Biking at Shenandoah River State Park
(540) 622-6840
350 Daughter of Stars Drive
Bentonville, VA 22610
Latitude: 38.854777
Longitude: -78.306552
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Allen's Mountain Trail
The Allen's Mountain Trail is a 3.2 mile moderate difficulty trail for hiking and biking. The trail weaves through wooded, mountainous terrain, taking users to the highest point in the park on Allen's Mountain. The Campbell's Jump trail can be accessed from Allen's Mountain to offer a shorter hike for those that do not wish to traverse the summit. This trail is accessible from the Cottonwood Trail that begins at the Massanutten Shelter parking area.
Blaze Color: Silver
Usage:
- Length: 3.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Bear Bottom Loop Trail
Bear Bottom Loop Trail is a 5.4 mile round trip, difficult, multi-use trail. This trail begins at the horse trailer parking area and roughly follows the topographic contour lines skirting beautiful creek bed hollows. Big Oak Trail can be accessed about half way through the loop. The upper portion offers scenic winter views of the Massanutten Mountains. Black bear and deer have been observed in this area. The switchbacks that follow the terrain make this trail feel like a real walk in the wilderness. While this is one of the most enjoyable trails in the park, hikers should allow 2 to 3 hours to complete the trail and be sure to take plenty of water.
Blaze Color: Teal
Usage:
- Length: 5.4
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Gravel
Big Oak Trail
Big Oak is a 1.7 mile, multi-use trail, with a moderate difficulty rating. The trail is located on the west side of the park and offers access to the Tulip Poplar, Redtail Ridge and Shale Barrens trails. Access to the Big Oak Trail can be gained from either the Cullers or Bear Bottom Loop trails. The trail is wooded with many types of oak trees and in the spring, many species of wildflowers can be seen here.
Blaze Color: White
Usage:
- Length: 1.7
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Bluebell Trail
The Bluebell Trail is a 1 mile, easy trail for hiking and biking that passes through a relatively flat, wooded area, next to the south fork of the Shenandoah River. Along the trail there are numerous access points where users can take a break and cool off in the shallows. In the early spring, Virginia Bluebells cover the forest floor along the sides of the trail. Other wildflowers that bloom on this trail include Mayapple, Dutchman's Breeches, Bloodroot, Spring Beauty and Spiderwort. There are a large number of broad-leafed paw paw trees throughout the park and especially here. This trail is accessible from the day use area near shelter 1. It is also accessible from the Hemlock Hollow and River Trails.
Blaze Color: Light Blue
Usage:
- Length: 1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Campbell's Jump Trail
The Campbell's Jump Trail is a .4 mile, easy trail for hiking and biking. This trail bypasses the upper portion of Allen's Mountain, offering a shorter hike for those that do not wish to traverse the summit. The trail is named after a family that once lived on what is now the park property. This trail is wooded and fairly flat, crossing areas of rock with blueberry bushes and mountain laurel along the path.
Blaze Color: Magenta
Usage:
- Length: 0.4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Campground Trail
The Campground Trail is a 0.6 mile, moderate trail for hiking and biking. The Campground trail connects to the Overlook trail, providing guests staying at the RV campground access to both the Cullers Overlook and the visitor center. The trail is wooded and deer are often sighted in this area.
Blaze Color: Purple
Usage:
- Length: 0.6
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Cottonwood Trail
The Cottonwood Trail is a 2.3 mile round trip hike. The easy, multi-use trail is accessible from the Massanutten Shelter Parking area. In addition, the Primitive Campground has a separate access point to the trail for registered campers. The trail passes through a wooded area before you reach the boardwalk loop that circles through a wetland area with vernal pools. This quiet corner of the park offers great opportunities for spotting wildlife. In springtime, the vernal pools serve as a breeding ground for salamanders, damselflies, frogs and Fairy Shrimp. Large Cottonwood trees and wildflowers such as Wild Geranium and Jack-in-the Pulpit can be observed here. Several other trails, including Wildcat Ledge, Point and Allen's Mountain, can be accessed from this trail.
Blaze Color: Dark Blue
Usage:
- Length: 1.4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalk
Culler's Trail
Culler's Trail is a 2.6 mile, easy, multi-use trail. Visitors can access the trail from the horse trailer parking area and walking a short distance up the Bear Bottom Loop Trail. This trail can also be accessed from the Cabin area, RV campground and near the Bentonville low water bridge at the southwest end of the park. This trail winds through a wooded area with a dirt surface before crossing Overnight road. The trail continues on with a gravel surface as it passes through fields overlooking the Shenandoah River, offering great views of the Massanutten mountains. As the trail passes an area known as a Shale Barren, many endemic wildflowers can be seen at this location. The River, Shale Barrens and Big Oak trails can be directly accessed from Culler's Trail.
