Shenandoah National Park

Worth the cost great park well maintained the roads look brand new, and some of the most beautiful hiking and lookouts I’ve seen. Will definitely be coming back looked like good places to camp as well as cycle. The trails are well marker and maintained.

This place is so pretty. It’s one of the nicest places in VA, by far.
It’s so open, and there’s so many nice areas all around and different trails to hike on which is great, because there are trails where it’s a little easier to hike than others so you have the option of seeing nature at your leisure or dying trying to climb up the hills and rocks.
The waterfalls are really pretty too, and also when you get the chance to go drive on skyline drive make sure you go to at least one look out point, the view is incredible. And old rag around October or November is a great place to visit as well cause its cool outside, and it just looks so pretty in the fall.
Also Luray caverns is pretty close by to, so if you’re not too tired, that’s a pretty awesome place to check out at as well.

This national park does not disappoint. Skyline drive offers a multitude of beautiful vistas and there are lots of hiking detours that one can embark upon. Be forewarned that the hikes are not for the faint of heart as they can be quite strenuous. We went during the fall, which was perfect in terms of weather and beauty. Driving can be treacherous if at night or foggy, but do not let that dissuade you. You will feel a bit like you’re in an enchanted forest. Highly recommend bringing a picnic as there is only one (I think) restaurant and the menu didn’t look very appealing. We planned ahead and had a lovely picnic while enjoying the mountain views.

The trip this past weekend to Shenandoah Valley NP was a hit. We went there with the expectation of having to fight for a camping spot at Lewis Mountain Campground. It was the last weekend of the season, and getting there early was a good idea. The cabins were full, and the tent camping spots were occupied. It was a relief finding some options as a result of getting there early on a Friday morning.
The tent sites were clean. Thanks to an awesome host. A 23-​year Marine veteran, who, with his wife, stays in a trailer at the front of the campsite entrance. We rolled into our site, and set up the tent. Site 16 backs into the Appalachian Trail, and is on the edge of the campsite. Some campsites are settled within the perimeter. Some campsites have access to water spigots, although during this time of year, water access was centralized towards the front. The spigots were turned off for the cold.
Lewis Mountain Campground has access to its own campstore, picnic area, pseudo-​amphitheater, bathroom for the public. Laundry is available, but the sign said $ 1/​5min. I don’t know what you can wash or clean in 5min in a machine, but that’s the rate. Firewood can be bought from the store at $ 7 a bundle. However, you can use anything that you find on the ground for firewood. You CANNOT bring in firewood into the park from outside the area, unless it’s been kiln treated.
The park has miles and miles of trails. Lewis Mountain Campground has access to its own viewpoint off a 1-​mile trail. It’s about 7-​miles to the next camp area to the north. The campsite to the south is much farther — this park is not small. The main road through the park, Skyline Drive, is a two-​lane paved road that gives access to a variety of view points and trail heads. The trees this time of year wore leaves of a variety of colors. I can’t tell you how beautiful it was and do it verbal justice.
We took our one-​year old and he loved it. He had all sorts of fun walking through the leaves, playing in the outdoors, and sleeping in a tent. It’s probably not for all parents, but it was something we wanted to do with our kid. I’m glad he had a blast. He was so tired from the days walking (or carried) around on the trails he did not even mind sleeping in the tent.
We will be back in the spring.

Wow! So great! I strongly suggest you get here early. I left my place in Rockville on Saturday ¹⁰⁄₁₇ to do some leaf-​peeping and had a great time hiking the Compton Gap trail and one other. The great thing I noticed is that there were a lot of dogs, which is fine. I kinda wish I had a dog after being here. The trails all either go up, or drop down, as Skyline is on a ridge, and some trailheads start from below the ridge. Don’t waste your $$ at REI on books or maps, the Park Service rangers are great at guiding you where to go and what to do.

A slice of heaven. Drove from Front Royal to Big Meadows and completed 2 hikes (Dark Hollow Falls and Stony Man) and attended an astronomy session at Big Meadows. Breathtaking scenery at every aspect of this journey.

