Just 75 miles outside of the Washington, DC metro area, Shenandoah National Park offers a forested escape. Running for 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is a long, skinny park with mountain views, summertime wildflowers, wildlife and waterfalls. Visitors can explore this park for days or drive through it in a few hours. Here are the top things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
14 Magical Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
Stop at the Visitor Center
Take Skyline Drive
Stop for a Snack at a Wayside
Hike to a View
See a Waterfall
Stop at Skyland
Bike in the Park
Spot Wildlife
Take a Guided Horseback Riding Trip
See Wildflowers in Big Meadow
Attend a Night Sky Program
Earn a Ranger Badge
Picnic in the Park
Stay in a Cabin
Visitor Centers in Shenandoah
Visitors will find two visitor centers with information, maps and restrooms with water bottle fillers. Rangers are on duty at the visitor centers, and most ranger programs start there.
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is located closest to Front Royal, Virginia, at Mile 4.6 in the northern part of the park. Built in 1938, it started as the Dickey Ridge Lodge and features historic details and shows a short interpretive film.
Located at 17065 Skyline Dr., Front Royal, VA. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).
Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center is located in the southern part of the park. It is located at Mile 51. This visitor center offers an exhibit on the Civilian Conservation Corps and how it developed the park.
Located at 259 Big Meadows Visitor Rd., Big Meadows, Stanley, VA. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).
Which Shenandoah Entrance Should I Use?
There are four entrances to Shenandoah National Park. Interstate 81 runs parallel to Shenandoah National Park.
The entrances closest to the DC area are the busiest. However, this park doesn’t require vehicle entrance permits.
The northernmost entrance is Front Royale, off of Route 340.
The Thornton Gap entrance is located east of Luray, VA, off Highway 211.
Swift Run Gap is east of Elkton, VA, off US 33.
Rockfish Gap Entrance is the southernmost entrance, close to Waynesboro, VA, off Highway 250.
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Scenic Drives in Shenandoah
Its scenic route, Skyline Drive, runs the length of the park. All services are located off this route, like trailheads, visitor centers and camping and picnic areas.
Drivers will pass a scenic overlook every few miles. I recommend pulling off for each one; the view differs, and most offer interpretive signs.
Driving Skyline Drive is the easiest way to see the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just a reminder, you are enjoying the scenery and not making time. The speed limit is 35 mph.
Waysides in Shenandoah
Shenandoah is unique in that it offers food service every 25 miles along Skyline Drive. Travelers can find hot food items and snacks. Outside, there are a few tables and plenty of grassy space for a picnic.
Elkwallow Wayside at Mile 24 offers groceries, basic camping supplies and a hot food menu with sandwiches and burgers, plus a kids menu.
Open from April 11 to November 9, 2025. Hours TK
Big Meadows Wayside at Mile 51 sells supplies and groceries. It also features a hot food menu. This wayside gas and diesel at 24-hour pumps.
Open from March 26 to November 30, 2025.
Loft Mountain Wayside is located at Mile 79 and offers supplies, groceries, and a hot food menu. It is open from April 17 to November 3, 2025.
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The Easiest Hiking Trails in Shenandoah
Hiking is another way to engage with nature. It is one of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
The park offers over 500 miles of trails. Hikers will find trails to waterfalls, summits and ones designed for kids.
Northern Shenandoah Hiking Trails
Fox Hollow Trail is a 1.2-mile roundtrip hike labeled easy with a 310 feet elevation gain. Trailhead is located at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, and this is a designated TRACK Trail with a guide for kids
Fort Windham Rocks is a .8-mile roundtrip hike labeled easy from the Compton Gap Parking Area. It includes an elevation gain of 130 feet.
Lands Run Falls is a 1.3-mile roundtrip hike to an 80-foot waterfall cascade. This is an easy trail; however, it includes a 325-foot elevation gain. Its trailhead is located at Lands Run parking area at Mile 9.2.
Central Shenandoah Hiking Trails
Bearfence Viewpoint is a 1.1-mile roundtrip hike from the Bearfence parking area at Mile 56.4. It’s an easy trail with a 305-foot elevation gain.
Limberlost 1.3-mile roundtrip hike from Limberlost parking area at Mile 43. This is a designated TRACK Trail with a guide for kids and features a 130-foot elevation gain.
Dark Hollows Falls is a 1.4-mile roundtrip hike with a 440-foot elevation gain. The falls are a 70-foot cascade. With the slippery and steep conditions, it is considered to be a moderate hike. It departs from the Dark Hollow Falls Parking Area at Mile 50.7.
Stony Man is a 1.6-mile roundtrip hike with a 340–foot elevation gain and labeled easy. It departs from the Stony Man parking area at Mile 41.7.
