Less than two hours south of Washington, D.C, sits Shenandoah: 196,000-acres of craggy outcrops, rock bridges, cascading falls, and dense blue forests. At this US National Park, fox, black bear, deer and salamander thrive in the state-protected trees while campers and hikers adventure high atop the park’s Blue Ridge for fresh mountain breeze. This patch of central Virginia is where D.C locals vacation, where historic sites outnumber theme parks, and where blackberry ice cream pie is a staple on just about every menu (yes, really). From misty mountains and sky-high drives to cavern lakes and hot balloon rides, there’s magic for everyone at Shenandoah National Park.
Where is Shenandoah National Park?
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, about 70 miles from Washington, D.C, 90 miles from Richmond, VA, and 108 miles from Baltimore, MD. Nearby Harrisonburg, VA, is a popular home base for those visiting, providing easy access to lodging, restaurants, and shopping.
Closest Airport to Shenandoah National Park
The closest national airport to Shenandoah National Park is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located in Dulles, Virginia, 57 miles by car to Shenandoah. A bit further out is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), 73 miles by car to Shenandoah, and Balitmore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), 106 miles by car to Shenandoah.
Washington DC to Shenandoah National Park
To get from Washington D.C to Shenandoah National Park by car, travel west on I-66 to Front Royal, VA. Exit to Route 340 South and follow signs for Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive.
Richmond VA to Shenandoah National Park
To get from Richmond to Shenandoah National Park by car, hop on I-95N, then follow I-64 W to US-250 E in Wayne. Take the U.S. 250 E exit from I-64 W. Continue onto Skyline Drive.
Shenandoah National Park Facts
- Scenic AF: Shenandoah’s famous Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north to south through the park before meeting up with North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Hikes for Days: Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trail, including a 101 mile section of the famous Appalachian Trail.
- A Safe Haven: Shenandoah is the only place you’ll find the Shenandoah Salamander: an endangered species known for their funny breathing habits (through their skin. they breathe through their skin.)
National Parks in Virginia
While Shenandoah National Park is the only official national park in Virginia, there’s no shortage of incredible national trails, landmarks and historic sites to explore.
State Parks in Virginia
From the sand dunes at False Cape State Park to the natural bridges at Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia offers plenty of adventure beyond the boundaries of Shenandoah.
Shenandoah National Park Weather
Late April through early October is the high season for tourists at Shenandoah, but also offers warm weather and the widest variety of tours, campgrounds, trails. While summer temps in surrounding towns can hit 100 degrees fahrenheit (plus some!), the park’s mountaintops are dramatically cooler, especially at night, so make sure to pack gear fit for summer and fall. In winter, trails are less crowded but come prepared to hike in (Skyline Drive is closed) and with plenty of winter gear, including spikes.
Shenandoah National Park Hours
Shenandoah National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round. While portions of the Skyline Drive shut down in the winter, visitors can still enter the park by foot when the drive is closed.
For daily alerts and updates, check out the current conditions at Shenandoah National Park.
Shenandoah National Park Entrance Fee
Daily park entrance fees are $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per person. These fees are good for 7 days. A Shenandoah Annual Park Pass will cost $55 and is valid for one year from date of purchase. For annual access to all 63 US National Parks, consider purchasing the American the Beautiful Pass for $80.
Hiking in Shenandoah National Park
With well-over 500 miles of hiking and easy access to the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park is a premiere destination for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a list of 15 of our favorite hiking trails in and around the park:
Easy, perfect for families:
- Hawksbill Summit (2.2 mile out-and-back)
- Stony Man Loop (3.7 mile loop)
- Loft Mountain Loop (2.9 mile loop)
- Snead Farm Dickey Ridge Trail (3.4 mile loop)
- Calvary and Chimney Rocks Trail (3.2 mile out-and-back)
Moderate, fairly strenuous:
- Dickey Ridge (5 mile loop)
- Mary’s Rock via the Pinnacle (7.2 mile out-and-back)
- Radipan Camp Trail (3.8 mile out-and-back)
- Rose River Trail (3.5 mile loop)
- Dark Hollow Falls (1.4 miles out-and-back)
Difficult, experience recommended:
- Old Rag (10.2 mile loop)
- Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails (9 mile loop)
- Riprap Trail (9.1 mile loop)
- Overall Run (8.7 mile loop)
- Shenandoah National Park Loop (24.6 mile loop)
Shenandoah National Park Lodging
Shenandoah National Park Camping
Planning a night under the stars? Here are some of the best campgrounds and campsites along Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive:
Shenandoah National Park Hotels
If camping isn’t your jam, there are plenty of resorts, hotels, hostels, inns, cabins and B&Bs within a quick drive of Shenandoah National Park. Here are some of our favorites:
Shenandoah National Park Airbnb
Nearby towns like Elkton, Syria, Timberville, Broadway, Harrisonburg, and Stanardville offer a wide array of Shenandoah Airbnb stays from treehouses and tiny homes to lakeside cabins and airstreams.
