Virginia is home to many natural treasures. But perhaps none as inspiring as Shenandoah National Park.
Spread over 200,000 acres of preserved land, Shenandoah National Park showcases lovely plants, stunning waterfalls, beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, exciting hikes and amazing wildlife encounters.
It’s an excellent place to escape and appreciate Virginia’s unique beauty. The park is also home to Skyline Drive, which extends 105 miles within the park and is renowned as one of the state’s most picturesque drives.
Here are a few tips for making the most of your Shenandoah experience.
Getting to the Park
The most convenient way to reach Shenandoah National Park is by car. Four different entrances provide access to the park: the Front Royal North Entrance, located near Front Royal; the Thornton Gap Entrance, close to Luray; the Swift Run Gap Entrance, near Elkton; and the Rockfish Gap South Entrance, near Waynesboro.
If you’re coming from Coastal Virginia, the two most readily accessible entrances are the Rockfish Gap Entrance and the Swift Run Gap Entrance (both approximately 3 hours drive).
Staying Overnight
There are plenty of places to stay near Shenandoah National Park, so you can be close and maximize your time exploring the park.
If you want a nice place to stay, consider booking a room at Skyland Resort. It’s located at the highest point on Skyline Drive and has terrific views of the area. In addition to different room options like premium rooms, suites, cabins and more, there is a dining area, taproom and even a Starbucks. It’s an excellent spot for a relaxing getaway with great amenities and beautiful views.
If you prefer camping, check out Big Meadows Campground along Skyline Drive at mile marker 51. They have more 200 sites, each with space for a tent or RV, a fire pit and a picnic table. Just make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time to ensure you get one.
Essential Experiences
Old Rag Mountain is a top spot in Shenandoah National Park and a favorite among hikers. The trail is a challenging loop covering a little over 9 miles. It climbs more than 2,500 feet and offers fantastic views at the summit. Due to the popularity of Old Rag, the National Park Service now requires $2 day tickets, which you can reserve online.
Also consider Hawksbill Summit, the park’s highest point, for a shorter hike with great views. This trail is 1.7 miles round trip with a 690-foot elevation gain, providing panoramic vistas of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.
And don’t miss the waterfalls in the park, such as Rose River Falls. A 2.4-mile hike with a manageable elevation gain leading to this 67-foot waterfall will leave you amazed.
If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, consider visiting the park after sunset to appreciate stargazing at Big Meadows. With minimal light pollution, it offers stunning views of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Outdoor Adventures
Shenandoah National Park is the perfect destination for immersing yourself in nature. While a scenic road trip along Skyline Drive is a great way to experience the park, several outdoor activities are also available.
While hiking is one of the most popular choices, the park offers much more than just hiking. Birdwatching is a fantastic option, with more than 190 bird species inhabiting or passing through the park, including Carolina Chickadees, Barred Owls and Red-Tailed Hawks.
Although birdwatching is possible from various locations throughout the park, specific trails are prime spots. Limberlost is a notable example, offering ADA accessibility and being recognized as one of the park’s top trails for birdwatching. Another excellent choice is the Fox Hollow Trail. Regardless of your chosen spot, you will want to remember your binoculars and camera to capture these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
For an exciting adventure, consider horseback riding. Guided rides are available through the park’s wooded trails through Oct. 27, 2024, departing from Skyland Stables. Another option for horse owners are the more than 180 miles of trails open to horses, providing stunning views and enjoyable experiences from spring to fall.
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s more than 90 mountain streams. While Brook Trout is a favorite catch, there are more than 40 fish species in the park, all wild and not stocked. It’s important to note that you are required to have a Virginia State Fishing License to fish in the park.
Camping is another highlight, with options to book reservations at main campgrounds like Big Meadows Campground or Mathews Arm Campground. Alternatively, you can purchase a Backcountry Permit for a wilderness camping experience in Shenandoah’s backcountry. It’s a perfect way to disconnect from the world and experience the beauty of nature firsthand without distractions.
To add to the list of outdoor adventures, remember to take in the sights of the park’s flora and fauna. The park is home to more than 1,400 species of vascular plants, including common trees like Chestnut and Red Oak and others such as Tulip Poplar and Cove Hardwood. You’ll also find a variety of flowers like Quaker Ladies, Azaleas, Columbine and Daisies and plants like Goldie’s Wood Fern and Mountain Laurel.
In addition to the rich plant life, the park is bustling with wildlife, including more than 50 mammal species, 20 reptiles and amphibians, and many other critters and insects. During your visit, look out for birds, white-tailed deer, black bears, salamanders, box turtles, butterflies and more.
Insider Secrets
While Shenandoah National Park offers an exceptional experience throughout the year, there’s a distinct charm to visiting during the spring, summer and fall. In spring, the park bursts with colorful wildflowers, creating a picturesque landscape with shades of white, pink and purple. In contrast, fall gives visitors a stunning display of foliage in vibrant reds, yellows and oranges.
However, one of the prime times to visit is during the summer months, despite it being peak season with expected crowds. To make the most of your visit, arrive early to avoid congestion and fully appreciate the park’s tranquility. This strategy also helps beat the summer heat.
If possible, plan your visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Additionally, summer is ideal for wildlife sightings, so keep a lookout for bears, deer and other animals that frequent the park during this season.
Another great tip is to spend a whole day exploring the park. Choose a few activities you really want to do and take your time to enjoy them fully. Bring along a picnic and relax at one of the picnic areas while taking in the scenery and having a meal.
Shenandoah National Park is wonderful, so taking a whole day to soak it all in is the best way to appreciate its natural charm. Consider staying overnight at one of the lodging options or campgrounds to end your day with stargazing. Seeing the starry sky light up is one of the most memorable ways to top off your visit.
Learn more at nps.gov/shen.
Abby Price
