Shenandoah National Park Parks and Outdoors Vacations

Shenandoah National Park Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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Upper Doyles River Falls in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Upper Doyles River Falls, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (Robert Cable/Photographer's Choice/Getty)

Shenandoah National Park Parks and Outdoors Highlights

By Travel Expert: Paul Elliott

  • To fully appreciate Shenandoah National Park, try one of its four clean and comfortable campgrounds. You'll find tent and RV sites, trail access, vistas, potable water, toilets, and more. It's mostly first-come, first-served, but reservations are possible.
  • If you're an ardent and experienced backcountry camper, take the challenge of roughing it in Shenandoah's vast tangle of forested ridges, steep slopes, and gorges. To hit the trail, request a free permit and agree to observe the park's regulations.
  • Active birdwatchers should roam the trails along which birds generally common. Best bets include the South River Falls Trail (great for warblers), the Stony Man and Dark Hollow Falls trails (think ravens), and the open Big Meadows area.
  • Riding a horse is a great way to explore the scenic variety of Shenandoah National Park—and get some exercise. The park's designated horse trails are well marked (yellow blazes), well maintained, and offer 180 miles of equestrian delight.
  • For some of the East's best auto excursions, sample vista-rich Skyline Drive, which runs the length of Shenandoah National Park for 105 miles along the Blue Ridge from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap. Make your trips unforgettable: don't hurry.

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. Unfortunately high ozone levels frequently create obscuring smog during the summer, so spring and fall are the best seasons to catch the panoramic views from overlooks from the Skyline Drive over the Piedmont to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west. The drive gives you access to the park's visitor facilities and to more than 500 miles of hiking and horse trails, including the Appalachian Trail. Read More

Hotels

from: $70 compare hotel rates
Deluxe Budget Motel Waynesboro
2112 West Main Street
Waynesboro, VA 22980 Map
Hotel Class: 2 class stars
Distance: 0.0 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
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from: $114 compare hotel rates
Hampton Inn Front Royal, VA
9800 Winchester Avenue
Front Royal, VA 22630 Map
Hotel Class: 3 class stars
Distance: 0.0 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
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4.8 out of 5 9 reviews
4.8 out of 5
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from: $89 compare hotel rates
Big Meadows Lodge
Mile 51.0 Skyline Drive
Luray, VA 22835
Hotel Class: 3 class stars
Distance: 3.2 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Big Meadows
Distance: 11.1 Miles (from destination center)
Description: You will know when you've reached Big Meadows.... Read More
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Loft Mountain
Map
Distance: 11.1 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Set back from the section of Skyline Drive... Read More
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Skyline Drive
Map
Distance: 3.5 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south... Read More
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Feature Articles

More Shenandoah National Park Parks and Outdoors Feature Articles (15)
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Shenandoah National Park Parks and Outdoors Travel Guides

Camping | Hiking and Backpacking | Horses and Riding | Nature: Road and Rail Journeys:
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