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Appalachian National Scenic Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,379 Google reviews · Running trail in Front Royal, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Appalachian National Scenic Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Headquarters for famed trail's conservancy group, also a visitor center with exhibits & information.
What runners say about Appalachian National Scenic Trail
“Moderate difficulty level No restrooms Hiking trails are very clean and scenic but it’s a lot of hiking.”
“Moderate difficulty level No restrooms Hiking trails are very clean and scenic but it’s a lot of hiking.”
This trail is so so awesome! Lots of history, nature and hundreds of miles of scenic hiking. We have watched so many videos on people hiking, running and walking the appalachian trail and HAD to visit while we were in Virginia. Definitely worth every bit of it!
Great view from atop Mt. Washington. Saw a few thru hikers on the trail. This trail goes from Stone Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. (Or vice versa). If you can't hike this, there are some books written by people who hiked the whole trail.
*5/5 Stars* *A Life-Changing Adventure: Appalachian National Scenic Trail Review* The iconic Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) is a 2,190-mile trail that spans from Georgia to Maine. An unforgettable place, and an unforgettable experience. *Highlights:* 1.
Moderate difficulty level No restrooms Hiking trails are very clean and scenic but it’s a lot of hiking. We did going up and get down all together 6.24 miles, still couldn’t make to the Annapolis Rock.
Trail conditions & character
“Moderate difficulty level No restrooms Hiking trails are very clean and scenic but it’s a lot of hiking.”
“The beginning of the red trail is steep, has a lot of scrambling on rocks, not great for small dogs, toddlers, or slides.”
“Key points: - Parking is kind a limited to 15/20 vehicles.”
“Moderate difficulty level No restrooms Hiking trails are very clean and scenic but it’s a lot of hiking.”
“Moderate difficulty level No restrooms Hiking trails are very clean and scenic but it’s a lot of hiking.”
Plan your run at Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(304) 535-6278
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Front Royal
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Andreae Family Wellness and Recreation Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 25 reviews
AT-Front Royal Junction
4.6 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area thought to be in Shenandoah National Park.
Royal Shenandoah Greenway
4 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews
Rockland Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring hiking trails, a playground and disc golf.
Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter, Appalachian Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 23 reviews
Mountain Trails - Front Royal
4.6 ★★★★★ 73 reviews