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Spanning more than a hundred miles along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains in Western Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a jewel of the American National Park System. This stunning collection of alpine wildernesses is characterized by expansive wooden hollows, rocky summits, breathtaking waterfalls, and a collection of impressive hiking trails.
The park is split into three sections, with the North and South sections of the park being far more isolated than the popular central district. Although many of the park’s main attractions are located in the center of the park, some of the park’s most underrated features can be found in the quiet isolation of the far Northern or Southern Sections.
An All-You-Need Shenandoah National Park Guide
In my Shenandoah National Park guide, I will provide you will all of the information that you will need to plan a fun and memorable trip to visit the park. I explain the best way for travelers to get to the park from outside the state or outside the country.
I also outline the best times to visit the park and highlight the top things to see and do while you are there. Finally, I also give you my suggestions on the best things to see and do outside of the park while on your trip. With this information in hand, it will be easy to plan a trip to Shenandoah that you will remember for a lifetime.
Shenandoah National Park Guide Navigation Menu
How to Get to Shenandoah National Park
The breathtaking Shenandoah National Park extends for over 100 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountain Range in Northern Virginia. Because of its close proximity to several large cities on the East Coast of the United States, it is one of the most easily accessible parks in America. In addition, the park’s infamous Skyline Drive extends the length of the park, which makes it one of the country’s easiest parks to tour.
For those who will be visiting the Shenandoah National Park from elsewhere in the area, I have also included a map with the park’s location below for you to review. The park is located relatively close to the Washington D.C. area, which makes it a great day trip if you are planning to visit the capital.
For those planning to visit other nearby attractions, I have included a table with the distance and drive time to other popular cities and attractions in the area. As you can see, there is a wealth of incredible things to see and do in the general vicinity of Shenandoah National Park.
| City\Place | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Luray Caverns | 11 miles | 0hrs 17min |
| Manassas Battlefield | 39 miles | 0hrs 45min |
| Washington, D.C. | 71 miles | 1hrs 17min |
| Antietam Battlefield | 61 miles | 1hrs 21min |
| Richmond, VA | 93 miles | 1hrs 24min |
| Baltimore, MD | 108 miles | 1hrs 59min |
| Gettysburgh Battlefield | 105 miles | 1hrs 59min |
| New River Gorge National Park | 158 miles | 2hrs 33min |
| Greensboro, NC | 171 miles | 2hrs 51min |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 199 miles | 3hrs 02min |
| Philadelphia, PA | 209 miles | 3hrs 42min |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 214 miles | 3hrs 44min |
| Ocean City, MD | 223 miles | 4hrs 09min |
| New York, NY | 307 miles | 4hrs 59min |
Top Things to See in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is an enormous park that has a wealth of beautiful things to see and fun things to do. Whether you are an avid hiker or just want to enjoy the breathtaking viewpoints in this stunning park, there is something for just about everyone in Shenandoah. If you are starting to put together the itinerary for your visit and would like some ideas on what to see, I have listed my top things to see in Shenandoah National Park below.
Drive the Skyline Road
One of the best ways to see this breathtaking national parkland is to drive the infamous Skyline Drive. This alpine park road extends for over 100 miles along the length of the park from the North to the South. With over forty stunning viewpoints for visitors to enjoy, you can experience much of the park’s beauty without having to wander far from your car.
Skyline Road Map
For more details on Skyline Drive, please see the map I included in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
Hike Up Old Rag Mountain
One of the most famous hikes in Shenandoah National Park, if not the entire American National Park system, is the renowned Old Rag Mountain Hike. This strenuous loop trail includes a challenging rock scramble that gives this trail an element that isn’t seen much on trails East of the Mississippi River. In fact, it reminds me a lot of the popular rock scrambles you see in Colorado. If you have the time and the experience to do this hike, I consider it a can’t-miss activity when visiting Shenandoah.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You are now required to obtain a day-use ticket to hike the Old Rag Mountain trail. This is a good thing because the trail is much less crowded now that the number of daily hikers is limited. Note that you must purchase a park pass in addition to the day-use ticket. Day-use tickets can be purchased online at the Recreation.gov website.
Trail Info
For more details on the Old Rag Mountain hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Distance: | 9.4 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 3,454 feet |
| Time Required: | 5-7 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Very Hard |
The Old Rag Rock Scramble
The Old Rag Mountain hike is infamous for its incredibly fun, but very challenging, rock scramble section on the ascent. While there isn’t much exposure, the rock scramble is difficult enough to earn the trail a Class 3 rating. There are a few sections of the rock scramble that require you to lift yourself up and onto boulders. This can be both physically and psychologically challenging for some inexperienced hikers.
