11 Best Things To Do in Shenandoah National Park

Are you keen on exploring some of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park? Then buckle up for an epic adventure through one of America’s most scenic national parks. Tucked within a forested portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is widely known for its vibrant fall foliage, hiking trails, and charming cascading waterfalls.

Those are just the tip of the iceberg. Wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and rock scrambling are also popular things to do in Shenandoah National Park. You’ll experience various topographies within the park, from wetlands to waterfalls and rocky peaks like Old Rag and Hawksbill Mountain.

My college friend has a cabin right outside the park. So I’ve been to Shenandoah National Park many times, and I can safely say it’s one of the best national parks on the East Coast. 

But with over 500 miles of hiking trails scattered across the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, where should you start? This guide breaks down all you need to know before visiting Shenandoah National Park; how to get there, where to stay, and what to pack. 

So, strap on your best hiking boots, and let’s explore some top activities and attractions for your next Shenandoah National Park itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park

You can visit Shenandoah National Park all year round, as every season brings some spectacular features worth checking out. 

In spring, which runs from March to May, hiking trails are characterized by blooming wildflowers. Then there’s fall, from September to November, bringing kaleidoscopic bursts of foliage. 

Summer is also a good time to visit. It presents pleasant weather for hiking with lush greenery all around, and most of the park’s highlights, like the famed Skyline Drive, are open. Although it can get quite hot, the Shenandoah Mountains’ elevation provides cooler temperatures that are a delightful escape from the heat in the valley below.    

Winter brings dramatic weather changes like occasional rain in the lowlands and icy conditions with blankets of snow on the mountains. The trees are ripped bare, but this improves visibility, making winter one of the best times for wildlife spotting.

The park’s peak season runs from June to October, which is unsurprising as this is when the fall colors are at their most vivid. This time also sees the most crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Read More: Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park

How Much Time Is Needed in Shenandoah National Park

You will need two to three days to get the full experience of Shenandoah National Park. Hikes and scenic drives take hours at a time, and there are lots of waterfalls and other things to do nearby, like Luray Caverns and Doyles River Falls, to explore. 

If you don’t have much time, you can jam short hikes and some park highlights all into one day by taking Skyline Drive. It traverses through the park from north to south, giving plenty to see and do in just three hours.

Map Of Things To Do In Shenandoah National Park

How to Get to Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is located in the state of Virginia. It runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers beautiful hiking ranges like the Hawksbill and Bearfence mountains. It’s quite a large national park, stretching some 105 miles from the Front Royal Entrance Station to the southern entrance near Waynesboro, so there are four entrances.

The busiest entrances are in the northern part of the park; the one at Front Royal and the Thornton Gap Entrance. In the south, you’ll find the Swift Run Gap and Rockfish entrance stations. These are unpopular entrances, but they are less crowded as well.

If you’re driving from Washington, DC, you’ll want to travel west on I-66 to Front Royal. Similarly, from the I-66, you can take the 43A exit toward the Thornton Gap Entrance Station. 

When you’re coming from Richmond, Virginia, you’ll want to use one of the south entrances. And if you head west on I-64 and exit on 99, this will lead you to the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station. 

Nearby airports include Shenandoah Valley Regional (SHD), Charlottesville-Albemarle (CHO), and Washington Dulles International (IAD). 

What to Pack When Visiting Shenandoah National Park

Here are a few hiking essentials you should include on your packing list for Shenandoah National Park.

• Refillable Water Bottle: Days can get quite hot in the Shenandoah Valley, so bring a hydro-flask to keep hydrated throughout the day >Check Prices Here
• Day Pack: The REI bag is one of the best daypacks out there; it carries all your hiking gear, so you’ll have all your essentials when hiking >Buy Day Pack Here
• Hiking Boots: The terrain in Shenandoah National Park can be tricky to maneuver, so a good pair of hiking shoes will go a long way >Check Prices Here
• First Aid Kit: You never know what could happen, so bring a portable first aid kit to prepare for any harm that may come your way >Buy First Aid Kit Here
• Camera: You need a good travel camera to capture the magical scenery in Shenandoah National Park, and don’t forget to bring batteries >Check Prices Here
• Sun Protectant: The sun can be relentless in Shenandoah National Park, especially in the lowlands, so bring SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, or sunglasses to fend off potential sunburn and the heat >Buy Sunscreen Here
• Light Jacket: The park occasionally experiences showers, so a light jacket or windbreaker will go a long way in keeping you dry >Check Prices Here
• National Park Pass:  I highly recommend getting a year-long America The Beautiful Pass. >Get It Here
• Map: You’ll need a map of the park if you plan on hiking or taking one of the scenic drives without the risk of getting lost >Buy Map Here

Where to Stay When Visiting Shenandoah National Park

There are several towns surrounding Shenandoah National Park, so finding a place to stay will not be a challenge. Here are a few options to consider; they range from luxury to mid-range and budget accommodation, including a camping option inside the park.