- Hobbit Style Underground Cabin
- Modern Cabin on Old Rag
- Cider House Orchard Stay
- Tiny House at Stardust Meadows
- Clouds Cabin
- Gum Tree Lodge
- Cozy 1-Room Cabin in the Mountains
- Cottage at Frog Jump
- Tiny Living on The Hilltop
- Secluded Airstream in Stanardville
Shenandoah National Park Tours
Explore the heart of the park on a self-guided tour of Luray Caverns. Tours are open and available every day. $30 per adult, social distancing guidelines strictly enforced, no reservation needed.
Looking for more? Shenandoah Motorcoach tours offers an all-inclusive tour package that includes three nights lodging, breakfasts, dinner at Skyland, a guided tour on Skyline Drive and of Shenandoah National Park, tours of the Shenandoah Valley, Luray Caverns, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland, the National D-Day Memorial, and more.
Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive
A 105-mile stretch of road that connects the park’s lakes, forests, and mountains. Skyline Drive is the only public road in Shenandoah National Park and takes about three hours to cruise from start to finish.
Shenandoah Natural Bridge
215 feet of solid rock reaches over Cedar Creek at Virginia’s Natural Bridge State Park. Famous fans of Shenandoah’s natural bridge include George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who dubbed the bridge “the most sublime of nature’s works.”
Dream Lake at Luray Caverns
The largest caverns on the East Coast, Luray Caverns is home to cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10-stories high, twinkling lantern-lit paths, and towering stone formations. The caverns’ biggest body of water, Dream Lake, reflects the stalactites hanging from the ceiling. While there, make sure to check out the world’s largest musical instrument, The Great Stalacpipe Organ, which is tucked deep within the caves and one of the most unique travel destinations in the world.
Whiteoak Canyon Trail
Hikes to Whiteoak‘s falls range from easy 2-mile walks to arduous 9.5-mile out-and-back treks. Make sure cool off in one of the trail’s six waterfalls along the way.
Mary’s Rock Tunnel
Constructed in 1932 and over 600 feet long, Mary’s Rock Tunnel is a mountain underpass blown out of of Mary’s Rock: a 3,514 foot mountain in Shenandoah National Park. RVs, camping trailers and horse trailers are welcome. To spot it for yourself, drive to mile-marker 32.2 on the Skyline.
Old Rag Mountain
Old Rag Mountain is Shenandoah’s most popular and dangerous hike. Allow for 7 to 8 hours, bring proper gear (2 quarts of water per person, headlamp, spikes), and leave the doggos at home.
Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls is a super popular series of waterfalls and cascades in the park. The trail can be wet and slippery, so good footwear is a must.
Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center
Conveniently across from Big Meadows. Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center is home to all park info, maps, exhibits & ranger programs (plus restrooms & first aid!)
Blackberry Ice Cream Pie at Big Meadows Lodge
If pies could win awards (can they?), the blackberry ice cream pie at Big Meadows Lodge would win all of them. Graham cracker crust, blackberry ice cream, meringue, blackberry compote. Holy moly, folks.
Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloon
For just $225 per person (honestly a steal), Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons takes you over the valley’s famous mountain ridges, farms, ponds and apple orchards. Each flight ends with a traditional post-flight toast with your choice of champagne or local sparkling apple cider.
American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse
The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse‘s indoor theater hosts Shakespeare & other classics. Highlights include romantic flickering lights and bench seating —cushions for rent if you’re worried about your booty!
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
A woodland sanctuary on the James Madison University campus, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is a public garden and green space. Exhibits include a labyrinth, monarch waystation, and tranquility gardens.
The Little Grill Collective
The only 100% vegetarian cafe close to the park, Little Grill Collective does comfort food right. If fresh french toast, veggie-heavy breakfast burritos, hearty chili, and warm seasonal veggie bowls are your thing, add this spot to your itinerary ASAP.
Black Dog Salvage
As seen on HGTV, DIY, Discovery, and Great American Country, Black Dog Savage is a gigantic warehouse that specializes in unique antiques.
Bear Mountain Ziplines
Thrill seekers, here ya go. The Mama Bear Zipline at Bear Mountain Ziplines promises 7 treetop zips. The last 1000 ft stretch drops you on the tower above their 3-story Bear Scramble climbing wall.
White Oak Lavender Farm
Lavender fields, wine tastings, U-pick, classes and seasonal farm tours are just the tip of the magic at White Oak Lavender Farm & Purple WOLF Vineyard. The farm’s annual Firefly Night promises an evening under the stars with lavender ice cream, lavender lemonade, and your very own firefly habitat jar for the keeping.
BoBoKo Indonesian Cafe
Located in Harrisonburg, BoBoKo Indonesian Cafe is the perfect place to refuel after a long day hiking. Menu highlights include: tempeh teriyaki summer rolls, vegan rendang made with jackfruit, and the vegan fried rice.
Stable Craft Brewing
Shenandoah-adjacent Brewery specializing in craft beer and ciders with a farm-fresh menu. Stable Craft is the perfect summertime spot. Order the cauliflower steak with a Robot Cowboy (IPA).