Hiking Around Harrisonburg

One of the biggest benefits to living in Harrisonburg is the outdoor activities that the surrounding area offers. One of the most popular activities is hiking within the area. Below is a list of 10 of the best hikes within an hour and a half of Harrisonburg. This list is limited to hikes that are free so the plethora of hikes offered in Shenandoah National Park are not included. Distance is calculated from Harrisonburg City Hall. Hikes are listed in order of distance not quality.
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Fridley’s Gap

• Fridley Gap, Stonewall, VA 22802
• Intermediate
• ​25 mins from Harrisonburg
• 9.5 Mile loop or a 3-4 mile hike if you cross the river at the campsites and go to the top and back - research this heavily if you want to do the short hike. You can miss some turns but in general always turn right when going up.
• Swimming hole

Strickler’s Knob

• Crisman Hollow Rd Rte 211, Luray, VA 22835
• 41 Minutes from Harrisonburg
• Advanced
• Challenging rock hopping/scramble with beautiful 360 degree views at the top

Hawksbill Trail

• 3655 Hwy 211 E, Madison County, VA 22835
• 48 Minutes from Harrisonburg
• Intermediate
• Steep 1.5 mile hike out and back with beautiful 360 degree views.

Big Schloss

• Wolf Gap Recreation Area, Wardensville, WV 26851
• 54 minutes from Harrisonburg
• Intermediate
• 4.3 mile up and back hike with a small rock scramble and beautiful bridge at the top

Tibbet Knob

• Wolf Gap Recreation Area, Wardensville, WV 26851
• 54 minutes from Harrisonburg
• Intermediate
• 3.1 mile up and back hike with gorgeous views at the top.

Humpback Rock

• Humpback Gap Overlook, Afton, VA 22920
• Intermediate
• 1 hour and 5 mins from Harrisonburg
• Relatively short two mile hike but with a significant increase in elevation gain. Views at the top.

Crabtree Falls

• 11581 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Montebello VA, 24464
• Intermediate
• 1 hr and 6 minutes
• 3.5 mile hike up and down with several scenic waterfalls along the way. Lookout on top.

Spy Rock

• Spy Rock, Massies Mill, VA 22976
• Intermediate
• 1 hour and 7 minutes away
• Mile and a half of hiking out and back  with 1200 ft elevation gain, 360 degree views at the top.

House Mountain

• 20 Rainbow Ln, Lexington, VA 24450
• Advanced
• 1 hr and 11 minutes from Harrisonburg
• Consists of two out and back hikes for a combined 8.75 miles. One can do less if they so choose.

White Oak Canyon Trail

• Weakley Hollow Rd, Syria VA, 22743
• Intermediate
• 1 hr and 23 minutes away
• 4.6 mile hike with waterfalls - varied parking if you want to make it shorter