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Big Run Portal Trail

Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 3.0 (2)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. South District
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“A former fire road used for access to several trails along Big Run. ”

Larry W Brown
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4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Point to Point

1,811' 552 m

High

1,288' 393 m

Low

107' 32 m

Up

588' 179 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Wildflowers

Trail ends at park boundary-do not attempt to cross private property.

Description

This yellow-blazed former fire road is used as a connector for various loop hikes on either side of Big Run. The trail drops down from the Big Run Loop Trail to the western border of the Park, which has no public access - making the western part of this trail one of the most remote locations in the entire Shenandoah National Park.

This trail can be tough to follow in times of high precipitation, as the trail crosses Big Run multiple times.

Contacts

Local Club: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Jul 30, 2026: President's Logbook

Jul 30, 2026: CentennialFest Registration is Open!

Jul 30, 2026: 2026 Volunteer Award Nominations Are Now Open

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Larry W Brown with improvements by Scottie Pendleton and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#26

in South District

#29104

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
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2 Star
50%
1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#26

in South District

#787

in Virginia

#29,104

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,320 Since Apr 28, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
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Photos

Big Run. with permission from rootboy
Apr 28, 2016 near Massanu…, VA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 12, 2021
Jesse Daniels
Jun 28, 2021
Private User
Aug 8, 2020
Jesse Daniels
Feb 16, 2020
Donovan Fitzgerald
Did 1.4 mile section for Big Run Loop. 4 river crossings calf to knee deep. Freaking cold water. Had to take boots and socks off & roll pants up.
Aug 12, 2019
Alan Guzik
Went from Patterson Ridge to Big Run Loop. Camped at a nice spot about 1/2 next to Big Run. Saw a bear about 10 feet from the trail. 2.2mi
May 2, 2019
Kate Vanderpool
1mi
Sep 22, 2018
Morgan Hanzlik
Mar 31, 2018
Tony Conte

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