Camping in Shenandoah National Park

There are five available campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park; these offer both RV and tent camping. The Mathews Arm Campground is closest to the Front Royal entrance, it has no electrical hookups, but it’s one of the only campsites fit for RVs and tents. 

In the heart of the park, you’ll find the Big Meadows Campground. Its proximity to attractions like Dark Hollow Falls and the Byrd Visitor Center makes it popular among campers. The Lewis Mountain Campground is the smallest in the park, so it’s less known, which makes it ideal if you’re looking for uninterrupted privacy.

If you’d like to camp atop Big Flat Mountain, the Loft Mountain Campground is the one for you. It’s surrounded by waterfalls and hiking trails. You’ll also find the Big Run Wilderness Area nearby. Lastly, you can reserve a camping spot in the Dundo Group Campground. Although small, this southern campsite gives you easy access to the scenic Appalachian Trail. >>>Check Prices & Availability

Budget: Quality Inn

Luray’s Quality Inn is a cozy place to stay near Shenandoah National Park. The inn provides you with access to an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant on the property. Rooms at Quality Inn are spacious, well-equipped, and polished with charming wooden furniture.

The inn is located about 10 miles from Shenandoah National Park, but it also puts you just a five-minute drive from the eerie Luray Caverns. Make sure you make a stop at these caverns before heading to Shenandoah.>>>Check Prices & Availability

Mid-Range: English Inn of Charlottesville

It doesn’t get any better than the English Inn if you want a more contemporary feel. This clean, modern inn in Charlottesville is a great place to stay near Shenandoah National Park. Boasting all the mod-cons luxury hotels offer, from a fitness center to an indoor swimming pool and Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Start your day with a buffet breakfast in the morning before tackling your list of things to do in Shenandoah National Park. Take a dip in the pool or a stroll around the lush courtyard, and don’t miss out on the hotel’s concierge services, like winery and restaurant reservations.  >>>Check Prices & Availability

Luxury: Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center

If you’re looking for accommodation that screams luxury, look no further than the Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center in Harrisonburg. This elegant 230-room hotel has large suites, a sophisticated lobby, a fitness center, and an indoor pool readily at your disposal. 

After a filling breakfast, you can head over to the swimming pool for a few laps. Work up a seat at the gym, or head to one of the hotel’s three restaurants and bars for a refreshing drink or to grab a bite. >>>Check Prices & Availability

Read More: Where to Stay in Shenandoah National Park – Hotels & Lodging

What to Do in Shenandoah National Park | 11 Best Activities & Attractions

Whether you’re looking for an easy or strenuous hike, a scenic drive, waterfalls cascading over black rocks, or iconic historic sites, Shenandoah National Park has it all! Let’s unpack some of the places to visit in Shenandoah National Park. 

1. Make a Stop at the Visitor Center

First things first, before diving into your list of things to do in Shenandoah National Park, it’s best to start your adventure at one of the two visitor centers in the park. These centers offer facilities like restrooms, interactive exhibits, and bookstores where you can buy a map. You’ll also have access to orientation videos and get a chance to ask for tips from park rangers.

The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is about four miles from the Front Royal Entrance, so it’s best if you’re arriving in the northern part of the park. It’s open Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm, except for during winter. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center also experiences occasional closures on some public holidays and days in spring and fall.

On the other hand, the Byrd Visitor Center is located across Big Meadows in the heart of Shenandoah National Park. The center’s central location makes it quite popular with visitors as it’s close to many of the park’s best attractions and hikes. This center also opens the entire week, and unlike the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, it’s also open in winter and has very few closures throughout the year. >>>Check Opening Times Here

2. Take the Scenic Skyline Drive

• Mileage: 105 miles
• Elevation Gain: 9,927 feet

The Skyline Drive is arguably the best part of Shenandoah National Park. Traversing the length of the park from north to south, this scenic drive straddles the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains. It starts in Front Royal and ends in Waynesboro, where it meets the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Along the route, you’ll have access to visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and some of the best viewpoints in the park, like the Range View Overlook. 

Keep your eyes peeled for informative mileposts along the road; these will be on the right side if you are traveling south and on the left if you are heading north. These cement mileposts point out interesting stops along the way. Make sure you check out Big Meadows at milepost 51, where white-tailed deer are often spotted.

3. Go Leaf Peeping Along the Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is one of the best places in Shenandoah National Park to go leaf-peeping. Peak fall foliage in the park can be seen from late September through November, so prepare for larger crowds and full parking lots across the scenic drive’s 75 overlooks.

