Guide to Shenandoah National Park Virginia
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The rocky wilderness of Shenandoah National Park encompasses magnificent mountains, meandering streams, and abundant wildlife. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, one central road, Skyline Drive, traverses the park. Our guide to Shenandoah National Park Virginia provides information on Skyline Drive, park weather, the best time to go, and things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
Cutting across mountain summits for 105 miles, Skyline Drive provides access to the park’s forests, streams, and hollows. Scenic drives, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are some of the most popular ways to immerse in the stunning natural environment. Learn how to make the most of park’s visitor centers, lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, and outdoor activities with our Shenandoah National Park guide.
HISTORY OF SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK VIRGINIA
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia was created in the 1930’s from a patchwork of woodlands, fields, and farms. At a time when autos were becoming popular, the park was created to give urban easterners access to the outdoors. Skyline Drive Shenandoah was conceived as a route that would allow people in cars to experience the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Two US presidents were instrumental in the park’s creation. Herbert Hoover built a summer retreat, Rapidan Camp, in the area. Later, he donated the camp to the National Park Service. Then, in the 1930’s, Franklin D. Roosevelt utilized hundreds of Depression-era Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) “boys” to build Shenandoah National Park's roads, tunnels, and trails.
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GETTING TO SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Shenandoah National Park Virginia is located on a narrow tract of land in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is about 75 miles west of Washington, DC. Three major airports (Washington Dulles, Reagan National, and Charlottesville, NC) are within an hour’s drive.
Shenandoah Park is accessed via Skyline Drive. The National Scenic Byway is organized into northern, central, and southern sections. There are four entrance stations to Skyline Drive Shenandoah:
North Entrance in Front Royal off of Rt. 340
Thornton Gap Entrance near Luray off of Hwy. 211
Swift Run Gap Entrance east of Elkton off of US 33
South Entrance (Rockfish Gap) east of Waynesboro off of Hwy. 250
TIP: If you are using a GPS navigation system, make sure it directs you to one of the four official entrances (and not a gated service road closed to the public).
TIP: There is one tunnel along Skyline Drive. Marys Rock Tunnel, by the Thornton Gap entrance, has a clearance height of 12’ 8” (campers beware).
GETTING AROUND SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK VIRGINIA
The scenic overlooks, trailheads, facilities, and services of Shenandoah Park are found using the mile marker system. Numbered concrete mileposts stretch the length of Skyline Drive from Mile 0 in Front Royal (north entrance) to Mile 105 by Waynesboro (south entrance).
Combine your trip to Shenandoah Park with these Virginia tours and attractions:
Skyline Drive Shenandoah has many "S" turns, changes in grade, and wild animal crossings. In addition, the road is shared with bicyclists. For the safety of all, the posted speed limit is 35mph.
There are no authorized shuttle bus services in Shenandoah National Park. Driving a personal vehicle is the most common way to get around. There are 75 scenic overlooks along the route. Click on this link for information on car rentals in the area.
VISITOR CENTERS AND INFORMATION
At the park visitor center’s guests can find park guides, trail maps, rest rooms, ranger-led programs, information on camping, book stores, and gift shops. There are two visitor centers in Shenandoah Park:
Byrd Visitor Center (Mile 51)
May – October: Open daily 9-5pm
November – April: Open Weekends 9:30-4pm
The Byrd Visitor Center is located near the Big Meadows Lodge and Campground. It is considered the park’s “main” visitor center. Onsite, there are movies and exhibits about the park’s ecosystems, wildlife, and inception. There is a daily ranger-led talk about bear safety. Tours to the historic Rapidan Camp leave from here.
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (Mile 4.6)
May – October: Open daily 8:30-5pm
November – April: Closed
The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is located near Front Royal at the park’s northern entrance. There is a movie on the park and some small exhibits to explore.
Hotels Near Shenandoah National Park
Hampton Inn in Front Royal - we stayed here; clean, economical, and close to park
Mountain Home B&B - Front Royal
The Mimslyn Inn - Luray
Days Inn Wyndham - Luray
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK MAP
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK WEATHER
Shenandoah National Park has four seasons. Summers are hot and humid with frequent showers. Winters are cold with bouts of snow and ice. In spring and fall the nights are cold and the days are warm.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
The crowds at Shenandoah National Park vary according to the season and day of the week. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with crowds at their peak. Weekends in the autumn are a close second – when Skyline Drive is crammed with leaf peepers.
There are fewer crowds in spring before the leaves have budded. In winter, crowds are the sparsest, but keep in mind most facilities are closed (and Skyline Drive closes during inclement weather).
