Favorite Trail

I am often asked by visitors, "What is the best trail in the Park?" That is an impossible question for anyone to answer. There are over 520 miles of trail in Shenandoah, leading to many different destination points. Waterfall hikes cannot be compared to vista hikes; vista hikes cannot be compared to hikes in the hollows. And nothing can be compared to Old Rag! Mother Nature herself alters the quality of a hike as well. Time of day, time of year, sunshine, rain, and temperature can alter a hiker's perception of a trail. Finally, "best" is a very subjective idea. What one person finds interesting or beautiful may not do much for another visitor. Certainly, Shenandoah has its "signature hikes"; Dark Hollow Falls, Stony Man and, of course, Old Rag come to mind. But these trails are not for everyone. I try to explain all of this to the visitors who innocently ask for a trail recommendation.

This explanation often prompts another question: "Well, what is your favorite trail?" Ah, now that is an entirely different question! That is something I can answer. I have hiked only a small fraction of the trails here in Shenandoah, but my favorite, hands down, is the 5-mile Sugarloaf loop. This trail, like any, isn't for everyone, but for those looking for variety and a hike that offers surprises and beauty in any season, this one's a gem!

This loop combines trails: the Appalachian, Sugarloaf, Pole Bridge Link, and Piney Branch. The section of the Appalachian Trail gives hikers a beautiful view of the valley from above the Hogback Overlook as well as lovely fern beds which seem to dance in the filtered sunlight of the canopy trees overhead. The Sugarloaf Trail is lined with mountain laurel, and in the late spring, their blossoms frame the path, creating a flowered archway for visitors to pass under. You can rest along a mountain stream on the Pole Bridge Link trail; in fact, there is a perfect "sitting rock" that just begs to be picnicked on. The Piney Branch trail runs through old apple orchard and past some old CCC areas. If one hikes here in the late summer/early fall, deer and black bear could be in the area enjoying the fruit. This area is great for all types of wildlife viewing. I have encountered bobcat, black bear and raccoon all within a span of one-half hour while hiking on this loop. I've heard or seen Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-eyed Vireos, and Rufous-sided Towhees here, too. There are other surprises on these paths, but I won't give them all away. Suffice it to say, I can't find a single thing to dislike about this trip. Rain or shine, hot or cold, spring, summer, or fall, the Sugarloaf loop is a treasure. I hope to see you out there!

Shenandoah National Park

Erin Brockmann

Seasonal Park Ranger, 2005