If fighting for views with other park visitors doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, don’t despair. There are many ways to enjoy the fall foliage in Shenandoah National Park. You can take a scenic hike to immerse yourself in the colorful foliage. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail is one of my favorites for leaf peeping, and the tumbling waterfall is a delightful cherry on top.

Alternatively, you can opt for a horseback riding tour from Skyland Stables, led by a knowledgeable park ranger. These rides are available throughout the day if the weather and season permits. The tour kickoffs at the stables and crosses the Skyline Drive past the Limberlost Trail Area, and then treks through an old apple orchard.

4. Hike a Portion of the Appalachian Trail

• Mileage: 101 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: 21,880 feet
• Difficulty: Hard

The Appalachian Trail is a legendary footpath trail that traverses over 2,190 miles of varied scenery in the Eastern United States, from wooded to pastoral and rocky landscapes. Only 101 miles of this behemoth hiking trail go through the park along the Blue Ridge Mountains, so you won’t get to see all the biodiversity the Appalachian Trail offers.

Be that as it may, hiking the entire 101 miles is also not viable unless you’re planning for a backcountry backpacking trip through Shenandoah National Park. If you have limited time, I suggest you hike a portion of this trail. 

To see the most scenic part of the Appalachian Trail, you’ll have to trek over The Pinnacle to Mary’s Rock (more on that a bit later). Other hikes you’ll find along this scenic trail include the trek to Stony Man Mountain Summit and Hawksbill Mountain.     

5. Go Wine Tasting After a Hike

Nothing feels as good as a crisp glass of wine after a long day of hiking. I’ve done this several times, and I highly recommend you do the same. You’ll find numerous wineries near Shenandoah National Park, and you can pick any according to your preference.

The Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison is easily one of the best wineries around. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the park’s Swift Run Gap Entrance. This winery boasts a rustic feel, with wooden chandeliers and a central fireplace surrounded by classic lounge chairs.

Tastings at Early Mountain Vineyards start from $20 per person. Some popular wines to try include Eluvium and Quaker Run Cabernet Franc. Savor your wine at the outdoor deck, which overlooks the Virginia Mountains.  Magnolia Vineyards is another great option.

6. Take a Hike to Old Rag Mountain

• Mileage: 9.4 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 2,582 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

The views from Old Rag Mountain are a Shenandoah National Park must-see, and it’s personally one of my favorite hikes in the park. From the summit, you’ll get 360-degree views of the lush forested valley below, as it creates a striking contrast against the large boulders. These sweeping views and the effort needed to get there make Old Rag one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park, but beware, as it’s also the most dangerous.

The hike starts at the Old Rag Parking Lot. It can get quite full, so I suggest arriving early, between 6 am and 7 am. Follow the Ridge Trail on the left to get some rock scrambling opportunities. The first few miles of this trail start relatively easy, with a steady incline.

About three-quarters of the way, you’ll begin the scrambling. This is when you have to be very careful, make sure you have the right shoes, and follow the hiking tips you get from the rangers. You might find a line at the rock scrambling section, so exercise patience because this part of the trail cannot be missed.

7. Discover Dark Hollow Falls

• Mileage: 1.4 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 564 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Hiking to Dark Hollow Falls is great if you’re looking for a short hike that’s slightly challenging and very rewarding. The trail starts at a parking area at milepost 50.7 along Skyline Drive. It begins on a paved road before it quickly descends at a moderately steep grade from the parking lot to Dark Hollow Falls.

The melody of rushing water characterizes your trek to the stunning waterfall. Walk along the water until you reach the wooden steps that take you to the upper Dark Hollow Falls. The return hike will be more challenging as you scramble over steep, rocky inclines. Please exercise caution on your way back because sometimes the trail becomes wet and slippery.  

8. Explore the Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble Hike

• Mileage: 1.4 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 311 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re up for more rock scrambling, or you find the hike to Old Rag Mountain too long, this is the hike for you. It’s short, easy to access, and provides sweeping views of the Piedmont Region of Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. It’s also one of the most ideal spots to catch the sunrise or sunset in the park.

There are actually two hiking trails here; the Bearfence Mountain Trail and the Rock Scramble Trail. I opted for the latter, and it was amazing. The trail begins at the Bearfence Parking Area at milepost 56.4 on Skyline Drive. Continue along the Bearfence Loop Trail until you reach the rock scrambling portion. 

After your scrabble, take the connector trail on the right, which leads you to the North Appalachian Trail. Take the left turn at the intersection to return to the parking area. 

9. Marvel at the Rose River Falls

• Mileage: 3.8 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 875 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Rose River Falls Trail leads to one of the most delightful swimming holes in Shenandoah National Park. This makes it a perfect escape from the sweltering Shenandoah heat on a hot day. Rose River Falls is also particularly breathtaking during fall when foliage dominates the scenery.

