Hike Riprap Loop Shenandoah National Park, VA

Threat to Our Public Land!

Recent proposals could transfer or sell off national forests, BLM land, and wilderness areas. This threatens the trails, wildlife, and access we all love. Once they're gone, we don't get them back.

The push to sell off public lands is being driven mostly by Republicans. What's frustrating is that many who vote for this party still love hiking, hunting, and exploring. If you keep voting for politicians who promise to "cut red tape" and "shrink government," don't be surprised when your favorite trailhead is fenced off and leased to a mining company.

Resources

Public Land for Sale Map
Write Your Senator
Utah is Not for Sale
About the Spending Package

Directions

Route Map

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Riprap Loop GPX Track

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The Riprap Loop in Shenandoah National Park offers a lot of great scenery and variety. We headed counter-clockwise, first starting along the Appalachian Trail going north before turning left onto the Riprap Trail. A short section along the northernmost portion of the loop leads through the forest to a viewpoint called Chimney Rock. Past here the trail descends south through a hollow as it passes numerous waterfalls and lovely water sounds. One of the highlights of the hike is at the top of a waterfall where the walls are narrower.

Continuing to the left at a junction to begin ascending Wildcat Ridge as it makes its way back to the Appalachian Trail. The AT heads north back to the parking lot, paralleling Skyline Drive.

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A scenic overlook shortly after starting the hike.

Along the northern portion of the ridge along the Riprap Loop.

Chimney Rock overlook.

The overlook.

Continuing along the ridge, some nice views.

A pretty waterfall nestled beside a narrow watercourse.

Ascending along Wildcat Ridge.

Making our way back to the Appalachian Trail, which we'd take back to the trailhead.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!