Shenandoah National Park
Overview
Located within easy traveling distance from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows are just a few of the natural features that entice visitors from near and far. Take a hike, meander along Skyline Drive, or picnic with the family in the quiet scenery of the park. The 200,000 acres of protected lands are a haven for deer, songbirds, bear, and night sky enthusiasts/astrophotographers. Take leave of the every day, and get back to your wild side in Shenandoah.
To learn more about Shenandoah National Park, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
- Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center: Open seasonally, 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Dickey Ridge Visitor Center: Open seasonally from 9 am to 5 pm
For more information on current operating hours, click here.
Visiting Tips
Fees and Passes:
For more information on park fees, click here. For more information on park passes, click here.
Camping & Lodging
Camping:
Shenandoah hosts four campgrounds, scattered throughout the park. The campgrounds are open in the spring, summer, and fall. Camping reservations can be made online, or phone reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777.
- Mattews Arm: Dates subject to seasonality
- Big Meadows: Dates subject to seasonality
- Lewis Mountain: First-come, first-served, dates subject to seasonality
- Loft Mountain: Dates subject to seasonality
Backcountry campsites are available through a free permit attained at a visitor's center during regular business hours. More information about backcountry campsites can be found here.
Lodging:
Shenandoah has four lodging options available, click here for more information. Reservations can be made through online through Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park, or by calling (877) 247-9261.
Food & Drink
- Elkwallow Wayside: A variety of breakfast selections, sandwiches, and grilled lunch and dinner items are available. Seating options include an outside patio and picnic tables.
- Skyland: A full-service dining room with a varied menu of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts.
- Big Meadows Wayside: This wayside features both carry-out and table-service options, with a varied menu of regional and contemporary favorites.
- Big Meadows Lodge: The lodge features contemporary dining in a rustic setting.
- Loft Mountain Wayside: This wayside offers counter service, a dining room, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu offers a variety of breakfast items, grilled items, and sandwiches.
Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles
Other Activities
If thrill seeking is more your style, rock climbing, cycling and fly fishing are also permitted within the park. Seasoned adventurers are welcome, or there are a host of approved guides who can teach you the basics of any activity. More information on approved guiding services can be found here. Visit the park's website for more information on the park's other activities.
Maps & Guidebooks
To download a variety of guides to help plan your visit, click here.
Recommended Routes in Shenandoah National Park - 43
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Shenandoah National Park Hiking
- 890 Miles 1,433 Kilometers of Trail
- 43 Recommended Routes
- 14 Gems
- 63
Easy Trails
- 169
Intermediate Trails
- 121
Difficult Trails
Areas Within Shenandoah National Park
Weather Averages
High
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J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Trails in Shenandoah National Park - 310
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Trails
243.4
mi
391.7
km
#1AT: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PA/MD/VA/WV)
Waynesboro, VA
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Waynesboro, VA |
14
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0.9
mi
1.5
km
#2Fox Hollow Trail
Front Royal, VA
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Front Royal, VA |
10
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9.2
mi
14.8
km
#3Dickey Ridge Trail
Front Royal, VA
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Front Royal, VA |
6
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1.4
mi
2.2
km
#4Snead Farm Loop Trail
Front Royal, VA
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Front Royal, VA |
3
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6.7
mi
10.7
km
#5Jeremys Run Trail
Washington, VA
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Washington, VA |
4
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3.0
mi
4.8
km
#6Little Flat Mountain Loop
Crozet, VA
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Crozet, VA |
3
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0.4
mi
0.6
km
#7Blue Ledge Trail
Grottoes, VA
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Grottoes, VA |
1
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1.1
mi
1.7
km
#8Crooked Tree Trail
Grottoes, VA
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Grottoes, VA |
1
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1.0
mi
1.6
km
#9Blackwell's Trail
Grottoes, VA
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Grottoes, VA |
0
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0.8
mi
1.2
km
#10Great Mountains Trail
Grottoes, VA
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Grottoes, VA |
1
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Photos of Shenandoah National Park - 407
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