Shenandoah National Park

Category:	National Park
Address:	Virginia, USA
Phone:	+1 540-999-3500
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.8

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Alice Wang

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.

Mitesh Patel

It’s been on my bucket list to travel the Skyline Drive again for as long as I can remember. The last time I toured it was probably as a child more years ago than I can really recall. I can now say that I’ve trekked three quarters of it in a motor home and the rest in a car (sigh). Ideally, it is a road best toured by motorcycle or in an open top sports car that can easily swing from one curve to another. The scenery is just amazing, with well-maintained roads and viewpoints especially designed to maximize the enjoyment you’ll get from your surroundings. We didn’t stop at every viewpoint, but sure could have and not regretted it. We stopped at several of the National Park Service stations and were uniformly impressed by their friendliness, knowledge, and willingness to share information. It’s obvious that many of them love Shenandoah and what they do. Among the many highlights of our time was a ranger-led dusk meadow walk at Big Meadow, where we got up close to many deer while learning more about the flora, fauna, and history of the area. Another highlight was a stargazing party later that evening. This was one of the few times I’ve seen the Milky Way in this whole of the Eastern U.S., and was surprised to learn from the rangers that 80% of U.S. residents can no longer see the stars of the Milky Way, mostly because of light pollution. What a shame. We truly enjoyed the experience and hope to go back again sometime. In a convertible. Visited June 2016

Ghana Smith

VA is for Outdoor Lovers... My mother started taking me to Skyland Drive when I was young, 30 years later I took her for her birthday get away and we were not disappointed... Great place to hike trails, see waterfalls and animals, and be amazed at the beautiful surroundings. If you just so own a horse, bring them along to enjoy the Application Trail. Make sure you take the time out to watch the sunset. You can watch it from the dinning room or just have a seat on a rock, nothing will block your view. The rooms are clean, but this is not a 5 star hotel at a "glamping" site. These are real cabins and some of them have less amenities then others. When you book your room make sure you ask about the different view types, if that is your thing. Tip: Take a guided trail hike so you can learn a lot of fun and interesting facts about the trails. Tip: Take a lunch on the Application Trail, so when you reach the highest point you can have a nice lunch view. Tips: Try to go during the off season, because it is less crowded.

J House

If you love nature and mountain views, Shenandoah is the place for you. Skyline drive is enjoyable with frequent pulloffs for views and photo ops, and wildlife sightings sometimes. Hiking opportunities abound, to gorgeous mountain views, waterfalls or just secluded woodland/wildilfe wonder. There are several books available detailing the various hikes, or check online or with a ranger at the entrance station. I like to print a map to have with me. We love camping here too, I reserve a site online to guarantee we get one but many have luck esp if you arrive during the week. There are camp stores and hot/cold water bathrooms at each camping facility. The park entry fee is considerable, $25 per vehicle but good for 7 days, great if you are vacationing. Gas and food are available only at the visitor centers. Picnic areas and campgrounds have bathrooms, but none at most trailheads FYI. Pets are allowed in most areas on a leash, but certain popular trails do not allow them so check ahead to avoid disappointment.

pjd412

Shenandoah National Park remains a pretty place, but unless you were a long time lover of this park and at least 50 year old, it is probably a futile effort describing how much more beautiful it was before so many tree species were wiped out by various introduced man-pests and pollution. First the gypsy moth killed off all the largest oaks, then the woolly adelgid wiped out the Eastern hemlocks including the Limberlost Grove, the preservation of which was by itself 50% of the reason the park was founded. Meanwhile, acid rain kill-off of most of the red spruce on the highest mountains, and some kind of disease, then fires killed off the big mountain laurel slicks which used to flower stunningly in June. Sadly, there really does not even seem to be a photographic record of what the forests of the park used to look like. Perhaps if the National Park Service had not been so de-funded by successive governments, at least some of the big Hemlocks of Limberlost, Stoneyman, and White Oak Canyon might have been saved.

Mario Campos

On this site the beauty created by God appreciate, enjoy this place a lot, though I am from a country that has beautiful natural landscapes such as Costa Rica, Thank God I could be with my wife Gloriela in beautiful places like Bariloche Argentina, the Grand Canyon (USA), Chirripo, Braulio Carrillo Park Costa Rica. People in these special areas (Shenandoah, Charlotte Bill, Culpeper, Virginia, Luray Caverns) Mario Alberto Campos Sánchez

María Hernández de Lorenzo

National park can be crossed by car on asphalt road and excursions on foot, by bicycle and on horseback horse trails You can do camping or sleeping in "Cabins" rustic accommodation in well-appointed cabins animals, especially deer and bears are seen when not hibernate. From Easter to September or thereabouts you can rent a horse and ride with a guide Park You have to pay an entrance fee per vehicle Recommended

