Meadow Spring Trail Shenandoah National Park
For a hiking map of the area, visit NPS. Turn left at the next intersection and follow the trail for a short walk to the summit, where you will find a degree view that includes the Shenandoah Valley, surrounding mountains, and the Thornton Gap Entrance. Thanks to Larry W.
Best trails in Shenandoah National Park

This write-up details the hike from the Meadow Spring Trail Shenandoah National Park Spring Parking area, but there are alternate routes starting from the Panorama parking area 3. The Meadow Spring option is the shortest route to the summit, which is my preferred choice when hiking to see the sunset. Across the street from the parking area, the trail begins 50 yards south along Skyline Drive.
The Meadow Spring Trail is marked with blue blazes and is easy to follow. Look for the old homestead about halfway up. After reaching the junction with the Appalachian Trail, turn right and follow the white blazes. Turn left at the next intersection and follow the trail for a short walk to the summit, where you will find a degree view that includes the Shenandoah Valley, surrounding mountains, and the Thornton Gap Entrance.
The rock outcropping is a great place to eat lunch, especially if you chose one of the longer route options. It is also one of the best places in the park to watch the sunset. To return, retrace your steps back to the parking area be mindful of the trail junctions; you can easily miss a turn and end up at the Meadow Spring Trail Shenandoah National Park parking area!
Although Shenandoah National Park is open year-round, Skyline Drive may be closed in the winter due to weather conditions. Always check for closures before you head out! For a hiking map of the area, visit NPS.
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Turn left at the next intersection and follow the trail for a short walk to the summit, where you will find a degree view that includes the Shenandoah Valley, surrounding mountains, and the Thornton Gap Entrance. Around twenty-five yards from the start, the trail takes a sharp switchback to the left, keep your eyes open for the blue blazes to stay on the trail. To return, retrace your steps back to the parking area be mindful of the trail junctions; you can easily miss a turn and end up at the wrong parking area! You may also add your best guess as to the building that it was attached to or any other information about the location that you may have.