FAVORITE RUNNING TRAILS
Shenandoah National Park:
Jeremy's Run - Technical and difficult trail. Long steep uphills, rocky sections of the trail, crossing creek several times. There are some very nice level stretches as well. This is a 14.7 mile loop.
Directions - From U.S. 211 turn onto Whispering Hill rd (next to Days Inn) go to Lyn-Mar, Rt 657 and turn right. Go .8 mile to stop sign, turn left, then turn right onto Elgin, Rt 611. Go 1.7 miles, turn right onto Hulse rd and go .5 mile to stop sign. Turn right onto Vaughn Summit and go 1.1 miles, cross bridge and park on right. Trail head is right next to the bridge.
Shenandoah River State Park:
Great trails for running! Single track mountain bike trails with some steep climbs but rolling trails on top of the ridge. Soft ground not many rocks. A really nice cinder trail that parallels the river! These trails are good for all levels and ages.
Directions - U.S. 340 N between Bentonville and Front Royal
Kennedy Peak:
Kennedy Peak trail is a two mile up and two miles back. Rollercoaster trail on soft ground with some rocky areas. The last half mile is very steep and very rocky. There is an observation tower on the top of the peak that overlooks the entire valley.
Directions - Turn north onto Broad street from the intersection of Broad and Main, downtown Luray. Then turn left onto Mechanic Street and follow that road for approx seven miles. Cross the Shenandoah River and turn left at the T intersection. Go approx 1/4 mile and turn right onto Ft Valley Rd. Go to top of mountain. Parking area on the left and trail head is right across the street.
Appalachian Trail:
The Appalachian Trail north from Thornton Gap is a long 1.8 mile climb to the Pass Mountain Hut. Once rocky spot, but the rest is nice running. Once you get on top of the ridge past Pass Mountain Hut the trail is fairly level with some roller costers. Great fun running back down!!
Directions: Leaving Luray go east on US 211 to Thornton Gap. Park in the old Panorama parking lot. Go to the Mary's Rock trail head, turn north and start running.
Wildflower Trail:
Go 211 West to the top of New Market Gap. There will be a ranger station on your left. Park in parking lot, trail head is below parking lot.
Massanutten Trail - East/West Connector: East Side
Go 211 West to the park and ride parking lot midway up the mountain. Walk across the road around the barrier and start running.
Massanutten Trail - East/West Connector: West Side
Some techincal running and some short steep climbs but all in all a very enjoyable running trail with roller coaster swells, great scenery also. This is our favorite trail!
