Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
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All of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park - Virginia involve being in the outdoors. The park’s centerpiece, Skyline Drive, is a 105 mile National Scenic Highway that runs across the Blue Ridge Mountains. Complimenting the summit drive, and its 75 scenic overlooks, are 500 miles of trails to explore on foot or on horseback.
Whether you cruise Skyline Drive or venture into the forest; the granite ledges, gaps, and hollows of the Blue Ridge Mountains will inspire and amaze. This article is a compilation of some of our favorite things to do in Shenandoah National Park with suggestions on where to hike, see waterfalls, and explore caverns. For information on where to stay and when to go, read our Shenandoah National Park guide.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK MAP
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THINGS TO DO IN SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Explore Skyline Drive Shenandoah
Skyline Drive is a twisty highway built along the crest of a mountain range. The 105 mile scenic byway stretches from Front Royal to Waynesboro, Virginia (where it hooks up with the Blue Ridge Parkway). Nearly all of the park’s hiking trails, lodges, campgrounds, and picnic areas connect directly to Skyline Drive.
Skyline Drive Shenandoah offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from 75 scenic overlooks that are strategically placed along the route. The road is meant to be driven at a leisurely pace. The speed limit is 35mph; in part due to the curvy terrain and steep ravines, but also because frequent wildlife crossings. Driving Skyline Drive is a bucket list road trip, and one of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
Take a Hike
With over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, hiking in Shenandoah National Park is one of the main park activities. There is something for everyone in terms of ability. Trails range from short and easy to expert, strenuous overnight treks.
Most of the trails ascend or descend from a trailhead along Skyline Drive. The park is known for its many waterfalls, wildflowers, and rocky peaks. Some of Shenandoah Park’s more popular hikes are the Stony Man, Hawksbill, Dark Hollows, and Mary’s Rock trails. Limberlost is the park’s only fully accessible trail. Old Rag Mountain is another very popular hike. Visit the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center or Harry Byrd Visitor Center for trail maps and ranger guidance.
Commune with a Waterfall
Shenandoah National Park Virginia has a wealth of waterfalls along its many mountain streams. While some are most beautiful in the spring and summer; others cascade throughout the year. None can be seen from Skyline Drive, so a hike is required to get to any falls. Some of the more popular waterfall viewing is at Dark Hollow Falls (Mile 50.7), Rose River Falls (Mile 49.4), and Doyles River Falls (Mile 81.1).
Enjoy Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime in Shenandoah Park. Native deer, black bear, fox, wild turkeys, and migrating birds often wander into park picnic areas, campgrounds, scenic outlooks, and hiking trails. The best times of the day to view wildlife is just before dawn and dusk when animals are active and feeding (take special care when driving these times of day).
Many visitors enjoy watching wildlife in the fields in front of Big Meadows Visitor Center and from the decks of the Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Lodge. Never feed or approach wild animals. Dispose of all trash in approved park bear-proof receptacles.
Combine your trip to Shenandoah Park with these Virginia tours and attractions:
Pedal a Bike
Bikes (mountain, road, and e-bikes) are permitted on all paved roads in Shenandoah National Park. Bikes are not permitted on hiking trails, meadows, or unpaved roads (except for a short distance on the Rapidan Fire Road). Skyline Drive is the main road bicycles utilize in Shenandoah Park.
Before planning a trip, bikers should be aware there is frequent fog, many steep hills, and blind curves along Skyline Drive. Bikes share the road with motor vehicle traffic (including large RVs). There are several bike repair stations located throughout the park. Also, there are a number of adventure outfits that offer guided bike tours through Shenandoah Park.
Go Horseback Riding
There are over 180 miles of trails open to horseback riding in Shenandoah National Park - Virginia. Horse enthusiasts can board their own mounts at Skyland Stables (Mile 42.5). Others can experience the wilderness of Shenandoah Park on horseback by reserving guided trail rides through Skyland Stables. Rides are offered daily beginning in late spring until the beginning of November (weather permitting).