Before attempting this hike, I recommend watching some videos on the Old Rag Rock Scramble on YouTube to better acquaint yourself with the challenges of this hike. While I think some people do exaggerate the difficulty of the rock scramble, it isn’t something you want to be unprepared for. For your reference, I have included some pictures from the rock scramble for you to review below.
Little Stony Man
Another iconic, can’t-miss trail in Shenandoah National Park is the hike to the Little Stony Man viewpoint. The hike isn’t exceptionally long or difficult, so most hikers should be able to reach this viewpoint with little trouble. And believe me, the viewpoint is breathtaking, so it is well worth the effort.
Trail Info
For more details on the Little Stony Man hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Out-and-Back |
| Distance: | 1.2 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 351 feet |
| Time Required: | 1-2 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Dark Hallow Falls Trail
While it isn’t the tallest waterfall in the park, the Dark Hollow Falls are one of the most beautiful. This cascading waterfall has multiple drops and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the park because of its beauty. For that reason, the hike to see the falls is one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah.
If you plan to hike to see Dark Hollow Falls, you should be aware that the trail is an inverse of your typical mountain ascent. Instead of hiking uphill to reach the falls, you start at a higher elevation on Skyline Drive and then hike down to the falls.
It is the hike back up to the trailhead where you see the elevation gain. However, there are no switchbacks on the trail, which means the hike out is a steep, almost continuous ascent to the trailhead. The good news is that the trail isn’t incredibly long, so instead of having a difficult rating the trail is rated as moderate.
Trail Info
For more details on the Dark Hollow Falls hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Out-and-Back |
| Distance: | 1.6 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 583 feet |
| Time Required: | 1-2 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Bearfence Mountain Trail
For those who would like to try their hand at some rock scrambling while visiting Shenandoah, but aren’t comfortable with the difficulty of the rock scramble on Old Rag Mountain, the Bearfence Mountain hike is a great alternative.
This loop hike includes a much easier rock scramble on the ascent up to the Bearfence Mountain viewpoint. And if you aren’t comfortable with doing any rock scrambling, you can tackle this hike as an out-and-back and skip the rock scramble section altogether.
Trail Info
For more details on the Bearfence Mountain hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Distance: | 1 mile |
| Elevation Gain: | 242 feet |
| Time Required: | 1-2 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Bearfence Rock Scramble
As I mentioned previously, the rock scramble on the Bearfence Mountain hike is much easier than the rock scramble on Old Rag Mountain. In fact, on the few occasions I have done this hike, I have seen parents with young children on the trail doing the scramble.
While there aren’t many extremely exposed sections on the scramble, I would make sure you are there to supervise younger or less experienced hikers. While easier, there are still a few sections that can be dangerous.
Doyle River Falls Trail
For experienced hikers who are looking for another challenging hike to tackle in Shenandoah National Park, the Doyle River Falls trail is a great option. Like the Dark Hollow Falls trail, this trail is the inverse of your typical mountain ascent. You hike down to the Upper and Lower Doyle River Falls and then ascend back up to the trailhead.
However, unlike the Dark Hollow Falls trail which is fairly short, the Doyle River Falls Trail is over three miles. On the way back up to the trailhead after seeing the falls, you will ascend almost 1,200 feet. With no switchbacks to break up the ascent, it is a fairly steady, grueling climb back up to the trailhead. However, the falls are beautiful, so the effort is well worth it if you have the time and are up to the challenge.
Trail Info
For more details on the Doyle River Falls hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Out-and-Back |
| Distance: | 3.4 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 1,184 feet |
| Time Required: | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Mary’s Rock Hike
Another popular and challenging hike in Shenandoah National Park is the renowned Mary’s Rock trail. This fun out-and-back hike is mostly an uphill ascent that leads to a breathtaking viewpoint with 180-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
The area is also a very popular area for bird watching, so keep your eyes peeled as you hike. While considered difficult, that rating has much more to do with the distance and elevation gain than technical aspects.
Trail Info
For more details on the Mary’s Rock hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Out-and-Back |
| Distance: | 3.4 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 1,210 feet |
| Time Required: | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Rose River Falls Hike
The final waterfall hike that I highlight in this Shenandoah National Park guide is the fun Rose River Trail hike. While not as challenging as the Doyle River Falls Trail, this hike is more challenging than the Dark Hollow Falls Trail because of the distance. It gains as much elevation as the Dark Hollow Falls Trail but is longer. Like the other two waterfall trails, you hike down to the Rose River Falls and then ascend your way back up to the trailhead.