杨文捷

The scenery of the Sunny National Park makes people forget, so that I can go three times in nine days. Driving in the forest to make dye, colorful sky road, enjoy a bright and quiet happiness: standing on the top of the mountain viewing spots, eyes overlooking the vast expanse of the horizon and layers of mountains, with the eyes stretched, feeling To the generosity of nature, calm, reckless and go with the flow. In the mountains, I have encountered many years of good, warm and helpful people, is that they fall into the helpless and even desperate when I reach out to a strong hand to help me out of the woods. I love this mountain, I love people in the mountains.

Ami J

Beautiful vistas adorn the park, whether you are there for the drive on Skyline drive or stopping for a quick hike or adventuring forth onto longer yet more rewarding hikes. I advise to do a bit of research and pick a few short hikes or one long one..driving through the park takes a few hours (we took 4 to 5 hours with stops and a picnic...speed limit is 35 mph, park entrance fee is $25 in 2017) but it is so worth it!! We traveled with our pup and cat...cat did not take any hikes with us though she enjoyed the views and fresh air from the comfort of our car but our pup loved the hike to jones river falls...do your research or just look at the ranger provided park newsletter to find pup-friendly hikes. Pack a cooler with some picnicking provisions and enjoy the beauty...plan to spend the day!!!

Aaron Peek

I booked this on Orbitz, very shocking that we had to build the hotel room and bed ourselves. The hallway was dirty, had wildflowers and even bugs, Unbelievable. While walking in the 199,200 acre lobby, we ran across an actual Bear. He clearly did not get the same rate that I did, so unfair. The room service was terrible, as you had to pick up your own trash, and take it to the bin. I will say that parking was easy, first time I’ve ever parked in my room ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. In all seriousness Shenandoah is amazing, the trails are wonderful, a little challenging but kid friendly, the scenery is amazing and the Big Meadows campground even had showers if you need them. It’s a life changing experience which I recommend to anyone. No bears were harmed in the writing of this review.

Thomas W

This is one of my most favorite places on the planet, no doubt about it. This place has some of the most beautiful views i have every seen and it gets better as you go higher. No matter if your on a cliff that drops straight down, the peak of the tallest mountains in the Appalachian, or the awesome viewing stops along Skyline drive, you will always have a gorgeous picture. Skyline Drive is always smooth and has over 100 stops along the full drive that give spectacular views that no one could ever think of. It has great camping area with great amenities and low prices for a national park.The park rangers there are super nice and very intelligent on everything there is about these majestic mountains. This will always be my first pick for a trip or a drive.

Lukas Unterrader-Filzer

Shenandoah National Park, with only 25 US dollars admission (valid for one week) beautiful pictures. Especially the Skyline Drive is a beautiful, meandering through the park road, with wonderful exits shoot Pinicken and photos. Also recommended for the migration Stoney Man, a hike of between 40 minutes and 6 hours (depending on the route).

Emad Al Sagheer

Old Rag Mountain Summit I always find myself in Shenandoah and most of the time hiking the Old Rag. It is about 9 miles hike, there is two ways to reach the summit. At the beginning of the hike you will have two choices. * If you go left, short distance to the top: you will have to climb a lot of rocks not suitable to all people. It is still doable and I have seen many people doing it. But it could be a challenge. * If you go right, longer distance to the top, it will be smooth hike and no rock climbing. I usually do the entire hike, I start from the left, climb my way up to the summit as I love climbing and I get my does of adrenaline for the day. Then I walk down taking the longer path. Bring water and snacks you will need it.

Di Gamble

What a beautiful place to go to clear ur mind. The park is set up (like many) with different trails that are tailored to distance & difficulty. 1 is longer & more scenic, while the other is shorter & slightly more aggressive. I met so many kind ppl along my hike that encouraged me to take my time & move along at my own pace. There was soo much to see; beautiful waterfalls, the trees, swimming holesto cool off in... It was an awesome trip! Great way to get out of the city without having to go very far. Also, loads of places to stop in the surrounding area for fresh local produce. Great place to go to get away from the hustle & bustle of the city!

小风

Shenandoah National Park is located in West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains a national park. The shape of Shenandoah National Park in the narrow, 40% of the park area is designated as wilderness nature reserve. The highest point of Shenandoah National Park is a sea turtle peak, elevation 4,051 feet. Shenandoah National Park was established in 1935, before becoming a national park most of the land within the park is agricultural land. The park has a very rich ecosystem.

Shenandoah National Park

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

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