Stony Man Mountain is a popular rock outcrop and the second-highest mountain in the Shenandoah National Park after Hawksbill. The hike towards it is short and pleasant, and goes primarily through the woods. When we are on the Stony Man Lookout we have some really nice views over the National Park.
- After parking the car (1) near the Skyland Stables, follow the road for about 100 meters. On the left there is a road to the stables, but we turn right on the Appalachian trail (2), which is signposted.
- We follow the Appalachian trail, cross a road (3) and continue on the trail.
- We reach an asphalt road, we cross it and reach the parking of the Stony Man trail. A bit further on we see a big information plate of the Stony Man trail, where we turn right, onto the Stony Man trail (5).
- This Stony Man trail is clearly visible and more comfortable than the Appalachian Trail. It is signposted with numbered posts.
- Further on we cross the Appalachian Trail (6) and go straight ahead. Further on we find a trail coming from the left (7), which is our return trail. We keep right here, following the white sign.
- We keep ascending and just before the Stony Man Lookout, we see a sign with an arrow to the right (8).
- From the Stony Man Lookout (9) we take the same trail back, but at the junction (8) we now turn right for a small variant. At the next junction (7) we of course also keep right and from here on follow the same trail back.