A fabulous slice of what one of America’s most important frontier/​wilderness areas was like when the nation was new. People who have been out west need to remember who aggressively the east coast had been settled prior to the creation of any National Parks, as comparatively this one is small and not quite as overwhelming.
But don’t be dismayed, there is more than enough hiking at all different levels to give everyone something to do. There are waterfalls, meadows, plains and mountain vistas. There is a good variety of different eating choices (tho none as high end as you’ll find at Yosemite, Grand Teton or Yellowstone).
The park rangers are of course friendly and will give you all kinds of advice on what’s best when you’re there.
The Stony Man Trail, Dark Hollow Falls and Milam Gap, are pretty easy and will give you a taste of three different features. If your going to be hiking anything moderately difficult or higher I’d recommend hiking boots, the rocky trails can chew up your feet.
If all you’re going to do is drive thru, the peak seasons, when wildflowers bloom and the leaves turn color, the road and park will be packed. Take that into account when making your plans, if you were thinking a drive thru, an overnight might make the trip much more pleasant.

This place is gorgeous! Plan your day out. It is $ 20/​car to get in but if you keep your receipt you can have access for a week. Skyline drive has many scenic overlooks that you can stop at to take pictures. There is an endless number of trails to hike, ranging in difficulty. After our hike we even got to see some bears on the side of the road. The park has a couple campgrounds, a lodge, gas station, various picnic locations. I can’t wait to go back tomorrow!

I had to give Shenandoah National Park the highest rating possible! I am a middle age woman, who grew up in the inner city, so I’d never even heard of the park until a few years ago. I’d driven through the state of VA too many times to count from NY to points south and always said I’ll have to take Skyline Drive one day. Yesterday was that day! I’d heard it was in Shenandoah National Park but for some reason, I didn’t think much of it. OMG, I was completely blown away by the sheer beauty of miles and miles of clean, seemingly untouched pristine, natural forested beauty of. I have a whole new respect for the state of VA just for being the home of Shenandoah National Park. My only complaint is that I waited so long to explore this park!
It was a little pricey at the entrance, $ 20, for my car but was easily worth twice that much. The park staff that I encountered were very courteous and helpful. As well maintained as this huge mass of natural beauty is you’d think there has to be an 10,000 person army of employees because it is so clean and seemingly untouched by human use.
I went at what should have been a bad time, late summer around noon. Yet, throughout my drive the park I felt as if I had the place to myself as it was sparsely populated. The roads were extremely winding and curvy at 35 miles per hour speed limit but with almost no traffic, I drove at a leisurely pace just taking in the beauty of it all.
Only once, at a certain place I caught up to a tailgater who was on the tail of a van ahead of me and I thought for sure an accident would happen but the van then pulled into a scenic overlook to get away from the speeding tailgater. The poor driver of the van looked like he was shell-​shocked from having nearly avoided the car from crashing into the back of him. Gas stations are few and far in between so I’d suggest to gas up before heading to the park. I got on in Luray (OMG, a beautiful drive to the park from I-​81. I exited the park not far from Charlottesville, VA.
Highlights:
— Numerous scenic overlook conveniently announced with clearly park signs giving you time to pull over to take advantage of them.
— Scenic overlooks were roomy enough for a few cars/​trucks traveling in both directions to park.
— Marked hiking trails were numerous and there was parking available although only enough for a few cars.
— Road signs and speed limit signs were clear and numerous throughout the drive.
— The visitor center (Byrd) had clean bathrooms and working water faucets. You wouldn’t believe how many outdoor facilities can’t accomplish that.
— The trail (Story of the Forest Trail) was well-​kept but the sign said it was a 1.8 mile loop. I walked it and it was not a loop, I ended up at the campgrounds and had to walk back to the visitor center along the road.
— The park is so pristine that it’s hard to believe that so many people do/​or have attended the park. Kudos to the park staff! They have got to be one of the best park staff in the country.
Lowlights:
— That I had to leave in order to finish my trip home before it got too late.