Trail Info
For more details on the Rose River Falls hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Out-and-Back |
| Distance: | 2.4 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 656 feet |
| Time Required: | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Hawksbill Summit Trail
The last of the challenging hikes that I cover in my Shenandoah National Park guide is one of my favorite hikes in the park. While the Hawksbill Summit Trail isn’t very long, it is a steep trail for almost all of the ascent to the lookout.
Once at the top, you are treated to spectacular 360-degree views of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the Blueridge Mountains, and the gorgeous Virginia Piedmont. It really is a stunning viewpoint. If you visit Shenandoah National Park, I really consider this hike to be a can’t-miss activity.
Trail Info
For more details on the Hawksbill Summit hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Out-and-Back |
| Distance: | 1.6 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 672 feet |
| Time Required: | 1-2 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Story of the Forest Nature Trail
For those who want to do some hiking while in the park, but don’t have the experience or confidence to tackle a tougher trail, this is a great alternative. This easy 1.8-mile hike has very little elevation gain and takes you through some beautiful forested areas. It is a great spot to see wildlife, and I have spotted deer on this trail multiple times.
For those who are planning to hike the Dark Hollow Falls trail, you can park at the Big Meadows Visitor Center and then take the Story of the Forest Nature Trail to the Dark Hollow Falls trailhead. It is a great way to extend the Dark Hollow Falls hike and avoid the congested parking lot for that trailhead.
Trail Info
For more details on the Story of the Forest hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Distance: | 1.8 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 180 feet |
| Time Required: | 1 hour |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Shenandoah National Park Resources
Download the Detailed Park Map
When planning any trip, you can never have too many resources at your disposal. In addition to the information I have provided you in this Shenandoah National Park guide, I have linked to several other official resources from the US National Parks Service below to use to plan your trip as well.
- Operating Hours
- Directions and Transportation
- Fees and Passes
- Permits and Reservations
- Park Maps
- Park Lodging
- Park Camping
- Visitor Centers
- Outdoor Activities
- Driving the Skyline Drive
- Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Best Times to Visit Shenandoah National Park
One of the most important decisions you must make when planning your visit to Shenandoah National Park is what time of year to visit. Because of its location and elevation, you will see very different weather and conditions in the park throughout the year. If you are starting to plan your trip and want advice on when to visit, you are in luck. I included some important information in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
Visiting Shenandoah in the Spring
During the Spring months, the facilities in Shenandoah National Park start to re-open. This means you should have access to most, if not all, of the park facilities during your visit. Visiting during the Spring can be a great time to see wildlife in the park. Birds will start returning from their southern migrations, so it is a wonderful time for bird watchers to visit the park.
While temperatures start to warm up in the spring at Shenandoah, the weather can still be rather cool because of the elevation. In addition, the park typically sees the most rainfall of the year during the spring months. If you are planning to do a lot of hiking during your visit, you may want to take this into account.
Visiting Shenandoah in the Summer
The summer months are a great time to visit Shenandoah National Park. The temperatures are warm and the weather is usually very nice. It can get hot and humid, so you will need to ensure that you are properly hydrated if you will be doing a lot of hiking.
One of the drawbacks of visiting during the summer is that the park can be quite crowded. If you want to book a campground or cabin in the park, I strongly recommend making your reservation well in advance.
The same is true for the Old Rag Mountain hike, which also now requires a reservation. Being prepared before your visit and then practicing patience while at the park can make your summer visit much more enjoyable.
Visiting Shenandoah in the Autumn
The autumn season is by far the most popular season for visitors to come to Shenandoah National Park. With leaves on the park’s many trees changing colors, the landscape is simply breathtaking during autumn. In addition, the weather is typically cool, but not too cold, which makes it the perfect time of year for hiking.
If you are trying to coordinate your visit with the changing color of the leaves, I suggest monitoring the Valley Webcam or the Big Meadows Live Webcam to track the color change. Depending on the yearly conditions, the park’s leaves may start to turn earlier or later in the year. The park is also over 100 miles long, so leaves in one part of the park may change before others.
Visiting Shenandoah in the Winter
While it may not see as many visitors as other seasons, the winter season in Shenandoah National Park can be incredible. Although it can get very cold, the park looks absolutely breathtaking with a fresh layer of snow. You will also have to contend with far fewer people, which means less crowds and traffic to contend with.
While Skyline Road is open throughout the winter, you will want to monitor the park website to ensure snow conditions haven’t temporarily closed portions. Because of the length of the road and the steepness of certain sections, it can take days to completely clear the road after snow storms. You will also want to familiarize yourself with which services remain open during the winter and which are closed.
