Kennedy Peak Hike
Kennedy Peak has some of the best vistas in the region. The out and back hike ends with a spectacular 360° view from the fire tower viewing platform at the summit of Kennedy Peak. The hike itself is reasonably easy. It starts with a gentle incline along the ridge, then climbs more steeply around the western flank of the peak. If you're looking for more of a challenge, add the Stephens Trail to create a 9.2 mile 1,590 ft gain loop hike. Also before starting out take a moment to check out the paragliding launch area with easterly views of the Shenandoah River and Luray Valley.Important Parking Note: As of 2020 parking is no longer permitted on the VA 675 ridge. If you park there you may be towed or ticketed.
- Mile 0.0 - Near the entrance to the Stephens trailhead parking area the orange blazed Massanutten Trail will start uphill towards the ridge. The trail will make several switchbacks as it climbs towards the ridge.
- Mile 0.9 - Arrive at VA675 and ridgeline. Turn left-north staying on the orange blazed Massanutten Trail as it follows an old forestry road. The trail is wide and climbs gradually along the ridge for 1.3 miles.
- Mile 2.2 - Descend through a saddle where the trail then climbs around the eastern side of Kennedy Peak before making a hairpin turn back towards the western side of the mountain.
- Mile 3.1 - Arrive at a split in the trail. Follow the trail to the left for 25 yards to a campsite and semi-obstructed view of Fort Valley. Return to the Massanutten Trail and continue uphill for another 0.2 miles to the ridge and intersection with the white blazed Kennedy Peak Trail.
- Mile 3.3 - Turn right and follow the Kennedy Peak trail as it climbs for the remaining 0.2 miles to the Kennedy Peak fire tower.
- Mile 3.5 - From the fire tower lookout platform there are expansive 360° views
of the Luray Valley and South Fork of the Shenandoah River to the east,
and the Massanutten Range including Duncan Knob and Kerns Mountain to
the southwest.
9.2 Mile Loop Hike: From the fire tower continue north on the orange blazed Massanutten Trail then descend and follow the yellow blazed Stephens Trail south to the lower parking area.