SNP is one of my favorite places in the state… Well, on earth actually. Truly gorgeous views and trails– you’ll never run out if hikes, and it’s pretty much hikers paradise. It’s fun regardless of what season you go, and there’s something for everyone. You have your choice of everything from remote backcountry campsites, to full on luxiourious lodge accommodations. I’ve never been in the lodges but they sure look cushy from outside.
My most recent trip, we stayed at the Big Meadows campground. There’s very few sites you can reserve ahead of time and the walk ups fill up FAST. Yes, it costs $ 20 to get in the park, and $ 20/​night but for what this park does, I happily pay it. SNP is lovingly and beautifully maintained. That’s not free. A lot of work goes into it and that is evident.
This past weekend I was taking my partner on her first real hike. I decided it would be smarter to camp in a campground instead of making her haul a pack thru the backcountry. Because the weather was so perfect, it was the most crowded I have ever seen. Literally swarming with people. Yet I never saw a dirty restroom. All the park personal I’ve encountered have always been helpful and friendly too.
We hiked the Dark Hollow Falls trail (do it on a week day), the lower Hawksbill Mountain loop (gorgeous– keep an eye/​ear out for Hawks and Falcons and the viewing platform for the highest spot in the park is lovely), and the cliffs and Little Stony Man summit (worth it– so scenic, AND I saw a family of BEARS on the way down– I know I surprised them foraging, and it was a potentially dangerous situation, but I managed to make my presence know, and slowly back away in a non threatening way. As soon as I was clear I hauled it down the trai). So it was a beautiful and exciting weekend– all just over a couple hours from Richmond.
My only complaints are related to the sheer number of people in the campground, who just don’t know how to behave in a campground. People go to the park, and the mountains to get away and enjoy nature. Not to be continually assailed by a virtually nonstop din of barking dogs, screaming children, shouting men, revving motorcycles and bleating car alarms. It was seriously just too much. I don’t expect silence with that many people in a campground but I know this could have been measured in decibels… It was just unreal, and it literally went from about 9am until 10 pm («quiet time») and even at night there was occasional ruckus, and people loudly talking and walking along the trail behind our tent. And their bad manners extended to other behavior: washing dishes in the bathroom sink, roving bands of unattended children, dogs, dogs, dogs…
But I guess you have to fight the crowds when the weather is like it was… Just hike to the backcountry once you are there– most of the crowds won’t follow :) can’t wait to go back.

I have been here several times since I moved to the DC area and always find it stunning with so many things to do. There are numerous hiking trails and overlooks. Most people come to visit during the fall to see the leaves turn and we try to avoid the crowds so usually end up taking a day trip before peak. We go at least once a year. This place is a must– see for anyone visiting nova!

A few hours away from the hustle and bustle of DC, Shenandoah National Park is a wilderness escape. Over a million people visit the park each year. The park is well-​known for Skyline Drive, a 105 mile road that runs the entire length of the park, and is very popular for its spectacular autumn foliage views. Just over a hundred miles of the popular Appalachian Trail (AT) also reside in the park. It’s estimated that there are over 500 miles of trails within the park, the most popular being Old Rag Mountain and the highest being Hawksbill Mountain. Lots of stunning waterfalls!
In addition to hiking, Shenandoah also offers backcountry camping, campgrounds, cabins, and lodges. There are four campgrounds — Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain. It is usually $ 15 – 20 per night. A free permit is required if you go backcountry camping. You can also go fishing, horseback riding, and rock climbing.
Growing up in the DC area, I’ve frequented Shenandoah National Park more than any other National Park in the States. I’ve hiked Old Rag, Mary’s Rock, and Hawksbill to name a few. I’ve seen black bears, snakes, skunks, white-​tailed deer, turkeys, hawks, etc. And yet I’m still not bored of this park. There’s always a breathtaking view to behold, a new trail to hike, curious wildlife to see, and new adventures to be had. I would highly recommend Old Rag. It’s a fairly difficult and challenging hike, but it is worth it. The most popular and recommended hikes are Old Rag, White Oak Canyon, Stony Man, Hawksbill, and Compton Gap. Hikes are rated from easiest to very strenuous. Hiking difficulty is determined by (elevation gain) x (2) x (distance in miles). The easiest hikes are usually less than 3 miles, moderate is 3 – 5 miles, moderately strenuous is 5 – 8 miles, strenuous is 7 – 10 miles, and very strenuous is 8 miles and more.
I would also recommend visiting the website, Hiking Upward, for more information on hikes in Shenandoah National Park (also offers info on hikes throughout the state of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina). Most dog-​friendly park in the National Park system! Dogs are even allowed on the AT.
Check their website for special events, like National Junior Ranger Day. There’s a $ 20 single vehicle fee that’s good for 7 consecutive days, but there are some free entrance days like National Park Week in April and National Park Service Birthday in August. You can also purchase an annual pass for $ 40.

