mary's rock summit trail

Mosske

Great view, not too far, but enough difficulty to make it a fulfilling challenge for the amateur hiker. About two hours round trip.

davidkX1225UM

One of those walks that seems to be going nowhere and then....bang, a view to die for. Persevere, it's well worth the effort

mountainsarecalling

First impressions are important. This was our first hike in Shenandoah and if left me with a great first impression of the aformentioned park. I would classify the trail as moderate (rocky sections and moderate grade) but not too difficult. At the top Mary's rock provided us with a view of the clouds beautifully streaming past.

Dryeguy

We hiked up from Skyline Drive via the Meadow Spring Trail. It's not a tough hike, but legs and lungs are required. The views are mostly of Appalachian forest before the summit. Note - On the way back, it is very easy to miss the marker for Meadow Spring Trail.

tigerstrike

The length of the hike was a good workout. The summit feels farther than it is on the trail with not much to see along the way. The summit has a nice clearing that presents good rock formations to further climb and explore. The (overlook) view is nice but not as breathtaking as often written. The upper rocks of the summit were accessible but were infested with swarms of flying ants which made it unpleasant to linger. Because of the intense afternoon sun, I would say this spot is good for early morning or late afternoon visits.

Deertwo

We hiked around 3.5 miles to an outcropping of rocks overlooking the valley. It was very pretty once we got there. There is some rock scrambling toward the end. There isn't much of a view on the way there so not sure I would recommend this trail.

kimhaist

I would say this is a medium difficulty hike, I see some say on here that it is easy, since the hike is mostly uphill I definitely would not rate that as easy. The hike was worth the views at the top, I think it only took me 2 hours round trip.

Rabbington

People really hype up this hike (they say easy and well worth it). Well, it is easy... but it's just a good bit of walking for not much of a reward. If you like the act of walking then it is short, but when you consider the view from the top is not as good as the view from some of the typical outcroppings along the drive... you are really just walking up a hill for an hour and a half.

Floyd_Cbtl

I recently visited his trail, with my friends for the labor day weekend. Its ideal in the sense that it can be rated as an eay trail, although the distance is 3.5 miles + for round trip.We happened to catch some awesome weather too, and the view from the top was worth the effort.Also, some rocks up there for some light rock climbing and photography.

43samm

The hike states it takes 3.5 hrs to complete-round trip. However, the trails are not bad and can be hiked at a fast pace. It only took us maybe 2 hrs, but we did go fast due to hunger! The view it totally worth it!

RStyczynski

Steep grade, but easy hike for active people! Well worth the walk up... Flat on top which makes it perfect to have lunch and relax overlooking the gully!! Gorgeous views, many hawks!

Backtotravel2013

Great afternoon hike, beautiful view. Good intro to the park as it is close to the northern end. Typical Shenandoah hike -- uphill in, then down hill out. No major rock scrambles except at peak.

realbigbear

This hike is a good introduction to Shenandoah National Park. The trailhead is right after (on the right going south) the Thornton Gap Entrance Station. I would rate the hike as Moderate---there is a lot of rock and elevation gain going up to Mary's Rock.

apdemas

It's a really steep hike up, but wow is it worth it. It's got gorgeous views of the entire Shenandoah Valley, and if it's foggy, there's this surreal feeling of watching the world disappear in front of you.

14AaN

A little steep, a little rocky, some straight stretches, some narrow passages, but very doable in about 3 to 3-1/2 hours.