Shenandoah National Park Hiking and Backpacking Travel Guide

Shenandoah National Park Hiking and Backpacking Travel Guide

Other Guides for Shenandoah National Park

Hiking and Backpacking Destinations Near Shenandoah National Park

Travel Guides Near Shenandoah National Park

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View of the Old Rag Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Old Rag Mountain Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (Nathan Borchelt)

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Shenandoah National Park Hiking and Backpacking Travel Tips

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

First and foremost, the name Shenandoah conjures up a legendary river, one that flows through America's past in song, print, and folklore. And the valley that bears its name is easily the most beautiful in Virginia, an idyllic landscape of rolling hills and pastures, bounded by mountains on either side and bisected by the majestic river. Read More

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Hotels

Lewis Mountain Cabins

c/o ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc., P.O. Box 727
Luray, VA 22835 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0

Loft Mountain Campground

c/o Shenandoah National Park, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0

Elizabeth Furnace Campground

c/o Lee Ranger District, 109 Molineau Rd.
Edinburg, VA 22824 Map

Distance: 23.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

Old Rag

expert favorite attraction
Good For Hiking and Backpacking


Distance: 6.9 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

This very popular hike along an inclined saddleback ridge is well worth doing (especially very... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Big Meadows

expert favorite attraction
Good For Hiking and Backpacking


Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: You will know when you've reached Big Meadows. It’s where the forest gives way to a large open area... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Loft Mountain

expert favorite attraction
Good For Hiking and Backpacking


Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Set back from the section of Skyline Drive between mileposts 79 and 80, the Loft Mountain area... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Shenandoah National Park

Distance (mi.)
Washington Dulles International Airport 62.3 map
Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport 80.2 map
Richmond International Airport/Byrd Field 92.8 map Flight Deals to RIC

Other Smaller Airports near Shenandoah National Park

Distance (mi.)
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport 25.4 map
Staunton Shenandoah Valley Airport 29.3 map
Lynchburg Preston-Glenn Field 90.5 map

Feature Articles

More Shenandoah National Park Hiking and Backpacking Feature Articles (5) »
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Trip Ideas

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