Stony Man Mountain Summit Lookout — Attraction in Luray

The hike to the Stoney Man summit lookout is pretty easy. We parked at the start of the Passamaquoddy Trail (38.60566, -78.36637) and headed around the Stoney Man loop counter-clockwise to the Furnace Spring Trail, then the Appalachian trail, up Stoney Man trail around the summit and back to the Appalachian until we were back on Passamaquoddy to the parking lot. It took us a few hours with lengthy stops for lunch and photo taking at the lookouts. It had rained the day before but this route didn’t get muddy, just a few wet spots from minimal rainwater flowing over the trail. If you go on a day with clouds like this, set up a 20 minute time lapse.. they turn...

Beautiful view with unique rock structures at the summit. We hiked up using the Stony Man trail, with the wandering we did at the top, it totaled 1.7 miles with around 300 feet of elevation gain. It was a fairly easy hike in which most people could do. At the summit, look for falcons which were raised and released in the area and fly around down below, we counted 7 and they are absolutely beautiful to watch fly around. This is well worth the stop along skyline drive to get an even better view. We hiked on a Sunday and it wasn't very busy, but it rained the previous couple days, so as others have said, I would arrive earlier...

Crowded hike so come early for parking or come back after 3pm. The views are better on a clear day but we like to be in the clouds. No dogs permitted on the trail which is pretty well marked and well worn. It's about 3 miles out and back so about 1.5 to 2 hour hike depending on your pace and how long you stay at the summit. We recommend you pack a snack to enjoy on the summit. We find any food after a summit to just taste better. Let us know if you enjoy your hike. As there are slightly longer hike nearby that are much less crowded with equally great views...