One of the most iconic American regions, 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 area, with access for hikers of all skill levels to see the landscapes close up that shaped our nation's history. Whether you're an avid backpacker or you seek adventure in your own backyard, this must-have resource covers the entirety of the Shenandoah Valley, with 50 curated hiking routes exploring Harpers Ferry, Shenandoah National Park, Massanutten Mountain, and more. Hikes range from easy walks of a few miles with little elevation gain to more demanding treks through challenging terrain.

An at-a-glance trip planner highlights safety info as well as the best options for universal accessibility, for kids, for dogs, with additional recreation activities like fishing and mountain biking, and more. With GPS coordinates for every trailhead, turn-by-turn directions, and information on time, distance, and difficulty for each hike, as well as enriching essays about the area's natural and human history, this is your quintessential guide to uncovering and exploring the hidden gems of a sprawling and historic wilderness.