Riprap and Wildcat Ridge Loop

Riprap and Wildcat Ridge Loop is a 9.8-mile circuit from Riprap Trail Parking on Skyline Drive at mile 90, linking the Appalachian Trail with Riprap and Wildcat Ridge trails. It climbs to boulder-studded overlooks, drops into a stream hollow with a small waterfall, then makes a long climb back to the ridge. The National Park Service estimates 8 hours 15 minutes, 2,365 feet of gain, and rates it Very Strenuous. Save it for a full day and a fit, sure-footed group; this isn't a quick viewpoint walk. The same circuit can start from Wildcat Ridge Parking at mile 92.1, but the directions here follow the Riprap start.

From Riprap Parking, follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail north, then turn onto Riprap Trail. Later, turn onto Wildcat Ridge Trail and take the Appalachian Trail north to finish. This order gets the ridge viewpoints and hollow before the long Wildcat climb. Junctions matter: the park map says to follow its directions carefully, and cell and GPS service can be unreliable.

Riprap Trail climbs through switchbacks to a viewpoint, then passes Calvary Rocks. At a sharp turn, Chimney Rock stands by itself across a gorge. The ridge openings look west and north over wooded hollows and the valley; take time to look back as the trail changes direction. These pale ledges are the signature photo stop: include some rock in the foreground so the valley view still feels connected to the trail.

Past the ridge, the route descends steeply for about a mile into Cold Spring Hollow, then follows a stream through a small canyon. The shaded water, a small waterfall and a pool are a welcome change after the open rock. You'll cross streams several times. Don't attempt a crossing in flooding or icy conditions, and treat or filter stream water before drinking it.

Around the middle of the circuit, Wildcat Ridge Trail starts near the stream. Its first half-mile stays close to water and crosses it a couple of times; then the trail climbs mostly through forest for about 2.5 miles to the Appalachian Trail. That's the long uphill on tired legs. The final Appalachian Trail stretch undulates under trees and has fewer outlooks, so the hike doesn't stay scenic at every step.

The circuit is in Shenandoah Wilderness, where the absence of mechanized equipment and development is part of the protected landscape. Spring reports mention serviceberry blooms on the ridge, blue flag iris by the stream, and mountain laurel or rhododendron flowers; bloom timing varies. Plan to carry water from the start: the park advises at least a quart per hour. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. A park entrance fee applies; no separate hike fee or reservation is required.

The Chimney Rock Hike from the same parking area is a 3.4-mile round trip, rated Moderate, with about 830 feet of gain and a 2.5-hour estimate. Follow the Appalachian Trail north and Riprap Trail to Chimney Rock, then retrace your steps. It reaches the rocky viewpoint without committing to the waterfall hollow and Wildcat Ridge climb.