Near Story of the Forest Trail
Dark Hollow Falls Trail.
Near Story of the Forest Trail
The milky way over Big Meadows.
Near Story of the Forest Trail
Shenandoah National Park
Near Story of the Forest Trail
Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Story of the Forest Trail

3.6 (5 Ratings)
An easy hike that takes you from the Big Meadows Campground to the Byrd Visitor Center.
1.8
mi
Distance
192
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.75mi
Distance
192ft
Elevation Gain
192ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
3,541ft
High Point
3,426ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
This trail is 1 mile if hiking one-way from the campground to the Byrd Visitor Center. Otherwise it can be done as a 1.8 mile circuit hike. The trail passes through forest and connects with a paved walkway. From the Byrd Visitor Center exit, turn right and follow the sidewalk to trail entrance. At the paved walkway turn left to return to visitor center, or to avoid pavement, retrace your steps.The nature trail provides a self-guided tour, where visitors can learn about the native plant and animal species, as well as some local history.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Rose River + Dark Hollow Falls via Big Meadows

Hike Route

Rose River + Dark Hollow Falls via Big Meadows

Views
moderate
6.16 mi
+1,543 ft
Lewis Falls from Big Meadows Campground

Hike Route

Lewis Falls from Big Meadows Campground

Views
moderate
2.67 mi
+832 ft
Dark Hollow Falls

Hike Route

Dark Hollow Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
1.62 mi
+607 ft
Lewis Falls Trail

Hike Route

Lewis Falls Trail

Family Friendly
moderate
4.27 mi
+1,497 ft
Rose River Loop

Hike Route

Rose River Loop

River/Creek
moderate
3.65 mi
+895 ft
Hawksbill Summit Loop

Hike Route

Hawksbill Summit Loop

Views
easy
3.12 mi
+745 ft
Contributors
Michaela Davis-Rigney