Description

This two-night circuit in Shenandoah is one of the best you'll find in the park.

The loop highlights the remote wilderness feel the Shenandoah's are known for and includes three well-known waterfalls, plus plenty of fishing opportunities.

There are "more than 70 mountain streams and 38 species of fish," located in the park, and this loop showcases one of your best chances to reel in a brook trout according to [this source](https://www.catchfishanywhere.net/national-parks/shenandoah-national-park/). Most would consider this a two-night circuit, though it could easily be shortened due to the abundance of overnight options along the trail.

The [NPS](https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/SHEN_BCTrip-) suggests camping along Big Run Portal Trail the first night, somewhere near the junction with Patterson Ridge Trail.

You will find campsites along this *mapped* route, but you could also head downstream to find more.

For day two, seek out a spot near the junction of Jones Run and Doyles River Trails. As mapped, you'll park at Loft Mountain Wayside at milepost 79 on Skyline Drive.

You could also begin at the Doyles River Trailhead or Browns Gap Parking, both searchable on Google Maps.

The Appalachian Trail portion of this loop also circles the Loft Mountain Campground if you wanted to [reserve a site](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232433) and start there. Many "stream crossings on Big Run Portal trail can be knee to waist high when the water is up," according to the NPS.

This loop may not be your best option during the spring, or after a heavy rain.

It's also best to hike the loop counter-clockwise *as mapped*, "due to the climb up Patterson Ridge." As an alternative to the overnight trip, the [Browns Gap Waterfall Loop](https://fatmap.com/30907/Other/hiking/routeid/979102/Browns_Gap_Waterfall_Loop) is a nearby day hike highlighting the waterfalls and excellent fishing on this route. Sources: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/SHEN_BCTrip-Big_Run_Doyles_River_and_Frazier_E052-508.pdf https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/ten-spectacular-overnight-trips-in-shenandoah-national-park/ https://www.catchfishanywhere.net/national-parks/shenandoah-national-park/