Millers Head is a 1.6-mile roundtrip hike with a view from a former fire tower. It includes a 450–foot elevation gain, and its trailhead is close to Skyland Amphitheater.
Southern Shenandoah Hiking Trails
Blackrock Summit is a 1-mile hike with views of Massanutten Mountain. It is a designated TRACK Trail with a 175-foot elevation gain. It departs from the Blackrock parking area at Mile 84.4, and hikers will use the Appalachian Trail south.
Frazier Discovery Trail is a 1.2-mile roundtrip trail with a 429-foot elevation gain. It departs from the Loft Mountain Wayside Parking Area at Mile 79.5.
Turk Mountain is a 2.2-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of 690 feet. Turk Mountain features a 2,981-foot summit with views of the surrounding mountains. This trail departs from the Turk Mountain parking area at Mile 94.1.
Waterfalls in Shenandoah
Shenandoah National Park is one of the better parks for waterfalls. Most waterfalls in Shenandoah require a hike.
Waterfalls can be found in the northern, central and southern parts of the park. Early spring is the best time for waterfalls. Take care when hiking near slippery rocks and surfaces.
Dark Hollows Falls at Mile 50.7 requires a 1.4-mile roundtrip hike.
Lands Run Falls at Mile 9.2 requires a 1.3-mile roundtrip hike.
Lower Whiteoak Falls requires a 2-mile roundtrip hike.
South River Falls Observation Point at Mile 62.7 requires a 2.6-mile roundtrip hike.
Doyles River Falls at Mile 81.1 requires a 3.3-mile roundtrip hike.
Jones Run Falls at Mile 84.1 requires a 3.2-mile roundtrip hike.
South River Falls at Mile 62.7 requires a 3.3-mile roundtrip hike.
Areas to Explore in Shenandoah
Along Skyline Drive, there are several developed areas that offer dining, lodging and activities.
Skyland
Before Shenandoah became a national park, a resort called Skyland opened in the 1890s. It still exists, and Skyland offers lodging, dining and activities.
Along Skyline Drive between Mile Markers 41.7 and 42.5, Skyland sits at the highest elevation on Shenandoah National Park’s scenic drive. The complex includes a dining hall, lodge rooms, cabins and activities.
Visitors will find an amphitheater used for Ranger programs. There are horse stables in the area. Skyland hosts events like guided hiking and live music.
Big Meadows
This area is popular for its high-elevation meadow, located in the southern part of the park. Anchored by the Byrd Visitor Center, there’s also a wayside (with a gas station), the Big Meadows Lodge and a campground.
Many hiking trails originate from the Big Meadows area. There is an amphitheater for Ranger Programs.
Old Rag Mountain
With its exposed summit at 3,284 feet, Old Rag Mountain is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. Located in the Shenandoah Wilderness, the hike includes rock scrambling and a separate day-use permit.
The hike is nearly 10 miles and can be strenuous. Advance preparation is needed. For more information, visit the NPS Old Rag Mountain webpage. Located near Sperryville in Madison County, Virginia.
Biking in Shenandoah
Shenandoah is open for road cycling along Skyline Drive and on all paved areas. This includes mountain bikes, road bikes and all classifications of E-bikes.
The trails in Shenandoah are hiking trails. So, no biking on trails, grassy areas, or unpaved roads, except for Rapidan Fire Road.
Wildlife Viewing
Find lots of animals within the park though dawn and dusk are the best wildlife viewing times. The Park Rangers can also point out areas that offer the best chance to see wildlife.
Black Bear
Deer Mouse
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Meadow Vole
Northern Gray Squirrel
Red Bat
Striped Skunk
Virginia Opossum
White-Tailed Deer
Woodchuck
Be Bear Aware
The National Park Service recommends the following guidelines for reducing encounters.
Make noise when hiking; kids are good at this.
Be aware of the possibility of bears at streams.
Store food when not eating or preparing in the bear-proof storage lockers.
Keep 100 years between you and bears.
Put all trash in a bear-resistant trash container.
Horseback Riding
Shenandoah National Park offers horseback riding at Skyland Resort. The guided rides last one hour. For younger kids, there are pony rides.
Located at Mile 42.5 on Skyline Drive from May 2 to October 26, 2025. 1-Hour rides are $89.99 plus tax per person. Must be at least 4’10” tall and weigh less than 250 lbs. Monday to Thursday departures are 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday departures are 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Reservations accepted.
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Wildflowers in Shenandoah
From the Bluets starting in March to the Rhododendrons of May, wildflowers dot the park, especially along Skyline Drive. Large-flowered trillium is found in the forested parts of the park.
