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Last updated: May 2026
Introduction: Best Hiking Trails Near Harrisonburg, VA
If you’re looking for great hiking trails near Harrisonburg, VA, you’re in the right place. I love this corner of the Shenandoah Valley. The trails go from short waterfall walks to all day rock scrambles. Most are less than an hour from town.
Below are 9 of my favorite hikes within easy driving distance. Each hike has a short rundown so you can pick the right trail for your day. I’ve included quick stats too:
- Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, or Hard
- Trail type: Loop or Out and back
- Distance
- Elevation gain
- Whether dogs are welcome
Here’s a quick tip before you hit the trails. Many of these hikes sit inside Shenandoah National Park or another federal area. If you visit national parks more than once or twice a year, an America the Beautiful pass often pays for itself.
For maps, trail conditions, and recent reviews, I use AllTrails. The free version is fine for most hikes. The premium plan adds offline maps, which I recommend for trails with weak cell service.
Looking for a place to stay near the trails? Check rates here:
Early Harrisonburg
Before European settlers arrived, the area around Harrisonburg was home to different first peoples. The tribes included the:
Each tribe had its own culture and way of life. They were deeply connected to the land and the resources it provided.
The first peoples around Harrisonburg lived close to nature. They hunted, fished, and gathered for food.
The native peoples had a strong sense of community and lived in small villages. They grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. Daily life centered around shared work, storytelling, and spiritual ceremonies.
The first peoples faced hardships when European settlers arrived. Many native communities were displaced or pushed aside.
Forced relocation, conflict, and disease caused a steep decline in tribal populations. Today, descendants of these tribes work to keep their cultural heritage and identity alive.
Modern Harrisonburg
The first European settlers were mostly German and Scotch-Irish immigrants. They came looking for new opportunities and a better life.
Settlers also came from Pennsylvania and Maryland. They brought their own traditions and farming know how.
Harrisonburg, Virginia was founded in 1779. The city was named after Thomas Harrison, a settler who ran a tavern and a store in the area.
The city grew into a regional hub for trade and commerce. Its early economy was built on farming, milling, and livestock.
Today, Harrisonburg has a diverse economy. The city is home to manufacturing, education, healthcare, and technology.
The downtown is full of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Harrisonburg also has a thriving arts and culture scene with galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city hosts events all year long.
Visiting Harrisonburg
Downtown Harrisonburg has boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts that help you have a charming visit. You can also choose modern hotels and motels along the major highways. They give you easy access to the city and its attractions.
Harrisonburg has a fun food scene too. You’ll find farm to table eateries, international cuisine, and local breweries downtown.
According to TripAdvisor, the top three local restaurants include:
For a fun night out, you’ll also find bars, pubs, and live music venues with a lively scene.
Harrisonburg Outdoors
Nature lovers and hikers will find plenty of trails near Harrisonburg. The city is surrounded by the Shenandoah Valley, with stunning landscapes and some of the best hiking in Virginia.
Shenandoah National Park is a short drive away. The park gives you access to the famous Appalachian Trail, with big views and plenty of room to explore.
You’ll also find great trails in the George Washington National Forest. The forest has scenic paths and hidden waterfalls.
The Massanutten Mountain Range adds even more options. These trails often open up to wide views of the valley below.
Harrisonburg blends a rich heritage with a thriving modern community. Between the history, the food, the downtown, and the outdoor beauty, it’s a great spot for both visitors and the locals who live here.
Best Hiking Trails Near Harrisonburg, VA:
- Dark Hollow Falls
- Fox Hollow Loop
- Fridley Gap
- High Knob Tower Trail
- Old Rag Mountain
- Reddish Knob
- Riprap Loop
- Sawmill Loop
- South River Falls & South River Fire Road Loop
Dark Hollow Falls
Description
Enjoy a great waterfall at the end of this short trail. You can dip your feet in the pools at the base if it’s a warm day. The trail has lots of rocks and is steep on the return. Bring your hiking poles!
CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out and back
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 587 feet
- Dogs: No
Fox Hollow Loop
Description
This hike takes about 2.5 hours to finish. The trail is well marked and well kept. It winds through the woods and opens to a gorgeous view at the top.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 830 feet
- Dogs: No
Fridley Gap
Description
Take this trail if you want a quiet, peaceful hike. Be ready to cross a few streams. Bring bug spray when the bugs are out.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out and back
- Distance: 4.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 984 feet
- Dogs: No
High Knob Tower Trail
Description
The trail is steep, but you get great views when you reach the top of the tower. It’s a well marked and well kept trail.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out and back
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 682 feet
- Dogs: On leash
Old Rag Mountain
Description
Be ready to scramble over rocks, and be ready for amazing views. Most hikers find the rock scramble challenging. The best months to hike Old Rag are May through October.
Important: Shenandoah National Park requires a day use ticket for Old Rag from March 1 through November 30. Get yours ahead of time at Old Rag Day Use Ticket (recreation.gov). Tickets are limited and often sell out on weekends.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 9.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,595 feet
- Dogs: No
Reddish Knob
Description
Hike this trail for a quiet, peaceful day hike with modest views from the top.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out and back
- Distance: 5.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,036 feet
- Dogs: No
Riprap Loop
Description
Riprap Loop is challenging, but it has a lot to offer. You’ll get great views, climbs, woods, water, and swimming holes. Bring your hiking poles for the water crossings.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 9.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,116 feet
- Dogs: On leash
Sawmill Loop
Description
This trail has the best views in winter. In spring, the woods fill with mountain laurel and wildflowers.
Be ready for water crossings. You won’t see many other hikers, but your pup will have a fun day.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 695 feet
- Dogs: On leash
South River Falls & South River Fire Road Loop
Description
You’ll see lots of wildflowers in season. The falls might be the prettiest in Shenandoah Park. Watch your step for snakes, including rattlesnakes and copperheads.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out and back
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,272 feet
- Dogs: On leash
What to Bring on These Trails
A few of these hikes have water crossings, rock scrambles, and weak cell service. Here’s what I always carry:
- Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip
- Two liters of water per person
- A trail snack like nuts or jerky
- Bug spray, especially for Fridley Gap and Sawmill Loop
- A small first aid kit
- Hiking poles for rocky trails and water crossings
Most of this gear is on Amazon at fair prices. Browse my hiking gear picks on Amazon for more of what I actually use on the trail.
Summary: Best Hiking Trails Near Harrisonburg, VA
Harrisonburg makes a great base for hiking the Shenandoah Valley. Whether you want a short waterfall hike like Dark Hollow Falls or a full day challenge like Old Rag, you’ve got plenty to pick from.
My advice? Pick one trail that fits your day and your pace, check the weather, pack water and snacks, and go for a hike. The valley has a way of drawing you in.
Where to Stay
Check rates for places to stay near the Harrisonburg trails:
Consider an America the Beautiful pass. If you visit our national parks more than once or twice a year, the pass quickly pays for itself.
For more information about hiking near Harrisonburg, check AllTrails. The free app has helpful info. The premium app adds offline maps and more, which is great for trails with weak cell service.
Amazon has affordable, durable hiking gear. If you need to refresh yours, take a look:
If you want to see more of my hiking gear picks, head to my Amazon storefront. I keep it updated with the items I actually use on the trail.
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