Riprap is one of those fan-favorite trails around here, and for the last few weeks, I’ve been toying with the idea of finally checking it off my list. The only thing that held me back was the thought of water crossings in December. Cold, soggy socks are not high on my list of winter joys.

Still, the trail kept calling. After a little research, I found that starting from the Wildcat Ridge parking lot was a good option. That sealed the deal, I set a date and committed to the hike.

Trail Overview

• Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• Trail Type: Loop
• Distance: Around 9.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: Roughly 2,000 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• Best time to go: Late spring through early fall, but I’ll vouch for a crisp winter walk too

This trail winds through the woods, follows streams, and includes a few rocky climbs. You’ll get some solid views, a bit of wildlife, and depending on the season, some real peace and quiet.

Trailhead and Access

I started at the Wildcat Ridge parking lot right off Skyline Drive. It’s well marked and easy to find. Even in December, there were a few cars in the lot, but it wasn’t too busy. Just how I like it.

Scenic Highlights

• Riprap Falls: A lovely spot to stop and soak in the surroundings
• Wildcat Ridge Overlook: Great place for a photo or picnic, with wide views of the Shenandoah Valley
• Rocky Outcrops: Lots of cool places to pause and take it all in

I went into this hike planning to take my time. I wasn’t trying to break any speed records, I just wanted to enjoy the trail and get in a solid workout.

My Experience

I had a lot on my mind that morning. I was thinking about this blog, life stuff, and just letting the thoughts drift as I walked. And then out of nowhere—I looked up and found myself standing about a foot and a half away from a buck.

We both froze. One of those “deer in the headlights” moments for both of us. Then he took off and splashed straight into the stream. I just stood there for a minute, wide-eyed and thankful it wasn’t a bear.

After that wild moment, I continued on with a bit more presence and attention. The trail itself was quiet and peaceful, and while the trees were bare, I actually liked it. Without all the leaves, the views opened up in a way that felt expansive. No branches in your face, just clear lines of sight across the ridge.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped for lunch and forgot to hit resume on my tracker, so I lost about 0.2 miles. Oh well. That snack break was worth it.

The trail itself has a good rhythm—rocky sections, some steady climbs, and those classic Blue Ridge views. I had been so worried about the stream crossings, but they turned out to be no big deal. I didn’t even pull out my trekking poles.

Of course, mountain weather likes to keep things interesting. Even though the forecast was clear, I got caught in a light drizzle for the last two miles. Not ideal, but not terrible either. I always keep extra clothes in the car, so I changed and headed home feeling tired in the best way.

I finished the 9.8-mile loop in about 4 hours and 41 minutes. I’ll definitely come back to do this one again, maybe in the summer when the falls are flowing more and the forest is lush.

That said, I was a little disappointed by the amount of trash I picked up, wrappers, tissues, and bits of plastic. It’s a good reminder for all of us to leave things better than we found them.

So, thinking about hiking Riprap Trail? I’d love to hear about your experience if you’ve done it, or what you’re most looking forward to if it’s on your list. Share your favorite part in the comments!