Blaze Color: Orange
Usage:
- Length: 2.6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Gravel
Hemlock Hollow Trail
The Hemlock Hollow Trail is a .5 mile, moderate difficulty hiking and biking trail. It passes through wooded hillsides and over several bridges near the park's visitor center. There are rewarding views of the mountains, as well as tall stands of Eastern Hemlock trees. American toads are often observed along this trail and many trees here are marked by woodpecker cavities. The trail may be accessed from the Bluebell Trail, but users should be aware of sharp inclines when beginning from this location.
Blaze Color: Green
Usage:
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Overlook Trail
The Overlook Trail is a .5 mile, easy trail for hiking and biking, that runs between the Cullers Overlook and the visitor center. It is a wide, fairly flat, dirt trail that offers beautiful views of the Shenandoah River and Massanutten mountains. The Campground and Hemlock Hollow trails can be accessed from this trail as well.
Blaze Color: Burgundy
Usage:
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Point Trail
The Point Trail is a 2.2 mile, moderate difficulty trail for hiking and biking that is accessible from the Cottonwood Trail in two locations. This quiet and serene trail climbs through hardwood forest and experiences several changes in elevation as it weaves through ravines and hilly terrain.
Blaze Color: Gold
Usage:
- Length: 2.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Redtail Ridge Trail
The Redtail Ridge Trail is a 1 mile, easy difficulty multi use trail that is accessible from the Big Oak and Shale Barrens Trails. From either direction the trail follows the ridge top and features some of the best views in the park. This trail also features a observation area a short distance from the main trail. This beautiful location in a saddle along the ridge features a hitching post available to equestrian users. For the most dynamic views and incredible fall foliage, this trail is a must.
Blaze Color: Red
Usage:
- Length: 1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
River Trail
The River Trail is a 2.1 mile, flat, easy, multi use trail that is accessible from Culler's Trail in several places and provides access to the Bluebell Trail. As the name suggests, this trail parallels the Shenandoah River as it runs through flat rolling fields and areas of wildflowers, such as teasel, which attract many butterflies. The trail is mostly fine gravel, though some places have rocky sections, which might be difficult for some bikes and horses. Users should exercise care.
Blaze Color: Dark Green
Usage:
- Length: 2.1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Gravel
Shale Barrens Trail
The Shale Barrens is a .5 mile, difficult, multi-use trail. When accessed from the Cullers Trail, it is a steady climb up and around a ridge that has been cut through shale deposits on a steep hillside. The shallow soil and exposed shale are home to some unusual plants and wildflowers such as Prickly Pear and Wild Columbine. For an easier hike, visitors can access the trail from either Redtail Ridge or Big Oak trail.
Blaze Color: Gray
Usage:
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth
Tulip Poplar Trail
Tulip Poplar is a .8 mile, easy, multi-use trail. It can be accessed from the Big Oak Trail at the west end of the park. This trail is wooded with many large trees, including oaks and poplars, providing lots of shade in the summer months. Watch for a vernal pool on the west side of the trail that empties during dry seasons. This trail can be part of a circuit hike that includes the Redtail Ridge, Big Oak and Shale Barrens trails.
Blaze Color: Pink
Usage:
- Length: 0.8
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Turkey Roost Trail
The Turkey Roost Trail is a .2 mile, Moderate trail designed for hiking and biking. The trail is accessible from the Cottonwood Trail and across the road from the Visitor Center parking lot. This trail may be short but it climbs a fairly steep grade from the Cottonwood Trail to the top. A variety of birds can be seen from here and, depending on the time of day, one might see or hear wild turkeys moving through the brush.
Blaze Color: Yellow
Usage:
- Length: 0.2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Wildcat Ledge Trail
The Wildcat Ledge Trail is a .2 mile, difficult hiking trail that is accessible from the Cottonwood Trail boardwalk. The trail takes hikers and bikers up a very steep, rocky slope that eventually levels out for a little while before one last rocky, steep incline at the top of the ledge. At this point there is a spectacular view of the river, fields and mountains that surround the area. This point is near the park boundary which is marked by a fence.
Blaze Color: Beige
Usage:
- Length: 0.2
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth
Other Activities At Shenandoah River State Park: Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Educational Activities, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Picnicking, Canoeing And Kayaking and Cabins and Lodges
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