Are you looking for information about the Massanutten Storybook Trail? We’ve got you covered!
If you are looking for an easy way to get gorgeous views in the Shenandoah Valley, you’ll want to do the Massanutten Storybook Trail!
Located in Luray, Virginia, the Massanutten Storybook Trail is a short and easy, accessible trail that leads to a beautiful overlook of the Page Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s a perfect addition to any activity in the area. We visited the trail after exploring the Shenandoah Caverns. It’s also close to the Luray Caverns.
The guide below shares information about parking, the trail, and other things to do nearby. So, let’s dive in!
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Massanutten Storybook Trail: An Easy Hike in Shenandoah County
The Massanutten Storybook Trail in Virginia is an easy and accessible hike to a gorgeous overlook looking east over the Page Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. You can see Shenandoah National Park from the overlook!
Several interpretive signs along the trail describe the mountain’s geological history and surrounding area.
The trail is mainly paved, with some boardwalk, and is about .4 miles to the overlook. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the overlook from the parking area.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember as you visit these places to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Location and Parking for the Massanutten Storybook Trail
Visitor Tip: Crisman Hollow Road is closed from February 1st until the Friday before Youth Spring Turkey Season in April.
The Massanutten Storybook Trail is located in Luray, Virginia, on Crisman Hollow Road, about 1.5 miles from Lee Highway/VA 211.
The road to the trail is narrow and can be windy at points. The parking area is right off the road and holds about a dozen cars.
It’s a popular trail so that the parking can fill up quickly. However, due to the trail’s short length, parking becomes available regularly since visitors only spend a little bit of time on the trail.
Amenities at Massanutten Storybook Trail
There are no bathrooms or portable toilets at the Massanutten Storybook trailhead, so make sure to take care of any needed business prior to visiting.
The Massanutten Storybook Trail
- Trail Location: Crisman Hollow Road, about 1.5 miles from Lee Highway
- Trail Length: .4 miles to overlook
- Trail Difficulty: Easy – this is a paved and boardwalk trail with little to no elevation gain, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible
The Trail to the Overlook
It’s hard to call the Massanutten Storybook Trail a “hike” as the entire trail is either paved macadam or boardwalk. The .8-mile, out-and-back trail has little to no elevation gain, making it an accessible trail for wheelchairs and strollers. It’s a great way for everyone to enjoy a beautiful overlook!
Along the Trail
It’s called a Storybook trail, so we thought there would be a story along the trail. But there isn’t! Instead, you’ll find several signs that share about the mountain’s geology and other fun facts about the region.
The .4-mile walk to the overlook is beautiful. Even in November, when trees have lost their leaves, there were plenty of mountain laurels to add color to the forest.
Overlook at Massanutten Storybook Trail
A large overlook at the end of the trail faces east towards Shenandoah National Park. You can see the mountains that make up the park and the valley below. There is also a bench at the overlook for visitors to sit and enjoy the view.
Even in late November, when few leaves were left on the trees, the view was still beautiful. I can only imagine what it would be like in mid to late October as the leaves change.
More Easy Trails Nearby
Lion’s Tale National Recreation Trail
The Lion’s Tale National Recreation Trail (Forest Trail #407) is a short, easy trail about 7 miles north of the Massanutten Storybook Trail on Crisman Hollow Road.
The trail is .3 miles long and features packed gravel and boardwalk. It’s built to be accessible for those with visual impairments and has interpretive signs with braille translations along the trail.
Visitor’s Tip: There is a vault toilet at the parking lot
Other Things to Do Near the Massanutten Storybook Trail
The Massanutten Storybook Trail is in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, so there are plenty of things to do nearby.
One of the top things to do in the area is visit a cavern. Both the Luray Caverns and the Shenandoah Caverns are a short drive away.
You can also explore the towns of New Market and Luray.
New Market has some fun restaurants. We enjoyed our lunch at the Southern Kitchen. There is also the Virginia Civil War Museum.
You can enjoy the activities following the caverns in Luray, like the garden maze, the Shenandoah Heritage Village, and the ropes course.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massanutten Storybook Trail
Are dogs allowed on the Massanutten Storybook Trail?
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Massanutten Storybook Trail.
How long is Massanutten Storybook trail?
The Massanutten Storybook Trail is .8 miles, out-and-back. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the overlook along the flat, paved path.
Massanutten Storybook Trail Wrap-Up
We loved our visit to the Massanutten Storybook Trail. It’s such a fun and easy thing to do in the Shenandoah Valley. And the overlook is beautiful!
Before you plan a visit, remember that Crisman Hollow Road is closed from February 1st until April 1st.
We think it’s worth stopping by the Massanutten Storybook Trail. It would be especially beautiful in fall when the leaves are changing colors!
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