Luray is just 10 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Luray and offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of expertise. Whether you're staying at our Camp-Resort for a week or weekend, or just passing through Luray, we recommend checking out one of the many hiking trails this city has to offer. Keep reading for beginner, moderate, and difficult hiking trails near Luray to find one that's perfect for you!
Luray Caverns: Beginner - .6 Miles
The ever popular tourist destination, Luray Caverns, is also home to a small walking trail that leads to the historical caves at the end. Located only 8 minutes from Jellystone Park™ Luray, this short .6 mile out-and-back trail is great for families. As a tourist area, the trail can be fairly busy so don't expect to be the only ones on the trail when you go. This trail is open year-round but make sure to leave your furry friends at home as they are not allowed on the trail. If you're making the trip, book a tour through the caves while you're there!
Storybook Trail: Beginner - .7 Miles
Rated 4.5 stars, the Storybook Trail is an easy hike for beginners! Popular amongst birders and walkers, this out-and-back trail only takes an average of 14 minutes to complete. With its short distance and paved path, this trail is also great for families with young children. This trail is located just over 20 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Luray and is open year-round! Plus, dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash!
Stony Man Horse Trail: Moderate - 1.2 miles
Great for hiking, the Stony Man Horse Trail takes approximately 40 minutes to complete if you keep a steady pace. With the distance and the 301 ft of elevation, this trail is considerate moderately challenging. Located a half hour away from Jellystone Park™, plan an early morning hike and return to the park for relaxation.
Little Stony Man via Appalachian Trail: Moderate - 1.2 Miles
Little Stony Man Trail is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail great for not only hiking, but trail running and walking. With it's 1.2 mile distance and elevation of 337 ft, particpants should plan for it to take roughly 42 minutes to complete. This trail is located within Shenandoah National Park and requires a fee or an annual pass to enter, but provides beautiful views of the mountains. Plus, it's located under a half hour away from Jellystone Park™, making it a great hiking trail near Luray, VA!
Little Stony Man to Stony Man Loop: Moderate - 3.1 Miles
Enjoying the Little Stony Many Trail and want to continue further? Try the Little Stony Man Trail to Stony Many Loop for additional mileage and fun. With the additional mileage, and a higher elevation climb of 833 ft, this trail will take an hour and 46 minutes on average to complete. Be prepared and pack snacks, as well as hydration!
Gap Creek Trail to Duncan Knob: Moderate - 3.3 Miles
Enjoy this out-and-back trail located near Luray, Virginia and roughly 30 minutes outside of Jellystone Park™ Luray. Gap Creek Trail to Duncan Knob is moderately challenging with 1,040 ft of elevation gain and a 3.3 mile distance. Plan to take an average of just over 2 hours to complete the loop. This trail is a popular trail within the area but you can still find solitude in nature at quieter times. The best time to visit is from May to September making it a great day trip while camping at Jellystone Park™.
Dark Hollow and Rose River Falls: Moderate - 5.1 Miles
Dark Hollow and Rose River Falls trail is a moderately challenging hiking trail and the loop spans just over 5 miles. With the distance, and elevation of 1,443 ft, plan to take around 3 hours to complete the loop. But it's worth it! Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the forest and Rose River Falls waterfall. Leave the pups at home though as dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Massanutten Mountain Trail: Moderate - 5.1 Miles
A very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, the Massanutten Mountain Trail is a great trail if you're looking for a nice moderate challenge. With only 751 ft of elevation, it's not as high as some of the other nearby moderate trails but you still get a nice distance of 5.1 miles round trip. On average, the trail takes just over 2 hours to complete. Plus, it's located only 25 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Luray making it an easy day trip and great Luray hiking trail.
Strickler Knob Trail: Difficult - 5.4 Miles
Strickler Knob Trail is one of the more difficult trails in the Luray, VA area. The 5.4 mile out-and-back trail climbs 980 ft in elevation and takes an average of 2.5 hours to finish. Even with the dificulty, it is a popular trail for birding and hiking and offers less solitude than other trails. While the trail is open year-round and is beautiful regardless of when you visit, you will need to leave the dogs at home as it is not a dog friendly trail. Drive just 30 minutes from Jellystone Park™ and challenge yourself with a hike on Strickler Knob Trail.
Corbin Cabin and Nicholson Hollow Loop: Difficult - 16.9 Miles
The longest trail in the area, the Corbin Cabin and Nicholson Hollow Loop trail is considered a challenging route - understandably so with the 16.9 mile distance. Plus, not to mention the elevation gain of 3,326 ft! On average you should expect this hike to take 8 hours and 20 minutes - so it is not for the faint at heart nor the average family looking for a relaxing hike. Do try it if you are an avid hiker visiting the area looking for a fun challenge! Start the hike early in the morning and when you're done, drive 25 miles to Jellystone Park™ Luray to relax in a beautiful cabin. Dogs are allowed at both the trail and the park!
What are you waiting for?! It's time to explore one, multiple, or all of these Luray hiking trails to top off your family getaway. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks!
