Asian food halls in the DMV. Since you're driving through Northern Virginia anyway, stop by and check it out. If you're not hungry yet, go to SnoCream, which serves a Taiwanese twist on traditional ice cream. You won't go wrong with any of the flavors.