Shenandoah National Park

Sitting high above the Shenandoah River and running along the ridgeline of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains lies one of the most scenic National Parks in America, Shenandoah National Park.

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park

Established in 1935 and protecting nearly 200,000 acres of land within Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a long narrow area stretching from Front Royal to Waynesboro and is accessed primarily by the incredible Skyline Drive.

The morning fog collects in Shenandoah Valley outside Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is open 24 hours a day and requires a $30 entrance fee to access the park along Skyline Drive. The park sees just under 2 million visitors annually and is widely considered one of the best locations in America to witness the changing fall foliage.

A leaf-strewn Hawksbill Summit Trail in Shenandoah National Park

Along the 105 miles of Skyline Drive are 75 overlooks providing stunning views of the park in its entirety, as well as the surrounding valleys and river within the area. Additionally, Shenandoah National Park offers an array of lodging, camping, and eating options throughout the park.

Big Meadows Wayside is one of three Wayside’s found within Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park has 2 visitor centers: Dickey Ridge and Byrd Visitor Centers. While Byrd Visitors Center is open year round, many of the parks facilities are open from April to mid-November. Additionally, the park has one gas station along Skyline Drive, so plan accordingly.

Mary’s Rock Tunnel along Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park

The park is accessed through 4 entrances along Skyline Drive as the park is broken down into three regions: The North, Central, and South region. The North region runs from Front Royal to Thornton Gap. The Central Region spans Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap, and the South region covers Swift Run Gap to Rockfish Gap, the southern terminus of Shenandoah National Park.

Appalachian Trail marker within Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is truly a playground for outdoor enthusiast. With over 500 miles of hiking trail, including 100 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail, there are hiking opportunities for all to explore the area from beyond Skyline Drive. In addition to the hiking, Shenandoah National Park has numerous rock climbing routes, horseback trails, fishing opportunities, and of course cycling along the scenic Skyline Drive, as well!

Dark Hollow Falls at Shenandoah National Park

While the stunning vistas, waterfalls, and mountain peaks garner much of the attention at Shenandoah National Park, this gorgeous landscape has a wide assortment of wildlife that call this park home. With nearly 20 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds, Shenandoah National Park is an excellent location to witness wildlife in their natural habitat.

The iconic, yet somewhat reclusive black bear in Shenandoah National Park

From its expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to its incredible abundance of wildlife found in its meadows and forests, Shenandoah National Park protects the raw beauty of the mountains seldom found in this relatively urbanized region of America. The incredible Skyline Drive provides endless views of this majestic landscape, while the hundreds of miles of trail allow even the most adventurous explorers to experience this wilderness in all of its glory! Shenandoah National Park is a true embodiment of the spirit of our National Parks, and ensure this land and its animals that call it home are protected for the enjoyment of generations to come!