Shenandoah features 862 species of wildflowers, notably that’s half of all plant species found in the park. Popular species belong to the pea, lily and mint families. A top area to view wildflowers is Big Meadow.
Night Sky in Shenandoah
Moonless and cloud-free nights are the best times to see the night sky in Shenandoah. Visitors can see the Milky Way or some of the 2500 stars visible without a telescope from 88 constellations.
The Big Meadows area and the Skyland Amphitheater offer the best unobscured views. Some of the lodges also offer night sky programming in the summer.
Fall Color in Shenandoah
This tree-covered landscape is particularly popular in fall. From late September, October, and November, the park is a destination for leaf-peepers.
The trees include chestnut or red oaks at the higher elevations. Maple, Ash, Bass, Birch and Basswood are found in the middle ground. Yellow poplars are in lower elevations and long streams.
With average daytime temperatures ranging from 49°F to 60°F, the days are great for hiking and scenic drives. The nights are cooler, and layering is a must.
Kids and Pets in Shenandoah National Park
Traveling with your kids or pets is part of the fun. Mount Rainier makes a great trip with lots of activities and things to see.
There are special activities for kids. As for pets, Shenandoah is a haven for wildlife, so care must be taken when traveling with your pets in the park.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about Redwood National Park. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the badges that the park rangers present them after completing their booklets.
BARK Program
Shenandoah National Park welcomes pets as long as they practice the principles of the BARK program. Pets are allowed on some trails; however, not on all trails. For more information, visit the webpage for visiting with pets.
B–Bag waste and dispose of it in the trash
A–Always leash your dog for their safety and others
R–Respect wildlife
K–Know where you can go
Pets are allowed on some trails; however, not on all trails. They are prohibited on the following busier trails for their safety and fellow human hikers.
Fox Hollow Trail at Mile 4.6
Stony Man Trail at Mile 41.7) NOTE: The beginning portion of the route to the summit follows the Appalachian Trail, where dogs are allowed, but you cannot make the turn onto the blue-blazed Stony Man Trail to the summit with a pet.
Limberlost Trail at Mile 43
Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
Old Rag Ridge Trail
Old Rag Saddle Trail
Ridge Access Trail (Old Rag area)
Dark Hollow Falls Trail at Mile 50.7
Story of the Forest Trail at Mile 51
Bearfence Mountain Trail at Mile 56.4
Frazier Discovery Trail at Mile 79.5
Where to Eat in Shenandoah
From the convenient waysides along Skyline Drive to picnic tables to lodges, visitors will find several options within the park. It is always advisable to carry road trip snacks and water bottles for your trip.
Skyland Lodge
Skyland Lodge features the Pollock Dining Room, with regional flavors and seasonal ingredients. It serves breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m., lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.
The Pollack Dining Room also offers a patio for lunch and dinner. Featuring the same menu, diners can enjoy a meal al fresco from noon to 9 p.m.
Pollack Dining Room also offers a grab-and-go option from breakfast to lunch. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a selection of deli sandwiches, baked goods, snacks and beverages.
The Mountain Taproom serves small plates and casual fare with live entertainment on weekends from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Local breweries also come in for Tap Takeovers in the summer season. Open daily from 2:30 to 10 p.m.
Skyland Lodge is open from Monday, April 7, to Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Big Meadows Lodge
Big Meadows Lodge is located on the southern end of Shenandoah. It features the Spottswood Dining Room. It serves breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m., lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.
The Big Meadows Lodge features a pet-friendly patio outside of the Spottswood Dining Room. The New Market Taproom offers a selection of beers and cocktails, with bar bites and casual entrees. There’s also live entertainment on the weekends.
Big Meadows Lodge is open from Monday, May 5, to Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Picnicking in Shenandoah National Park
While exploring a National Park site, it is always a great idea to pack a picnic. It can be as easy as a few snacks and refillable water bottles.
Some of the picnic areas in Shenandoah offer grills and restrooms. Others just feature picnic tables.
Dickey Ridge at Mile 4.6
Elkwallow at Mile 24.1
Pinnacles at Mile 36.7
Big Meadows at Mile 51.2
Lewis Mountain at Mile 57.5
South River at Mile 62.8. No fires allowed. Water isn’t available; however, vault toilets are.
Dundo at Mile 83.7. No fires allowed. Water isn’t available; however, vault toilets are.
Where to Stay in Shenandoah
Within the park’s boundaries, there are two lodges and three cabin locations. Reservations are required for all in-park lodging.
Skyland Lodge and Cabins
At the highest point in the park, this historic lodge offers a range of accommodations, from renovated premium rooms to stand-alone cabins. Guests can enjoy activities, and food service is available at Skyland.
