Mary's Rock is one of many spectacular mountains in the Shenandoah National Park. Although it is not as popular or crowded as Old Rag, you can hike it or rock climb it, and your reward is a tremendous unobstructed 360° view when you reach the top.

Summit view in fall

There are several routes, most of them pretty steep, with options to do some boulder hopping, and they are all short enough that you can reach the summit with plenty of time to spare to enjoy other mountains in the park.

Getting There

From Washington DC follow I-66 West and exit onto US 29 at Gainesville. Follow to Warrenton, and take 211 West. Take 211 to Sperryville until you reach Skyline Drive. It takes about 90 minutes to get there from our Nation's capitol.

Directions from Fredricksburg, Virginia: From I-95, find Route 3 West to Route 522 West to Sperryville, VA. At Sperryville, go West on Route 211. Go about 7 miles till you get to Skyline Drive. To hike the standard route from the restaurant, you can enter the park, or park at the Restaurant. To do this, go past the entrance to Skyline Drive and take a left to the parking lot at Panorama Restaurant, immediately on the left. The entrance to the trail is clearly marked near the restaurant.

The restaurant has public bathroom facilities, as well as maps, guidebooks, and other things of interest.

The main trail that leads to Mary's Rock at 3514 ft is part of the Appalachian trail, so it is accessible as part of the trail. If you are not already on the Appalachian trail, access to the base of the trail (from the North) is conveniently located at the Panorama Restaurant and gift shop. This is at mile 31.5 on the VA portion of the App. Trail. The elevation gain here is pretty steep and climbs 1210 feet to the summit in only 1.7 miles.

Another way to hike is from the Meadow Spring Trail, which is 2.7 miles round trip, and is only 674 feet to the top.

You can also climb the mountain over its boulder fields, from the Tunnel Parking Overlook. This route is the most rigorous, and should be done in the colder weather months when there is less tree cover.

When To Climb

Mary's Rock is most populated when the weather is good and on holidays. Weekday traffic is very sparse, and it can get a little crowded on the weekends, but it is never as crowded as Old Rag or other peaks. It can get quite hot and humid in the summer in Virginia, so care should be taken if you decide to hike during this season. The winters are not too bad, and actually provide a preferred option for bushwhacking up the boulder field, due to the lack of trees, and less danger in encountering poison ivy.

Generally, the paths are well groomed, and no special equipment is needed, just some good shoes and some water.

With a bad winter, or an ice storm, this trail has been known to close down in the early spring for removal of trees and to clear the trail.

Red Tape

Because of the proximity of Mary's Rock to Route 211, it is possible to climb this mountain from outside the park, without paying the fee. If you pass Skyline Drive coming from the east on 211, you can park at the Panorama Restaurant when it is not open.

This may not be the case all year round, so to determine accessibility call the park at 540-999-3500 during weekday hours, or call the Panorama Restaurant at (540)999-2265, to determine accessibilty.

If you climb within the park, Shenandoah National Park cost $30 for an annual pass. If you do not live in the DC area, you can pay the $15 fee to enter the park ($10 from December-February).

So although you can climb this mountain for free, I would recommend just paying to get into the park. There is plenty more to see on Skyline Drive than just Mary's Rock, and your car is safer in the Park than if you leave it at the Panorama Restaurant parking lot accessible from Route 211. If you park there when it is closed, you are more at risk for your car being broken into, or stolen.

Camping

In general, campsites are not always open during the winter and spring. Backcountry Camping Permits are required and are available free from park headquarters, visitor centers, and entrance stations. Appalachian Trail hikers may self-register for permits on the AT near Rockfish Gap (south) and Chester Gap (north).

Campfires are not permitted (except at pre-constructed fireplaces at backcountry huts and day-use shelters). Groups may not exceed 10 people. For more info consult the park website.

Mountain Conditions

Check with the park at 540-999-3500.

External Links

Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park Homepage
Weather
Weather from the nearby town of Sperryville

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