Shenandoah National Park
Virginia
Located just 75 miles west of Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers a sprawling escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This park, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, encompasses more than 200,000 acres of protected lands. It’s home to a vast variety of wildlife, and is the second most diverse in terms of plant and animal species of all the national parks. This makes it the perfect place to visit, whether for a weekend or longer, to relax and unwind in nature.
Shenandoah National Park Stats
When to visit
Below is a chart outlining the average number of visitors and temperatures for each month in Shenandoah National Park as of 2023.
Plants and Animals at Shenandoah National Park
The national park service tracks each animal and plant species sighting in the park. The data below is a summary of the NPS Species database, updated in 2024.
Shenandoah National Park Best Hikes
Shenandoah National Park boasts a wide variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, many of which provide stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains or wind through lush, forested areas. The park is also home to sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail. Some of the most popular hikes at Shenandoah include:
Old Rag
Old Rag Mountain is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. While this mountain is open year-round to visitors, you need to obtain a day-use ticket from March 1 - November 30 to hike the mountain. This hike is accessible from multiple points in the park.
You are required to pay an entrance fee to get to Old Rag, but parking at the lots operated by the National Park Service is free. Keep in mind, the total distance for the Old Rag Mountain Loop Trail is 9.4 miles and considered fairly strenuous. This hike includes many rocky switchbacks and boulder scrambles, as well as a decent incline. This hike is not recommended for those afraid of heights. You will want to prepare for this hike well in advance, including building a backpack with plenty of water and other necessities. Pets are not allowed on this trail.
Hawksbill Loop Trail
The Hawksbill Loop Trail is a short and moderately difficult, 2.7 mile loop trail located along the Appalachian Trail system. This trail ends at the Hawksbill summit overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. The Hawksbill Gap parking lot can be crowded during the busy season, so be sure to arrive there early.
At the Hawksbill summit you have access to stunning panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trail is steep and rocky at points so come prepared with plenty of water and a light pack (see below for other packs hikers have used in this park).
What to bring to Shenandoah National Park
Bringing the right gear is essential to explore the park safely and responsibly. Check out these packs other hikers brought to explore Shenandoah National Park.
Shenandoah National Park - History
In the 1920s, the National Park Service determined they wanted to establish a national park in the Appalachian Mountains. Then-state Senator Harry Byrd Sr took up the opportunity with enthusiasm.
Despite the onset of the Great Depression, the park itself was dedicated in 1936 with the intention of preserving the local natural ecosystem and providing recreational opportunities for the people in the surrounding region. It was the 22nd national park to be established in the U.S.
Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah Skyline Drive
Shenandoah Skyline Drive is one of the main attractions of the park. This scenic drive, originally completed in 1939, runs 105 miles north and south along the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the only public road through the park. This scenic drive is open year-round and only closed when there are icy or snowy conditions. To complete the road from end to end takes three hours.
The Skyline Drive is a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway road system, which spans far beyond Shenandoah National Park and is in total 469 miles long. This road system offers spectacular views and meanders from Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and could be a great way to connect the parks for an extended adventure.
Shenandoah River
The Shenandoah River runs 300 miles, starting in Front Royal, Virginia and emptying into the Potomac River in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia. This river winds around Shenandoah National Park, creating beautiful waterfalls and streams (like the one pictured below). These waterways support a vast array of wildlife within the park, helping to make it the most diverse of all the national parks in terms of plant species found within its borders.
Shenandoah National Park Camping
Shenandoah National Park features four campgrounds: Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain and Loft Mountain. All campgrounds are open seasonally, from early spring through late fall, and many allow for advanced reservations. It is highly recommended to get a reservation, especially on weekends since the campsites fill up fast. Depending on which campground you stay at, some sites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tent camping and RV camping are both supported.
Backcountry camping is also permitted within Shenandoah National Park, but you must obtain a permit in advance from recreation.gov. Follow posted rules when planning a backcountry camping trip, such as no fires and proper food storage regulations, so you can make the most of your trip safely.
Other Resources:
If you’re planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park, check out the additional resources below for help.