Skyland Lodge features the Pollock Dining Room, with regional flavors and seasonal ingredients. It also offers a grab-and-go option from breakfast to lunch. The Mountain Taproom serves small plates and casual fare with live entertainment on weekends.
Like most National Park lodgings, these accommodations don’t offer in-room phones; however, there is air-conditioning. Some rooms offer TVs and ceiling fans. Others are pet-friendly.
Located at 416 Skyland Lower Loop, Luray, VA. It is open from April 7 to November 30, 2025.
Big Meadows Lodge
At Big Meadows in the southern part of the park, Big Meadows Lodge offers lodging, like lodge rooms and stand-alone cabins. It also features rooms that are pet-friendly. With rustic charm, the lodging at Big Meadows Lodge invites guests to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Dining is available at The Spottswood Dining Room, New Market Taproom, and Craft Shop, a gift shop with art created by regional Shenandoah artisans.
Located at Mile 51, Skyline Dr #2, Stanley, VA. It is open from May 5 to November 9, 2025.
Lewis Mountain Cabins
For a cabin in the woods, the historic Lewis Mountain Cabins features one and two-room cabins with electricity, a bathroom and beds, equipped with linens. Heat and ceiling fans are included; however, cabins don’t offer air-conditioning.
Located at Skyline Dr Mile 57.5, Elkton, VA. Open seasonally from April 11 to November 30.
Camping in Shenandoah
The following campgrounds are managed by the National Park Service. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov.
Mathews Arm Campground at Mile 22.1
Open Late April to Late Fall
Reservations and First-Come, First-Served
165 sites, no RV hookups
Seasonal Potable water with Flush Toilets, No Showers
Dump Station
Big Meadows Campground at Mile 51.2
Open Late March to Late Fall
Reservations Only
221 sites, no RV hookups
Seasonal Potable water with Flush Toilets, Showers
Dump Station
Lewis Mountain Campground at Mile 57.5
Open Late March to Late Fall
First-Come, First-Served
30 sites, no RV hookups
Seasonal Potable water with Flush Toilets, Showers
No Dump Station
Loft Mountain Campground at Mile 79.5
Open Late April to Late Fall
Reservations and First-Come, First-Served
207 sites, no RV hookups
221 sites, no RV hookups
Seasonal Potable water with Flush Toilets, Showers
Dump Station
Where’s Shenandoah
Shenandoah National Park is 75 miles from Washington, D.C., if entering from the Northern Entrance. It is 45 miles from Charlotteville, if using the Southern Entrance. It is open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day; however, seasonal closures affect roads and services. A 7-day vehicle pass is $30, or use an America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
What’s Nearby
Luray Caverns
Since its discovery in 1878, Luray Caverns, previously Luray Cave, has drawn visitors to Luray, Virginia. It is the largest cavern in the eastern United States and close to Shenandoah National Park.
The cavern system is adorned with speleothems such as a 47-foot column, mud flows, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools. There are cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high with towering stone formations. Visitors can choose from a self-guided tour or a special guided tour.
Located at 101 Cave Hill Rd., Luray, VA. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June 15 to Labor Day. It closes at 6 p.m. during spring and fall and 5 p.m. during the winter.
Monticello
Monticello is the home of Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father, author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third president of the United States. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an architectural icon for its Palladian design and a living laboratory for Jefferson’s study of Botany. In 2026, it will celebrate its 250th birthday.
The neoclassical house showcases Jefferson’s extensive collection of oddities from his travels. The visitor center is the place to start, with exhibits explaining the grounds and the former president.
This expansive estate was a plantation and originally over 5,000 acres. It used slaves, and there is a Slavery at Monticello tour.
Jefferson worked on developing new crops, and Monticello offers a Gardens and Grounds Tour. He is buried on site, and visitors can visit his grave.
Located at 1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There are several tours; however, the 45-minute highlights guided tour is $42 for adults and $14 for students (12 to 18) and $5 for kids (5 to 11). There is a cafe and a farm shop with grab-and-go items.
Blue Ridge Parkway
An All-American Road that travels for 469 miles from the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It follows the Blue Ridge Mountains and it is the most visited national park unit in the National Park Service.
It offers several visitor centers along its route, like the Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213 and Humpback Rocks Visitor Center at Milepost 5.8. Each offers its own seasonal hours.
Worth noting, the Parkway’s maximum speed limit is 45 mph. So, 30 miles on the Parkway is about an hour’s drive. It is not necessary to drive its entire length since there are several access points in both Virginia and North Carolina.
There are several sections that are closed for ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery. Visit the NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. However, it is not maintained during the winter. It is free to enter.
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