Mary's Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mary's Rock |
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Mary's Rock in Autumn
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,514 ft (1,071 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Page / Rappahannock counties, Shenandoah National Park |
| Parent range | Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Mary's Rock, sometimes called Marys Rock, is a tall mountain in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA. It stands at 3,514 feet (1,071 meters) high. This peak is located just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance of the park. It is also north of a taller peak called Pinnacle. Mary's Rock is known as the eighth highest mountain in Shenandoah National Park.
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Hiking Mary's Rock
You can reach the top of Mary's Rock by following one of two trails. One trail starts from the Panorama Visitor Center. The other begins at the Meadow Spring Parking Area.
Panorama Trail
The trail from Panorama is longer and steeper. Many people find it more challenging to hike. This path follows the white markers of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Meadow Spring Trail
The trail from Meadow Spring is shorter and a bit easier. Both trails lead to the summit. From the top of Mary's Rock, you can see amazing views. You will see the northern part of Shenandoah National Park. You can also look out over the beautiful Page Valley.
Legends of Mary's Rock
Mary's Rock has many interesting stories about how it got its name. One popular legend says that a man named Francis Thornton married Mary Savage. He brought her to the mountain to show her the lands they would own.
The Song and Other Stories
In 2017, a song called "Mary's Rock" was written by Will Hopkins. A bluegrass group, Terry Baucom's Dukes of Drive, recorded it. Their song shared a version of the story. It suggested that Mary might have slipped and fallen from the rock. This sad event allowed Thornton to inherit the land.
Another legend tells that Francis Thornton had a daughter named Mary. This young Mary supposedly climbed the mountain when she was little. She came back carrying a bear cub! Yet another story claims the mountain was named after the wife of William Randolph Barbee.
Marys Rock Tunnel
The Marys Rock Tunnel is a special part of the mountain. It is 670 feet (204 meters) long. This tunnel was blasted right through the mountain. Skyline Drive, a famous scenic road, passes through it. The tunnel was built in 1932. It is considered a great example of engineering.
