Pixels and Pointers have embarked on a journey to tell the story of the past, present, & future of Shenandoah National Park and Northern Virginia. The Shenandoah 52 Hiking Project is two parts - (1) a hiking challenge and (2) filming of a DocuSeries.

Kevin Morgan

The Hazel Mountain Loop is challenging with beautiful mountain terrain, ending along the Hazel River.

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore. Take a hike on one of the many trails through the park, relax in a quiet meadow, or have a picnic lunch with a view. You can also drive the scenic Skyline Drive for stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Shenandoah National Park, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Shenandoah

Hazel Mountain Trail Loop 

Bill Henry shares a little bit about the Blue Ridge Heritage Project which was founded to memorialize displaced families of the park.

Blue Ridge Heritage Project

Just east of Sperryville, VA, and right outside of the park boundary, Buck Hollow is one of the best and most unique trails in the North District.

Buck Hollow: Best Trail in the North District

Nan Roberts talks about her father, Howard Butler, a "CCC Boy" and restaurant owner in Sperryville, VA, a gateway town to Shenandoah.

"CCC Boy" and the Horseshoe Inn

Fort Wyndham Rock is a short loop with a rock formation perfect for family climbing and exploring.

Fort Wyndham Rock

Doyles Falls is one of the best trails for waterfalls in the park. This challenging loop with multiple water features won't disappoint.

Doyles Falls to Jones River

The Thornton Gap loop will take you to Byrd's Nest #4 for a picnic and along the Appalachian Trail down into the hollow for small water crossings.

Thornton Gap Loop to Hull School

The Hawksbill loop takes you up the Byrd's Nest overlook with a broad sweeping view of the Shenandoah Valley to the east.

Hawksbill to Byrd's Nest 2

The Corbin Cabin Cutoff trail takes you down to the historic Corbin Cabin nested next to the Hughes River. Beautiful hike with a spot to take a break.

Historic Corbin Cabin on the Hughes River

Matthews Hill Loop is a flat and easy family friendly hike on groomed trails through Manassas Battlefield and is #4 on the MNB5 Hiking Challenge.

Manassas National Battlefield Park in Virginia, preserves the site of two major American Civil War battles: the First Battle of Bull Run, also called the First Battle of Manassas, and the Second Battle of Bull Run or Second Battle of Manassas. It was also where Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson earned his nickname, "Stonewall." The battlefield park is located just south of the city of Manassas and about 30 miles from Washington, D.C. The first battle took place on July 21, 1861, and the second battle was fought on August 28-30, 1862. These were the first major battles of the war and resulted in a Confederate victory in both cases. Today, visitors to the park can see the restored battlefields, museums, and interpretive exhibits that tell the story of these important events in American history.

Manassas Battlefield

Manassas Hike #4: Matthews Hill Loop

Starting at the Henry Hill Visitor Center, this hike has a number of options to weave you in and around the battlefields. 

Manassas Hike #5: Henry Hill Loop

Hike #3 of the new Manassas National Battlefield Hiking Challenge. Groomed bridle trails through the forest over a few bridges in a short loop.