Indulge in Some Cavern Exploration
Just outside of Shenandoah Park, there are several businesses that offer cavern explorations tours (a cavern is a cave with multiple rooms). Two of the best are Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns. If you can only pick one, we recommend Luray Caverns (US Hwy. 340, Luray VG). It is the largest cavern in the eastern United States. A self-guided tour brings visitors through soaring cathedral-sized rooms adorned with colorful stalagmites hanging at every turn.
Learn about Shenandoah National Park History
Shenandoah National Park - Virginia was created in the 1930s when over 400 mountain families were resettled from the area to other places. Learn about where the families went, and about the “CCC” boys who build the park, at the Harry Byrd Visitor Center and Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Displays include a variety of exhibits, virtual tours, and movies on park’s inceptions and history.
Park guests can also take a 2.5 hour ranger-led tour of the historic Rapidan Camp. Located only 75 miles from Washington, DC, the camp was the summer retreat of President Herbert Hoover. At the conclusion of Hoover’s presidency, the camp was donated to the National Park Service. Today, visitors can tour the area from late May until October.
Hotels Near Shenandoah National Park - Virginia
South Court Inn B&B - Luray
Hampton Inn & Suites - Woodstock
Sit by a Camp Fire
Shenandoah National Park camping is allowed at five campgrounds throughout the park. Reservations for tent and RV camping can be made up to six months in advance and are highly recommended (although some first-come first-serve sites are help back at most campgrounds). Free backcountry camping is also allowed throughout much of the park with a permit (permits can be obtained at the visitor centers).
Participate in Ranger-Led Programs
Participating in a park ranger-led program is a great way to learn about the park’s unique culture, eco-systems, and wildlife. Schedules of ranger-led programs can be found at the Dickey Ridge and Harry Byrd Visitor Centers. A wide variety of educational Junior Ranger programs and lectures are offered. There are also ranger-led hikes for star-gazing, to waterfalls, and to the Rapidan Camp. Lastly, don’t miss the daily bear talk at the Big Meadows Visitor Center.
Go Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Rock hounds rejoice! Shenandoah Park offers some of the best rock climbing in the eastern United States. The park offers half-day rock climbing classes for all skill levels with the Shenandoah Mountain Guides. Sessions can be booked online. Rock climbing and rappelling adventure tours in the park can also be booked through Shenandoah Mountain Guides (and other) outfits.
Have a Picnic
Sometimes the simplest plans are the best. For a meal with a view, pack a picnic lunch to be enjoyed at one of Shenandoah Park’s seven picnic grounds. Most of the area’s offer charcoal grills, restrooms, and bear-proof trash receptacles. All of the picnic grounds are located off of Skyline Drive. We suggest bringing a hand-broom to sweep the table and benches. Also, dispose of leftover food and carry out trash if receptacles are not available.
Fish in a Mountain Stream
Some 90 streams and tributaries flow within Shenandoah National Park - Virginia. Around 70 of those streams are home to native brook trout and many other species of fish. No fish are stocked. In the park, all fish are wild and spawn naturally. Recreational fishing is allowed in the park with the appropriate licenses. Several local outfits offer guided fly fishing adventures.
Stay in a National Park Lodge
Location. Location. Location. While there are many charming towns that reside in the valley below the park, there is nothing more relaxing than staying overnight in the park (and not driving back and forth each day). Shenandoah National Park lodging is provided at the Skyland Lodge, Big Meadows Lodge, and Lewis Mountain. Visitors can choose from hotel-style rooms and suites or rustic cabins.
View the Park in Each Season
As the seasons change, so does the park. At Shenandoah Park there is something to love in each of the four seasons:
Spring brings budding trees, the emergence four-legged creatures from the woods, and the carpeting of meadow floors with wildflowers. (Visitors are few!)
Summer brings verdant fields, leafy trees, nesting birds, and baby animals. Wildflowers are at peak, trails are dry, and the weather is warm. (Visitors are many!)
Autumn brings brilliant color, migrating birds, cold nights, warm days, and harvest festivals. (Visitors are many!)
Winter brings the closing of most park facilities (Skyline drive closes during inclement weather), but the leaf-bare trees provide magnificent views and the forests are peaceful. (Visitors are few and far between!)
So long from Old Dominion. Don’t be a stranger, Laura and Randy
For more information on North American travel, read our travel blog posts on:
Guide to Sheandoah National Park
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