Average Temperature (°F)
For more information on the average temperatures you can expect in the park throughout the year, please refer to the chart I included in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
Average Precipitation (Inches)
For more information on the average amount of precipitation you can expect in the park throughout the year, please refer to the chart I included in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
Average Snowfall (Inches)
Shenandoah National Park gets a fair amount of snowfall during the winter months. For more information on the average amount of snowfall you can expect in the park throughout the year, please refer to the chart below.
Average Number of Visitors
If you want to avoid the crowds, you may be interested in the average number of visitors to Shenandoah National Park annually. I have included a chart that outlines this information for you to review below.
Other Things to See in the Area
If you are planning an extended trip to the Shenandoah National Park area and are looking for other things to do, you are in luck. I have included some recommendations on other nearby attractions for you to review in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
Luray Caverns
One of the attractions closest to Shenandoah National Park is the incredible Luray Caverns. Located outside the small town of Luray, Virginia, the caves have drawn visitors to the area since they were discovered in the late 1800s. This spectacular cave system is characterized by unique stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools. Best of all, it is only a short 15-minute drive from the park.
Washington, D.C.
One cannot visit Northern Virginia and not make a stop to see the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. is full of incredible history for the whole family to enjoy. In addition to the city’s many monuments and important government buildings, it is also home to several world-class museums, such as the National History Museum, the Smithsonian Museums, and the Holocaust Museum.
Washington, D.C. Tours
New River Gorge National Park
Not only is it America’s newest national parkland, but it may also be one of the country’s most underrated parks. New River Gorge National Park is highlighted by a steep river gorge that has produced some of the most dramatically beautiful mountain vistas East of the Mississippi River in the United States.
The park is a hot spot for hiking, climbing, and white water rafting. However, with many incredible viewpoints that are easy to access, you don’t need to be a daredevil to enjoy this amazing park. It is only a short 2.5-hour drive from Shenandoah National Park, so combining both parks into one incredible road trip is easy.
Manassas Civil War Battlefield
If you are a fan of history, then you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Manassas Battlefield when you are in the Shenandoah National Park area. The Battles of Manassas, also known as the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, are infamous battles fought during the American Civil War. The battlefield is only a short 30-minute drive from Shenandoah National Park, so it is a great day trip to take during your visit.
Where to Stay Near Shenandoah National Park
Campgrounds
When visiting the national parks and monuments of the United States, it is a really neat experience to camp out during your visit. Some of the best campgrounds in America can be found inside the country’s national parks and monuments and the surrounding areas.
This is especially true of the Shenandoah National Park, which has some great campsites in the area. If you are interested in camping out during your visit, I have included a map of some area campgrounds for you to review in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
Hotels
If camping is not your speed, you need not worry as there are a variety of good hotels for you to choose from in the area as well. Several cities are within a reasonable driving distance to the park, which gives you a lot of options to choose from. For instance, the cities of Harrisonburg, Mount Jackson, Warrenton, and Culpepper are all between 30-40 miles from the park.
For those who would like to stay even closer, the city of Luray is only 10 miles from the park. In addition to the hotel options available outside the park, there are also lodging options inside the park. The Skyland Lodge is very nice, but also very popular. If you would like to stay within the park, you will need to plan your stay further in advance.
If you are starting to plan your trip and are looking for accommodations, you are in luck. I have included a map and a list of recommended hotel and motel options for you to review in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
Activities in the Shenandoah National Park Area
Shenandoah National Park is located in such a beautiful area of the United States. Because of this, there is a wealth of amazing things to see and do both inside and outside of the park. That includes the nearby Washington, D.C. area, which is an amazing destination to visit on its own.
| An Activity You Might Be Interested in: |
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| Shenandoah National Park Horseback Riding |
One of the best ways to enjoy the Shenandoah National Park and surrounding area is to take a tour or enjoy an activity. If you are interested in taking a tour or doing an activity during your visit, you are in luck. I have included some highly rated tours for you to review in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
Shenandoah National Park Photo Gallery
Shenandoah National Park is one of the most beautiful parklands in the United States. With a wealth of breathtaking viewpoints, challenging hiking trails, and rich wildlife viewing, it is a photographer’s dream destination. If you are interested in seeing some of the photographs I was able to capture when I visited Shenandoah, I included a gallery in my Shenandoah National Park guide below.
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Great info Josh! One of these days we are going to run into each other on a trip.
Thanks so much Nate!! That would be awesome, my friend!!