Shenandoah · Easy · Out and back

Marys Rock from Thornton Gap

A steady climb up the Appalachian Trail from Thornton Gap to the bare rocks of Marys Rock, with a wide view west over the Shenandoah Valley.

Distance
3.6 mi (5.8 km)
Ascent
1,053 ft (321 m)
Time
About 2 h 30 min
High point
3,422 ft (1,043 m)
Grade
Easy

Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.

0 mi1 mi2 mi3 mi3,409 ft2,316 ft
Move along the height chart to see each point on the map.
Marys Rock from Thornton Gap
ShenandoahNPS · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The hike

The walk starts at the Panorama parking area at Thornton Gap, mile 31.6 on Skyline Drive, where US 211 crosses the ridge. The trailhead is at the back of the upper car park. A short connector path leads to the Appalachian Trail: turn left, heading south. The trail climbs steadily across the wooded slope in long, rocky traverses. At a trail post near the top, turn right on the short spur to the viewpoint on Marys Rock. Return the same way.

It is 3.6 miles (5.8 km) round trip with 1,050 feet (321 m) of climbing; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy on our scale, which goes by time, but the climb is steady all the way and the park rates it moderate and allows three and a half hours.

The summit is a knob of bare rock with a view over the Shenandoah Valley to Massanutten Mountain. There are steep drops around it and the rock is slippery when wet. Small areas are closed to protect rare plants, so keep to the worn rock.

You need a park entrance pass: $30 a vehicle for seven days, paid by card only. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. Skyline Drive is closed at times in snow and ice, but Thornton Gap can still be reached on US 211.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.

Good to know

  • Up the Appalachian Trail from Thornton Gap, where US 211 crosses Skyline Drive
  • A rocky knob at the top with one of the widest views in the north of the park
  • A steady climb all the way; the summit rocks need care when wet

Summits on the way

  • Marys Rock 3,514 ft (1,071 m)

Getting there

Start: Panorama parking area, Thornton Gap (mile 31.6). 38.65957, -78.32113

Directions to the start

Places to stay nearby

Rooms in and around Panorama parking area: Booking.com → Expedia →

Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.

Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.