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Dickey Ridge Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (20)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. North District
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“A pleasant loop visiting many remnants of Shenandoah National Park's agricultural past. ”

Luke AT
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Map Key

4.9

Miles

7.9

KM

Loop

2,433' 742 m

High

1,720' 524 m

Low

833' 254 m

Up

829' 253 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The route visits many remnants of the park's former agricultural past, including an old farm cemetery and the Snead Farmstead where an intact barn still remains. On the return leg along the Dickey Ridge Trail, a great view of the Browntown Valley is had just below the Dickey Ridge summit.

Description

From the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, head east across Skyline Drive, proceed through meadow to Dickey Ridge Trail and bear left. In 0.3 mi., bear right onto Fox Hollow Trail. Though each trail segment is fairly short, you'll enjoy the shaded route. The trees are dense in this area, and you'll be able to slow down to appreciate the mixed beech and oak forests.

At mile 1.2, rejoin Dickey Ridge Trail and bear right. You'll only be on the Dickey Ridge Trail for a short way, but enjoy the scenery along the way. At mile 1.7, bear left onto Snead Farm Loop Trail and in 0.8 mi. arrive at Snead Farm. This part of the trail is gently rolling, but you'll be gaining elevation here.

At mile 3.2 rejoin Dickey Ridge Trail ad bear right and in 0.3 mi., pass the Browntown Valley overlook. This is a great place to stop to catch your breath as you appreciate the view.

At mile 4.3, bear left onto access road and proceed across Skyline Drive to foothpath through Dickey Ridge picnic area to visitor center.

Contacts

Local Club: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Oct 9, 2024: Remembering Ryan Jones

Sep 30, 2024: Hurricane Helene Cleanup Efforts

Sep 9, 2024: Together on the Trail: Mary and Thomas Jorgensen

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Luke AT with improvements by Carole Rice
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 20 votes

#4

in North District

#1401

Overall
  4.1 from 20 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
65%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in North District

#48

in Virginia

#1,401

Overall
37 Views Last Month
8,290 Since Nov 25, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

More fog along Dickey Ridge.
Dec 21, 2015 near Front R…, VA
View from the top.
Jul 22, 2019 near Front R…, VA
Dickey Ridge
Sep 25, 2016 near Front R…, VA
You'll enjoy scenic views of the forest and its undergrowth on the Dickey Ridge Trail.
Dec 21, 2015 near Front R…, VA
Fox Hollow Trail at Dickey Ridge.
Dec 21, 2015 near Front R…, VA

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 21 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 3, 2022
Kevin D
13h 06m
Apr 17, 2022
Bernhard Biermann
Mar 15, 2022
J H
Last of snow from 2 days ago melting on the north-facing slopes.... 4mi
Feb 21, 2022
Xiaoyi Yuan
Aug 22, 2021
Kiun Pan
Feb 6, 2021
Madi Ward
Jan 18, 2021
Courtney J
Nice walk with Caper, although a little muddy on the Fox Hollow trail 4.9mi — 1h 56m
Oct 4, 2020
Morgan B
Nice walk in the woods, wildflowers and deer — 1h 30m

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