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 run, 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.
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
Recommended Routes in Shenandoah National Park - 46
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Old Rag Loop
8.9 mi 14.3 km • 2,362' Up 719.92 m Up • 2,359' Down 718.89 m Down
Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop
8.2 mi 13.1 km • 2,255' Up 687.39 m Up • 2,255' Down 687.38 m Down
Rose River Loop
3.8 mi 6.1 km • 796' Up 242.59 m Up • 797' Down 242.97 m Down
Hawksbill Mountain Loop
2.6 mi 4.2 km • 600' Up 183 m Up • 644' Down 196.36 m Down
Dark Hollow Falls
1.7 mi 2.7 km • 495' Up 150.91 m Up • 495' Down 151.02 m Down
Bearfence Loop Trail
1.1 mi 1.8 km • 232' Up 70.77 m Up • 232' Down 70.65 m Down
Little Devil Stairs Loop
5.5 mi 8.9 km • 1,453' Up 442.8 m Up • 1,429' Down 435.54 m Down
Shenandoah National Park Running
- 664 Miles 1,068 Kilometers of Trail
- 46 Recommended Routes
- 14 Gems
- 63 Easy Trails
- 170 Intermediate Trails
- 123 Difficult Trails
Areas Within Shenandoah National Park
Weather Averages
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Trails in Shenandoah National Park - 310
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0.5
mi
0.8
km
#1Stony Man Trail
Stanley, VA
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Stanley, VA | 37 | ||
5.0
mi
8.0
km
#2Whiteoak Canyon
Stanley, VA
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Stanley, VA | 29 | ||
3.7
mi
5.9
km
#3Ridge Trail
Stanley, VA
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Stanley, VA | 17 | ||
2.0
mi
3.3
km
#4Little Devils Stairs Trail
Washington, VA
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Washington, VA | 21 | ||
0.9
mi
1.4
km
#5Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Stanley, VA
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Stanley, VA | 18 | ||
2.2
mi
3.5
km
#6Doyles River Trail
Grottoes, VA
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Grottoes, VA | 10 | ||
2.4
mi
3.9
km
#7Robertson Mtn Trail
Stanley, VA
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Stanley, VA | 14 | ||
2.5
mi
4.0
km
#8Jones Run Trail
Grottoes, VA
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Grottoes, VA | 9 | ||
5.0
mi
8.1
km
#9Brown Mountain Trail
Elkton, VA
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Elkton, VA | 5 | ||
2.4
mi
3.9
km
#10Lewis Peak Trail
Grottoes, VA
|
Grottoes, VA | 1 |
Photos of Shenandoah National Park - 416
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