Shenandoah National Park Hiking and Backpacking Vacations

Shenandoah National Park Hiking and Backpacking Travel Guide

Other Guides for Shenandoah National Park

Hiking and Backpacking Destinations Near Shenandoah National Park

Southeast Hiking and Backpacking States/Provinces

Active and Adventure Travel Destinations
View of the Old Rag Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Old Rag Mountain Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (Nathan Borchelt)

Shenandoah National Park Hiking and Backpacking Highlights

By Travel Expert: Johnny Molloy
  • This 300-square-mile park has more than 500 miles of trails. Backpackers should be conscious of the many loop hikes that can be undertaken starting from Skyline Drive or adjacent lowlands.
  • A free backcountry permit is required before you embark on your overnight trip. No fires are allowed, but you can camp anywhere in the park as long as it is at least 20 yards from a trail, ten yards from a water source, and a quarter-mile from Skyline Drive.
  • Leave Skyline Drive and pass over Neighbor Mountain before dropping to camp at Jeremys Run. Loop back on Knob Mountain and spend the last night in the high country.
  • Head down to the Hazel River via the White Rock Trail. Camp on the Hazel River. Next day, cut over to Nicholson Hollow and camp, surmounting Hot-Short Mountain. Return via Catlett Ridge.
  • Leave the lowlands and hike up Hughes River before camping near Corbin Cabin. Loop back over Robertson Mountain and enjoy some views before returning to the lowlands.
  • Big Run is a fine camping and fishing destination. It can be accessed via Browns Gap. Return on the Rocky Top Trail and make a side trip to Lewis Peak.

Shenandoah National Park Overview

Running for 105 miles atop the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a haven for plants and wildlife. Although long and skinny, the park encompasses some 300 square miles of mountains, forests, waterfalls, and rock formations. It has more than 60 mountain peaks higher than 2,000 feet, with Hawksbill and Stony Man exceeding 4,000 feet. Although high ozone levels...

Read Entire Review

Hotels

expert favorite hotel
GOOD FOR HIKING AND BACKPACKING
Loft Mountain Campground
c/o Shenandoah National Park, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 2.0 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
expert favorite hotel
GOOD FOR HIKING AND BACKPACKING
Lewis Mountain Cabins
c/o ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc., P.O. Box 727
Luray, VA 22835
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 4.8 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
from: $89 compare hotel rates
GOOD FOR HIKING AND BACKPACKING
Big Meadows Lodge
Mile 51.0 Skyline Drive
Luray, VA 22835
Hotel Class: 3 class stars
Distance: 3.2 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Parks and Outdoors travel
All Shenandoah National Park Hotels
advertisement

Great Hotel Deals in Shenandoah National Park, VA

compare rates

Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Good For HIKING AND BACKPACKING
Old Rag
Map
Distance: 6.9 Miles (from destination center)
Description:

This very popular hike along an inclined... Read More

Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
Good For HIKING AND BACKPACKING
Skyline Drive
Map
Distance: 3.5 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south... Read More
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Parks and Outdoors travel
Good For HIKING AND BACKPACKING
Big Meadows
Distance: 0.0 Miles (from destination center)
Description: You will know when you've reached Big Meadows.... Read More
Active Expert Rating
Not Yet Rated
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
All Shenandoah National Park Attractions

Feature Articles

More Shenandoah National Park Hiking and Backpacking Feature Articles (20)
See All Feature Articles on Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guides

Biking: Hiking and Backpacking
» All Active and Adventure Guides
advertisement
take me fishing
Select a state:
advertisement

Travel Interest Guides

spring driving guide
Spring Driving Guide
Top itineraries, family-friendly asphalt-obsessed exploration, global four-wheel touring, tips, photos—it's all here.
interactive gift guide guide
Interactive Gift Guide
Surprise your active-minded, travel-obsessed mom with some of the best gear ever profiled in Outside magazine.
family guide
Family Guide
Our esteemed travel experts have chosen the best places, hotels, and attractions to make your summer family outing the best ever.
beach guide
Beach Guide
Whether you dive, kiteboard, windsurf, or just strive to perfect the art of sun-bathing, our experts have got the spot.