Camping/​lodging? Make reservations. These campgrounds fill up the second the season opens until it closes and each year it’s harder and harder to just drive in and set up. Tons of people this weekend. Lots of Vets at the Big Meadows Center today. With no empty spots to stay overnight, I could only sight see and move on. Beautiful. Every time wheather rain or shine. This weekend was exceptional weather.

Miles, miles, and miles of beautiful nature!
I’ve been coming here for 11+ years and seems like I’m in awww each time I visit this place.
Everything Is so well kept and people are friendly at the good areas. they renovated the bathrooms to more energy efficient.

I suppose let me keep it simple by saying that there should never be a question of whether or not you should come to Shenandoah. Whether you stay for a week and camp, stay in one of the lodges or if you’re just driving thru the area for two or three hours the shit you see will blow your mind!
Initially we weren’t even going to hit any of Skyline Drive/​enter the park but it just made sense seeing we were in the Luray area and were heading north anyway. So we entered the park at the Thorton Gap entrance and went as far as Little Hogback Overlook at which point we spun it around and went all the way down to Upper Hawksbill before exiting back at Thorton Gap.
We didn’t nearly get as much hiking done as we wanted simply because it was so cold over Easter weekend. Temperatures on Saturday morning were maybe in the high 30’s with winds gusting up to 40MPH which equals a wind chill of around Holy Crap! which equaled some brief ooooh’s and ahhh’s at the various lookout points before ducking for cover in the car to warm up.
With that said, the views that you get from most of the lookouts are awe inspiring, breath taking or whatever term you like to use to express amazement at something you had only imagined seeing but were now actually seeing in the flesh.
Just standing at Pinnacles Overlook which is 3300+ plus feet above sea level and watching the shadows from the clouds roll across the tree tops is something that to me should give even the most suicidal or depressed person a reason to live.
So yeah, come because you won’t be disappointed and this place is indeed everything it seems like and more. Anything less than five stars is criminal and if you go below four you’re flat out stupid.
(When you go: The key to coming is to check the NPS website particularly in the winter or early spring to see what roads/​facilities are currently open as large parts of the park are only open seasonally and only certain areas stay open year round. Admission is currently $ 15 for a seven day pass although that is going up to $ 20 on May 1^st, 2015 and to $ 25 in 2017.)

If you’re a biker (Motorcycle) like myself you will love Skyline Drive. The twisties here is amazing! Heads up though, its a 100+miles long one way ride. We only did half and then took the high way to go back, so do play your route before hand depending on how much time you want to spend there.
As you go through skyline drive, there are plenty of chances for you to stop by the overlooks to soak in the gorgeous view. Go during the fall so you can fully absorb the ever changing colors from mother nature!
Some facts:
–75 overlooks
–518 miles of hiking trails (200 miles of designated horse trails and 101 miles of Appalachian Trail)
Tip: You should call ahead to the park to make sure the weather is good there just so you’re not surprised.

