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Mary's Rock from the Panorama parking lot is among the busiest and most scenic peaks along Skyline Drive.

J H

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Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.0

KM

73%

Runnable

3,456' 1,053 m

High

2,350' 716 m

Low

1,105' 337 m

Up

1,106' 337 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

Get running fast at Thornton Gap by running to Mary's Rock from the Panorama Parking Lot. This heavily traveled route starting from the large parking area just south of the entrance to Skyline Drive offers a beautiful 360-degree view from the rocks at the summit after a moderate 1.9-mile run up a rocky trail. Out and back, return the way you came for a total of 3.8 miles.

Need to Know

Handicap accessible bathrooms at the Panorama parking area.

Description

After entering Skyline Drive at the Thornton Gap entrance and heading south, one immediately comes to the Panorama parking lot on the right just across state route 211. With accessible running-water bathrooms it's a popular stopping point for people coming from distance before heading to their destination further along the Drive.

With access to the AT and Mary's Rock from the parking lot, it's also one of the busiest destinations along Skyline Drive, since it's the first trail access after getting on the Drive southbound. I think that adds some "spur of the moment" runners who may not have planned a particular destination but just decided to "head up to Skyline Drive".

If you want to get running as soon as possible, this is it! There is also room for larger groups to meet up at Panorama. You definitely won't be alone on this trail, especially on weekends, but the parking lot is large enough to handle the crowd.

The run up the AT is fairly smooth at first but becomes fairly rocky after a few switchbacks. With leaves on the trees there are few points with a view along the way, although you can hear the traffic on 211. The trail is a steady upward climb at an intermediate running level, nothing too dramatic until you come to the big boulders at the summit. There is plenty of room for a couple dozen runners at the top, with many vantage points and higher rocks to climb up. Please be careful.

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J H

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 4 votes

#3023

Overall
  4.5 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#85

in Virginia

#3,023

Overall
8 Views Last Month
317 Since Jul 24, 2021
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Sunrise view from atop Mary's Rock
May 24, 2016 near Luray, VA
Overlook at Mary's rock
Feb 25, 2022 near Luray, VA
Mary's Rock offers an incredible view out over the area's rolling hills.
Mar 23, 2017 near Luray, VA
Overlooking Thornton Gap
Dec 18, 2015 near Luray, VA
View of Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Drive from Mary's Rock.
Jul 24, 2021 near Luray, VA
View from Mary's Rock on a hazy summer day.
Jul 24, 2021 near Luray, VA

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 23 days ago
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