Randy and I think the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park Virginia is in early summer (late-May/early June), before the peak crowds hit. At this time of year wildflowers are blooming and animals are moving about. Another great time visit is on weekdays in the autumn when the leaves are changing and the weather is perfect for hiking and picnicking.
THINGS TO DO IN SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Scenic Drives: Skyline Drive Shenandoah has 75 scenic overlooks to enjoy.
Hiking: Over 500 miles of trails ranging from easy to expert terrain.
Waterfall Exploration: The park’s many waterfalls are popular hiking and photography destinations.
Wildlife Viewing: View deer, black bear, fox, and many other birds and four-legged creatures.
Biking: Bikes are allowed on Skyline Drive and on some other park roads.
Horseback Riding: Horse and pony rides are available in the park at the Skyline Stables.
Cavern Exploration: Just outside the park, several outfits offer cavern exploration tours.
Historic Sites: Go on a tour of Rapidan Camp. Or, hike to historic cabins and homesteads.
Camping: There are five campgrounds in the park; and backcountry camping is allowed in many spots.
Ranger-led Programs: Kids and adults enjoy a variety of ranger-led walks and hikes.
SHENANDOAH PARK THINGS TO KNOW
Opening Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. During inclement weather, Skyline Drive may close).
Admission Fees: There is a charge to enter the park. Fees vary according to the size of your vehicle. Visit the National Park website for more information.
Gas: Gas is available in the park at the Big Meadows Wayside Market (Mile 51).
Hunting and Fishing: Hunting is prohibited. Fishing is allowed with a valid Virginia license.
Cell Reception: Cell phone service is unreliable throughout the park.
Wifi: Free wifi is available at the Byrd Visitor Center, Big Meadows Lodge, and Skyland Lodge.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in the park (including on many trails).
Accessibility: Most facilities at the park’s visitor centers, lodges, and campgrounds are ADA accessible. One trail in the park, Limberlost Trail, is considered ADA accessible.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK RESTAURANTS & STORES
The park is largely free of commercial development. However, there are a few places to dine, purchase grab-and-go food, and use the restrooms:
Elkwallow Wayside Market: (Mile 24.1) Grab and go snacks.
Skyland Lodge: (Mile 41.7) The Pollock Dining Room offers a full menu and great views of the Shenandoah Valley. The Mountain Taproom offers drinks and pub grub.
Big Meadows Lodge: (Mile 51) The Spottswood Dining Toom offers a full menu and the New Market Taproom offers drinks and pub grub.
Big Meadows Market: (Mile 51) Grab and go snacks.
Loft Mountain Wayside Market: (Mile 79.5) Grab and go snacks.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK PICNIC GROUNDS
There are several picnic grounds located off of Skyline Drive. Most have charcoal grills and rest rooms. Remember to bring a hand-broom to sweep the table and benches. Also, dispose of leftover food and trash in bear-resistant trash receptacles (or carry-out if not available):
Dickey Ridge (Mile 4.6)
Elkwallow (Mile 24.1)
Pinnacles (Mile 36.7)
Big Meadows (Mile 51.2)
Lewis Mountain (Mile 57.5)
South River (Mile 62.8)
Dundo (Mile 83.7)
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK LODGING
There are three places to stay in Shenandoah National Park in hotel-style or cabin accommodations. To stay in the park, plan to reserve well in advance. The accommodations are:
Skyland Lodge Shenandoah: (Mile 41.7) 179 hotel style rooms and suites and rustic cabins. Some pet friendly rooms. Closed during the winter.
Lewis Mountain: (Mile 57.5) One and two-room cabins at the Lewis Mountain Campground. Cabins have electricity, heat, linens, and private bathrooms (no in-room phones or Internet). Closed during the winter.
Big Meadows Lodge: (Mile 51) 96 hotel style rooms and suites and rustic cabins. Some pet friendly rooms. Closed during the winter.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK CAMPING
Tent and RV camping in Shenandoah Park are extremely popular. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to six months in advance (although most campgrounds keep some first-come first-serve sites). Here is a list of campgrounds in the park:
Mathews Arm: (Mile 22.2): Tents and RVs
Big Meadows: (Mile 51.2) Tents and RVs
Lewis Mountain: (Mile 57.5) Tents, RVs, and Cabins
Loft Mountain: (Mile 79.5) Tents and RVs
Dundo Group Campground: Tents and Groups only
Back Country Camping: Is allowed in Shenandoah Park in certain areas with a backcountry camping permit. Permits are issued at the park’s Visitor Centers (free).
We hope you have found our guide to Shenandoah National Park Virginia helpful. Journey on! Laura and Randy
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