The Buck Hollow/Mary’s Rock circuit is one of our favorite winter day hikes. Starting in the valley just west of Sperryville, the route to Mary’s Rock gains over 2,600 feet of elevation in just over 4 miles. The reward for the steep climb are the spectacular views along the ridge, as well as panoramic vistas from the high point at Mary’s Rock.

Saturday morning was cold when we made it onto the trail at 9:00 am with the temp around 35F in the valley, but once we got going we warmed up quickly. However, 2,600 feet higher on the ridgeline the temperature dropped to a chilly 26F, plus the winds whipping up and over the ridge from the west made it feel that much colder.

There are many great vista hikes in the Shenandoah National Park, and the best time to enjoy them is in the cooler months when the visibility is at its best. Cold weather hiking is great exercise, and the SNP trails that are usually very busy in the spring and fall are almost empty this time of the year.

If you’re looking for fall colors, this is definitely a great hike in the SNP! Last week I got out early before the crowds and hiked Old Rag, and the beautiful views from the summit were fantastic. This week we decided to check out the leaves on the hike next door.

The Catlett Mountain Hike is one of the best in the park for fall foliage, and one of the least traveled. The reds, orange and yellows, which seem to explode in the upper sections of Catlett Mountain, are at their peak in October.

The hike starts from the same Old Rag parking area, then heads up the Nicholson Hollow trail along the banks of the Hughes River. While there can easily be more than 100 hikers on the Old Rag circuit, you can complete the Catlett Mountain loop without seeing another person, as we did on Saturday.

Could you ask for a better day for one of the best hikes in the mid-Atlantic? I got on the trail at about 7 a.m. and just managed to get the last spot in the upper parking area. Looks like other people had the same idea :)

The Old Rag Mountain hike, in the Shenandoah National Park, is one of the most popular hikes in the mid-Atlantic region. With many spectacular panoramic views, and one of the most challenging rock scrambles in the park, this circuit hike is a favorite of many hikers. But be prepared for the crowds. This is the only hike to which we give a star rating for solitude.

On the other hand, it's the only hike we give a star rating to for views. Many hikers also prefer to do this loop counterclockwise, thereby tackling the rock scramble on the Ridge Trail on the downhill. Either way, the rock scramble can be challenging, being both steep and requiring climbing through cracks in the rock.

Camp Hoover, also known as Rapidan Camp, is a scenic and historic hike that passes the retreat of former President Herbert Hoover, and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. The circuit is a moderate hike also passing Big Rock Falls, which is a small pool and stream cascade where the trail crosses Mill Prong.

Two main housing structures remain standing. "The Creel" which was occupied by two of President Hoover's chief aids. Larry Richey, a former F.B.I. agent assigned to guard the President who also acted as his personal secretary; and Joel T. Boone Jr., the Presidents personal physician.

The presidential quarters known as the Brown House is the largest structure. The rear deck on the "Brown House" is a great place to enjoy the same view former President Hoover and world dignitaries enjoyed back in the 1920's. When he left office, Herbert Hoover, and his wife Lou Henry Hoover, donated the land to the government to become part of the newly created Shenandoah National Park.

What a day! The visibility was over 40 miles, and the view from the White Rocks lookout was unbelievable. Great North Mountain is a little further west than the SNP, but it is well worth the trip. Think of the SNP but you have it all to yourself :)

We didn't see another person all day, and had the vista all to ourselves. Lunch and taking a nap at White Rocks with the hawks circling the valley is something else. Being miles from even the closest forestry road, the only sound you could hear was the wind in the valley.

There are also three great campsites on this circuit, so if it’s a little to far as a day hike for you, consider doing it as a backpack. The high mountain campsite just below the lookout is our favorite. There is no water up here, but if you get up early and catch the sunrise from the lookout it’s well with hauling your own water :)