The trail begins at the Fishers Gap Parking Area, located at milepost 49.4 on Skyline Drive. This is about 1.5 miles north of the Big Meadows Wayside, where you’ll find restrooms and a store. The trail quickly descends from Skyline Drive and follows the stream to Rose River Falls. 

You can add an additional 0.25 miles to your hike by continuing on to the base of the Dark Hollow Falls before returning to the parking lot. So you can see two of Shenandoah’s best waterfalls, ultimately killing two (figurative) birds with one stone.

10. Climb to Mary’s Rock Mountain

• Mileage: 3.4 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 1,211 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Mary’s Rock Mountain offers some of the best views in Shenandoah National Park. This short, rocky hike is considered moderately challenging as it rises through the forest and ends with a rocky overlook.

You can get to Mary’s Rock in two ways. The southern route begins at milepost 33.5, where you’ll find the Meadow Spring Parking Area east of Skyline Drive. After crossing over the Skyline Drive and follow the blue blaze markers toward Mary’s Rock.

Alternatively, you can take the Mary’s Rock North Trail, which starts at the Panorama Parking Area near the Thornton Gap Entrance. This hike is a little longer and steeper than the first route, so brace yourself to scramble over rocky terrains.

11. Hike Hawksbill Mountain

• Mileage: 1.6 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 673 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Hawksbill Summit Hike is easily one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Although it’s short, it’s relatively steep and leads you up to the highest peak in the entire park. Not only do you get 360-degree views of the valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, but Hawksbill Mountain also rewards you with a stunning sunset if you arrive at the right time.

Similar to other famous hikes in the park, Hawksbill Mountain has two routes you can take. The first one is the Lower Hawksbill Trail, which begins at the Hawksbill Loop Hike Parking Area. This is the one I did. It’s shorter, but the elevation is a challenge, and I saw many people struggle along this trail.

Alternatively, you can take the Upper Hawksbill Trail, which you can access from the Upper Hawksbill Trailhead Parking Lot along Skyline Drive, close to the Old Rag Overlook. This trail has less steep inclines, making it easier and more suitable for novice hikes.  

Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park: FAQs

Many things can go wrong on your trip to Shenandoah National Park if you’re not adequately prepared. Here are a few frequently asked questions that shed light on some crucial aspects of visiting Shenandoah National Park.

Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Shenandoah National Park is home to several of the best hikes in national parks across the United States. It boasts sweeping valley views and rocky peaks that will leave you awestruck. Not forgetting to mention the waterfalls cascading over black-rock boulders. There is really nothing like it.

What Is the Prettiest Part of Skyline Drive?

The Range View Overlook is considered the most scenic part of Skyline Drive. It’s located in the northern section of the park. The South River Overlook is also worth seeing, as it boasts some of the best sunrise views in Shenandoah National Park. 

Are There Bears in Shenandoah National Park?

Yes. Black bears are the only species of bear you’ll spot in Shenandoah National Park. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll spot black bears during your visit. However, the middle-third and wilderness areas of the park tend to have larger concentrations. 

Black bears are most active at dusk or dawn, so if you start your exploration early in the morning, you’re likely to spot one of these beauties. These bears can get quite aggressive without making any contact, but if you do get charged, it will be good to have your bear spray on standby.

What Town Should I Stay in When Visiting Shenandoah National Park?

Finding a place to stay is relatively easy, thanks to the numerous lodges and campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park. And there’s no need to worry if you can’t book your spot in the park ahead of time, as there are many towns nearby with lots of lodging options.

Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, and Charlottesville are three of the biggest towns near Shenandoah National Park. All these cities are about a 30-minute drive to the closest park entrance.

Can You Swim in Shenandoah Waterfalls?

Yes. Swimming is allowed in most of the park’s streams, but most of them are shallow and rocky. You should always exercise caution, and remember – no diving! Keep in mind that these waterfalls are extremely cold, even in summer. Hiking is required to reach these swimming holes, and please avoid climbing atop the waterfalls, as it is very slippery.

Shenandoah National Park Things to Do | Wrapped Up

So, there you have it; 11 of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park, complete with the best hikes, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Your time here will either be characterized by vibrant fall foliage, blooming spring flowers, or lush greens in summer.

Shenandoah National Park boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails, so you won’t even run out of things to do. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of flora and fauna within the park since Shenandoah is home to a number of birds, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and bears.

The best thing about Shenandoah National Park is that no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. You’ll have access to astounding natural beauty regardless. Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains follow you through the park, and rocky boulders make the perfect sunset or sunrise spots.

So when you’re ready to explore Shenandoah National Park, go ahead, pack your bags, and get ready for an epic adventure in one of Virginia’s greatest treasures. 

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