The skyline drive is my second favorite place to go for viewing fall colors after blue mountain parkway. Its beauty is breathtaking from every view point along the skyline drive. I have been here several times. There are so many things to do here.
Although we never stayed at the campground here instead we stayed at Heavenly acre camp ground but we used the picnic area for preparing our lunch before the hike and it was very peaceful and enjoyable experience.
We did the «overall run falls hike» which is approx 5 miles of round circuit with moderate hiking. The waterfall was beautiful and huge. Totally worth the hiking. We did saw a baby beer on the trail and my friend quickly warned me about the mom beer moving towards the baby. I was really excited to see that. If you are looking for pica– boo of wild life, you will love exploring this park.
Another thing I loved is there gift shops. I love collecting shot glasses and glass form there was a fine addition to the family.

One of the most spectacular national parks in the eastern U.S. is just a few hours from Washington, D.C., Richmond and Charlotte, but a world away from all of them. Our family cruised the Skyline Drive on a crisp October afternoon last fall, between Luray and I-​64, and were treated to an endless procession of triumphant vistas, with mountain peaks and golden valleys that stretched to the horizon.
While Skyline Drive doesn’t offer quite the same number of jaw-​dropping overlooks as the Blue Ridge Parkway, the overall impact is just as powerful. We’re looking forward to making a return trip to hike some of the many trails that wind into this utterly unspoiled wilderness, and driving the upper section of the park, which stretches north to Front Royal.
Anyone who lives in the southeastern U.S. should make it a priority to visit Shenandoah. The park is a national treasure, and a glimpse of the incredible beauty that defines our great country.

Gorgeous mountain views. Decent lodge in the park at Big Meadow — although if you are an early riser and want coffee, too bad.
If you stay in the park, do yourself a favor and get up early and drive Skyline Dr as the sun rises. You not only will enjoy great views, but will have the park seemingly to yourself. Plus various critters will be about. I saw many deer and a couple of black bear right by the road.
Really nice park.

What a wonderful park! The journey along Skyline Drive is magical as you are greeted with beautiful vistas and the core of mother nature. The crisp, cool, mountain air and the magnificent mountains help restore the soul. Keep your eye out for wildlife as there are bears and deer everywhere.
The hiking is also stellar. It’s not like your typical National Park and things are more spread out, but the Old Rag is a must and rated one of the best in the US
Tip: Have a wonderful picnic on the mountaintops with some bagels from Bodo’s

An absolute treasure of the woods, but conveniently not too far removed from the urban Northeast, Shenandoah is a spectacular destination and a must-​visit for those seeking a change of pace from the city.
If you’re into relaxing and/​or outdoorsy activities in the woods, you may want to consider getting a cabin or camping in the area for a few days. However, it’s also entirely possible to make a (quite busy) day trip to the park, as I did.
Upon entry, head to the Visitor Center. The informational video and displays about the park aren’t terribly exciting, in my opinion, but you’ll want to get some park maps, and the rangers there can be helpful for planning out your day’s agenda. Plus, at the Front Royal entrance, there’s some great views of the Valley from the rear of the Center.
The park is set along the length of the Blue Ridge Mountains, on either side of the scenic Skyline Drive that runs from the North to South end of the park. You can get some phenomenal views of wildlife and the nearby valley landscapes from Skyline Drive; be sure to take the time to pull off at a few overlooks and take in the sights.
We also decided to take a few hikes. The hike to Stony Man is one I’d definitely recommend. It’s about 1.5mi from the lot to the peak, where you see an incredible panorama of the region; you can also extend the hike into a 4mi loop with some beautiful views and a few wildlife sightings. The Dark Shadows Trail is another 1.4mi trail that’s a bit more crowded and a steep climb at parts, but worth it as it ends with a serene scene at the foot of a ~50−75ft waterfall.
All in all, Shenandoah is excellent, and it’s definitely worth the $ 15/​vehicle cost of entry. If you’re anywhere within 4 – 5 hours of this place and haven’t yet been — do.