This trail had been on my mind for a while, and after checking the weather and feeling ready for a challenge, I decided to take on the Austin Mountain and Furnace Mountain Loop. It’s a 9-mile loop that winds through some seriously beautiful forest, includes a good bit of elevation, and gives you a little bit of everything, views, streams, rocks, and quiet stretches of trail.

Getting Started

I parked at Browns Gap (mile marker 83 on Skyline Drive) and began my hike by heading toward Blackrock Summit first. To get there, you cross the road and pass by the Dundo Picnic Grounds and the Jones Run parking lot. There’s a bathroom at Dundo if you need it before you hit the trail.

The loop takes you through parts of the Appalachian Trail, then along the Trayfoot Mountain Trail before connecting with Furnace Mountain and eventually Austin Mountain. You’ll hike a full loop and end up back at Browns Gap.

What to Expect on the Trail

Let me be clear, this trail isn’t easy. The terrain is rocky, and there are some long stretches of steady incline that really make you work. If you’re newer to hiking, this might be a tough one, but if you’re comfortable with elevation and a few rock scrambles, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Somewhere around the halfway point, I climbed 0.5 miles up to the summit of Furnace Mountain and took a break for lunch. It’s a peaceful spot with sweeping views, and it felt like a well-earned pause.

After that, I descended to Browns Gap Fire Road, which offers a bit of relief before you head back up the Austin Mountain Trail. That climb is no joke, just rocks and more rocks. But it’s beautiful in its own way, and the quiet stretch really let me settle into the hike.

I passed the junction for Rocky Top Trail and continued until I made it back to Browns Gap, completing the full loop.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty

Even in December, there’s so much to see. The bare trees opened up the views in places that would normally be blocked by summer leaves, and I didn’t mind it one bit. You get this open, wintery stillness that’s hard to describe.

Shenandoah always has the potential for wildlife sightings, though I didn’t see much besides a few deer this time. But keep your eyes open, this area is home to black bears, foxes, and a whole variety of birds depending on the season.

Gear I Brought Along

Because of the rocky sections, I wore my sturdy hiking boots with good traction and brought my trekking poles (though I didn’t use them much). I packed water, snacks, lunch, and a rain jacket just in case. Even though the forecast was clear, I ended up getting lightly drizzled on during the last two miles, mountain weather doesn’t always care about your plans.

I also always bring a first aid kit, a flashlight, a whistle, and a power bank, especially on solo hikes. And as always, I let someone know where I was headed and what time I expected to be back.

Park Info and Regulations

Shenandoah National Park requires an entrance pass. If you don’t already have one, you can get a seven-day pass for $30 per vehicle or an annual pass for $55 (Skyline Drive only) or $80 (covers all national parks).

A few trail rules worth mentioning:

• No camping or fires outside designated areas
• No dogs allowed on this particular loop
• Stay on the trail, off-trail hiking damages the environment
• No littering and absolutely no feeding wildlife

I did come across more trash than I would’ve liked to see, including tissues and snack wrappers. I packed out what I could, but it was a reminder of how important it is for all of us to do our part to keep these trails clean.

I started the trail around 9 a.m. on Christmas Day and was back at my car around 3:30 p.m., with a few breaks in between. It was a solid workout, and honestly, one of those hikes that gives you time to think, breathe, and push yourself just enough.

If you’re looking for a full-day hike that will challenge you and offer some peaceful stretches of solitude, the Austin Mountain and Furnace Mountain Loop is a solid pick.

Have you hiked this loop before? What was your experience like? Let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts or swap trail notes.