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Graves Mill Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (11)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. Central District
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“A beautiful trail that provides a quiet, more remote option on the east side of Shenandoah. ”

Terra Pacem
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Map Key

2.2

Miles

3.6

KM

Point to Point

1,332' 406 m

High

913' 278 m

Low

434' 132 m

Up

16' 5 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

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

In addition to hikers, the trail is open to horses, mules and dogs on a leash. No bikes allowed.

Description

The Graves Mill Trail is a relatively easy hike that parallels the Rapidan River. The trailhead is a small gravel parking area at the end of Route 662. This is a no-fee entrance to Shenandoah National Park.

The trailhead is somewhat isolated but in a safe, rural area. This beautiful trail is well-marked and almost completely shaded during spring through fall.

The Rapidan River is a beautiful fast running stream that provides for catch and release fishing. The hike crosses two streams that most hikers find easy to cross using river rock/boulders. This is not a busy trail and it is normal to hike up and back and see only a few fellow hikers.

The closest store for food, drinks, and gas is in Wolftown, about seven miles from the trailhead. There are several trails that connect to Graves Mill trail if you want a longer route.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Terra Pacem with improvements by Robert Bickers
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 11 votes

#14

in Central District

#8100

Overall
  4.1 from 11 votes
5 Star
27%
4 Star
55%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#14

in Central District

#205

in Virginia

#8,100

Overall
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17,202 Since Dec 1, 2015
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Photos

A creek crossing made up of large rocks and boulders.
Jun 10, 2016 near Madison, VA
Heading up the Staunton River Trail.
Jun 30, 2016 near Madison, VA
Coming up on the rocky creek crossing.
Jun 10, 2016 near Madison, VA
Graves Mill Trail next to the Rapidan River.
Jun 10, 2016 near Madison, VA
Second water crossing Graves Mill Trail
Oct 11, 2019 near Madison, VA
The parking area and start of the Graves Mill Trail.
Jun 10, 2016 near Madison, VA

1 Comment

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Check-Ins

Apr 11, 2023
J H
Nov 11, 2021
J H
Beautiful leaf peeping conditions. 3.7mi
Sep 6, 2021
J H
4.4mi
Mar 8, 2021
Jesse Daniels
Only up to Staunton River!
Nov 29, 2020
Mary Slagle
I'm 60 YO chic, I bike 6 miles 3x week doing mod hills. I trailed my 3 companions. Still a GREAT hike. Went to Jones Cabin and back. Will repeat! — 4h 30m
Nov 13, 2020
Kory Mohr
Took Ace. Will be back! 1.8mi — 15h 00m
Oct 18, 2020
Rex Booth
Oct 18, 2019
Jen Croft
gorgeous pools and waterfalls, quiet and not as active as staunton river trail 4mi

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