Virginia State Parks are well known for their amenities and great
trails, and the Shenandoah River Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park
is no exception. The 1,600 acre park, which opened in 1999, has 17
trails making up 24 miles, a virtual labyrinth. The trails include a beautiful overlook of the river, as well as a pleasant field walk.
The 8.5 mile circuit hike we have mapped out here encompasses sections of the Bear Bottom Loop, Big Oak, Redtail Ridge, Shale Barrens, River, and Culler's Trails, passing 10 major intersections! But don't be concerned about getting lost, as the trail signage and tree blazing is excellent. Of note is that many trails are multiuse and are popular with mountain bikers and equestrians, so be prepared to share the trails.
Looking to make a weekend out of it? Even though we have camping rated as N/A as there is no camping on the trails, the park also has a picnic area with clean facilities, plus tent and trailer camping in designated areas.
- Mile 0.0 - From the parking area at the Horse Barn enter the woods at the kiosk, then follow the trail for 75 yards to the Bear Bottom Loop Trail junction. Turn left on the blue blazed Bear Bottom Loop Trail where it slowly climbs a ridge to the intersection of the main Bear Bottom Loop in 0.8 miles.
- Mile 0.9 - Turn right on the blue blazed Bear Bottom Loop Trail as it winds around the mountain for 1.9 miles to the intersection of the Big Oak Trail.
- Mile 2.8 - Turn right onto the white blazed Big Oak Trail for 0.4 miles to the Shale Barrens Trail intersection.
- Mile 3.2 - Stay right on the Big Oak trail for another 0.7 miles to the pink blazed Tulip Poplar Trail.
- Mile 3.9 - Stay left on the white blazed Big Oak Trail for another 100 yards at which point the Big Oak trail turns right, and the red blazed Redtail Ridge Trail turns left.
- Mile 4.0 - Turn left on the red blazed Redtail Ridge Trail for 0.2 miles to the out/back overlook trail. Take the short overlook trail to one of the best views of the Shenandoah River on the hike. Return to the Redtail Ridge Trail and continue for 0.4 miles passing another great view of the river through the trees. From this point it's another 0.5 miles to the intersection with the Shale Barrens Trail.
- Mile 5.1 - Turn right downhill on the grey blazed Shale Barrens Trail for 0.4 miles to the Culler's Trail.
- Mile 5.5 - Turn left on the orange blazed Culler's Trail for 0.2 miles to the intersection with the River Trail.
- Mile 5.7 - Turn right on the dark green blazed River Trail for 0.4 miles to the next River Trail junction. Remain left on the River Trail passing a couple of nice benches before the trail turns left in 0.8 miles at a cabin and joining the Culler's Trail for 50 yards.
- Mile 6.9 - Stay straight on the orange blazed Culler's Trail passing the white blazed Big Oak Trail in 0.2 miles, crossing a small creek, then arriving at a road crossing in another 0.6 miles.
- Mile 7.7 - Cross the road remaining on the orange blazed Culler's Trail for the 0.8 miles back to the hike loop start point and intersection of the Bear Bottom Loop Trail.
- Mile 8.5 - Turn left for the 75 yards back to the parking area.
