AMC's Best Day Hikes in the Shenandoah Valley, Second Edition

The Shenandoah Valley has served as a home to presidents, a cradle of colonial America, a battleground during the Civil War, and a crucible for the United States’ recovery from the Great Depression. It’s also a lush, dramatic, ruggedly beautiful region, providing opportunities for hikers of all skill levels to see the landscapes that shaped our nation’s history up close. Whether you’re an avid backpacker or are seeking adventure in your own neighborhood, this must-have resource covers the entirety of the Shenandoah Valley, with 50 curated hiking routes around Harpers Ferry, Shenandoah National Park, Massanutten Mountain, and more. Fully revised and updated with new hikes, this second edition is your quintessential guide to exploring the favorites and the hidden gems of a sprawling wilderness.

INSIDE YOU’LL FIND

• 50 HIKING TRIPS for all ability levels and seasons

• AT-A-GLANCE TRIP PLANNER highlighting the best options for kids, dogs, and winter snowshoeing

• SUMMARIES of time, distance, and difficulty level for each hike • GPS COORDINATES for every trailhead

• DETAILED MAPS showing parking areas, trails, and natural highlights

• HIKING AND SAFETY TIPS, including advice on what to carry in your pack

• ESSAYS on the nature and history of the region

JENNIFER ADACH is the co-organizer of a Washington, D.C., ultra-light backpacking group. She has thru-hiked Sweden’s Kungsleden trail and California’s John Muir Trail and has logged several thousand miles on Mid-Atlantic trails.

MICHAEL R. MARTIN is a lifelong backpacker and outdoorsman. The author of AMC’s Best Backpacking in the Mid-Atlantic, he also leads, organizes, and teaches as part of the D.C. ultralight backpacking group. Both Jennifer and Michael live in Alexandria, Virginia.