While most have visited Shenandoah National Park, fewer outdoor enthusiasts have heard about the Mountain Lake Wilderness, an equally impressive natural area with plenty of hiking opportunities. Situated within the Jefferson National Forest, this heavily-wooded area can be explored via a network of trails and loops.

Here’s more on the short and sweet hike you can take within this beautiful wilderness:

To experience the Allegheny Mountains in all of their glory, a trip to the Mountain Lake Wilderness is a must.
Russ Spriggs/AllTrails
It's here that nature enthusiasts can meander through the hardwood forests and observe the unique ridgelines of the area.
Rachel Atkins/AllTrails
One particularly rewarding hike with minimal effort is the spur trail to Wind Rock. Starting from the trailhead, hikers need only trek 1/4 mile before reaching an unbelievable overlook.
Dotti Walker/Facebook

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Known as Wind Rock, this rocky outcrop peers over the valley below and offers unbeatable mountain views.
Rachel Atkins/AllTrails
The trailhead to Wind Rock can be accessed by means of a gravel road off of Mountain Lake Road. When the road forks, keep to the left and look for the second parking lot.
One of the best times to venture along this trail is right before sunset. Arriving at the overlook, hikers can observe a jaw-dropping sunrise and still make it back to the parking lot before dark.
Dotti Walker/Facebook
During the summer months, you'll also be delighted to find wildflowers growing along the trail.
Bob Devereaux/AllTrails
Those looking for a longer trek can continue along the Mountain Lake Trails Loop, which measures 5.9 miles and is rated as moderate.
Somer Goff/AllTrails

So whether you’re looking for a quick spur trail to an unforgettable overlook or a bit of a longer trek, you’ll be enchanted by the natural surroundings of the Mountain Lake Wilderness. For helpful information about Mountain Lake Wilderness, be sure to click here. For related content, be sure to read about How You Can Stay At The Mountain Lodge Where ‘Dirty Dancing’ Was Filmed.

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