Stony Man

Stony Man is the kind of hike that makes you look good — short enough to do in sandals (though please don't), rewarding enough to make everyone think you're a serious hiker. From the trailhead at Mile 41.7 on Skyline Drive, a well-groomed path winds through a quiet hardwood forest before opening onto rocky outcrops at the summit — the second-highest point in Shenandoah. The payoff is a panoramic sweep of the Shenandoah Valley with Massanutten Mountain splitting the distance like a spine. On clear days, the view stretches so far west you'll swear you can see the curve of the earth. The elevation gain is gentle enough that your heart rate barely registers, and the whole thing clocks in under an hour at a leisurely pace. Perfect for families, anyone short on time, or hikers who believe the best views should come cheap.