Hikes near New Market, Virginia
New Market, Virginia sits at a perfect crossroads between Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest, making it one of the best home bases for exploring all that the Shenandoah Valley has to offer. Whether you’re looking for peaceful family strolls, moderate mountain climbs, or challenging adventures, the New Market area has a trail for every skill level.
Below is a curated guide to the top hiking trails near New Market, organized by easy, medium, and hard, with mileage, elevation gain, and what to expect on each trail.
Little Nest, New Market is a great basecamp for all of these hikes and so much more that’s available to explore! And our cozy little tiny home has a full kitchen for early breakfasts before hitting the trail or cozy evenings with takeout after a day of hiking. Enjoy our outdoor fire pit after a full day and open a bottle of local VA wine to plan the next day’s adventures! We hope you use this list and start to plan your next great adventure to New Market and Little Nest!
Easy Trails
Storybook Trail
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Highlights:
- Fully accessible, paved trail
- Wooden footbridge and interpretive signs
- Stunning overlook of the Massanutten Mountain Range
- Best For: Families, beginners, guests with limited mobility.
This charming, scenic path is one of the area’s most popular easy walks—perfect for a quick outing. Perfect for a stopover on the way to/from Shenandoah or Luray!
Note: This trail is currently closed as of November 24th, 2025 due to fire damage. Please check the Forest Service site before your visit
New Market to Luray Nature Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Highlights:
- Quiet, peaceful woodland stroll
- Ideal for a morning jog or casual walk
- Close to town yet feels immersed in nature
This low-effort trail is excellent when guests want a relaxed outing without committing to a longer hike. Since this is in the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, pair this with learning more about the history of the area and enjoy the museum as well.
Fox Hollow Trail – Shenandoah National Park
- Distance: 1.2-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: ~310 ft
- Highlights:
- Rated “easiest” by Shenandoah National Park
- Gentle wooded loop with old homestead sites
- A great introduction to SNP trails
A perfect first stop if you’re wanting a calm, well-marked hike inside the national park. Close to the visitor’s center for bathroom breaks or souvenir stops too!
New Market Community Park
- Distance: less than .5 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: none
- Highlights:
- Not exactly a hike, but we do love to walk our pup at the New Market Community Park!
- They have a nice loop walking path that is great for a morning walk or at the end of the day
- The park also has a local swimming pool, tennis courts, and a playground
If you love feeling like you’re part of the community when you travel, a walk around the community park is definitely a recommendation! There’s always lots of people out and walking around with their dogs - plus it’s walking distance from Little Nest, New Market!
Medium Hikes
Bird Knob Trail to Emerald Pond
- Distance: 8.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~1,650 ft
- Highlights:
- Sweeping valley views
- Forest ridge walking
- Beautiful spring-fed Emerald Pond (great for wading or a picnic)
This trail starts with a steady climb, but the payoff is one of the most photogenic spots in the region.
Massanutten Trail to Yellow Cliffs Overlook
- Distance: 5.7–6.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~1,660 ft
- Highlights:
- Scenic ridge walk
- Dramatic cliffside overlook
- Quiet, less crowded than many Shenandoah viewpoints
A go-to moderate hike for guests who want rewarding views without a full-day trek.
Hard Hikes
Strickler Knob
- Distance: 5.6 miles (short route) or 9.1 miles (long route)
- Elevation Gain: 1,100–2,250 ft depending on route
- Highlights:
- Exciting rock scrambles
- 360° summit views
- One of the most dramatic overlooks in the Shenandoah region
Strickler Knob is a favorite for avid hikers looking for challenge and adventure.
Bird Knob to Browns Hollow Loop
- Distance: ~10.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~2,434 ft
- Highlights:
- Diverse forest ecosystems
- Long ridge lines and steep climbs
- A true full-day backcountry experience
Perfect for experienced hikers wanting something wild, long, and rewarding.
Kerns Mountain → Duncan Knob → Middle Mountain → Strickler Knob Loop
- Distance: ~18.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~3,894 ft
- Highlights:
- Multiple summits and rock scrambles
- Remote, rugged terrain
- Epic views along the Massanutten Ridge
This is the ultimate challenge! Great for backpackers or those wanting a bucket-list day hike.
Tips for Planning Your Hiking Adventures
- Start early to avoid heat in the summer and afternoon storms.
- Pack plenty of water—some trails have long, exposed ridge sections.
- Check trailhead parking, especially on weekends.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes; the Massanutten & Shenandoah mountains terrain is notoriously rocky.
- Cell service can be spotty, so download offline maps if possible.
- Book your stay early! Don't forget to book your stay early so that you have a great location and landing pad for your trip.
