Riprap Trail is noted as one of the best hikes in the southern section of the Shenandoah National Park. It forms with the Wildcat Ridge trail and a section of the Appalachian Trail creating a 9.8 mile circuit.
Chimney Rock is one mile in and offers a fantastic view. Past Chimney Rock the trail descends into Cold Springs Hollow which features a spring fed stream as well as a stunning swimming hole further down. Keep in mind there are numerous stream crossings so if you are looking for a great place to stop or to swim, keep walking until you see actually looks like a pool!
The spring fed stream in Cold Spring and Riprap Hollow are also very scenic. Once the Riprap Trail and Wildcat Trail meet, visitors will find plenty of spots for backcountry camping. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, full of lush trees, babbling streams, and stunning cliffs. Keep an eye out for area already flattened out by previous campers.
Hikers should continue on the Wildcat Trail, and then the Appalachian Trail, to finish this circuit, rather than walking back up the same Riprap Trail. Keep in mind that this part of the hike is very strenuous. Places to stop and spread out for a rest are few and far between. The views are also limited – basically just trees the entire way up. By the time you reach the Riprap Trail Parking area, you will feel so exhausted that you may actually forget what the trail itself looked like. But you sure will feel a sense of accomplishment for completing such a strenuous hike.
