Shenandoah National Park, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, offers a serene escape into nature with its over 200,000 acres of rolling hills, dense forests, and flowing waterfalls. Rich in both natural beauty and history, it's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
The park's famous Skyline Drive runs the entire length of the park, offering stunning vistas and access to numerous hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the park. The drive itself is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding area, particularly enchanting during fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Shenandoah National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, and over 200 species of birds, making it a perfect spot for wildlife watching and birding. Historical sites within the park, such as Rapidan Camp, the former summer retreat of President Herbert Hoover, provide a glimpse into the human history that has shaped this land.
The park is also known for its hundreds of miles of hiking trails, which range from easy walks along the river to challenging rock scrambles. Whether you're seeking solitude, adventure, or just a scenic drive, Shenandoah National Park offers an abundance of opportunities to explore the natural and cultural heritage of this unique region.
Shenandoah National Park
Virginia
Virginia
Shenandoah National Park protects a long, narrow stretch of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, with more than 200,000 acres of cascading waterfalls, wooded hollows and open vistas. Skyline Drive follows the crest of the ridge for 105 miles, linking overlooks and trailheads, and the park holds some 500 miles of hiking trails. Hikers can choose Dark Hollow Falls, a short and easy walk to one of the park's taller waterfalls, or Old Rag, a 9.4-mile round trip that involves rock scrambling and hill climbing. Visitors come for the fall foliage along the drive and the wildflowers that bloom in spring. Deer, songbirds and black bears live across the protected lands.
Park Areas
All areas →
Mathews Arm/Elkwallow
Mathews Arm and Elkwallow form the northern gateway for visitors arriving from Front Royal. Camping here centers on Mathews Arm Campground, the nearest campground to that entrance, and each site has room for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table. The campground lies beside the trail to Overall Run Falls, the park's tallest waterfall, and a nature trail runs nearby for more hiking. Evenings bring ranger programs at the campground amphitheater, and star parties invite guests to explore the night sky. Two miles away, Elkwallow Wayside serves breakfast items, sandwiches, grilled lunch and dinner dishes, and groceries, with seating on an outdoor patio and at picnic tables. Both sit along Skyline Drive.
Skyland
Guest rooms here sit on a ridge beside Skyline Drive at mile 41.7, spread across 28 separate buildings set among the trees. Choices run from small detached cabins to suites and pet-friendly rooms. The Pollock Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the Mountain Taproom pours beer and local wines and hosts family-friendly entertainment at night. Stony Man Trail is a 2-mile hike with both historic and natural stories, and the gentle Limberlost Trail is wheelchair accessible and explains local geology and nature. Rangers lead evening programs on natural or cultural history at the amphitheater, and the Massanutten Lodge open house tours Addie Pollock's restored bungalow. Pinnacles Overlook along the drive offers more views of the ridge.
Big Meadows
The grassy meadow is an open stretch of grass set against a line of dark trees. Big Meadows Campground sits centrally along Skyline Drive at mile 51.2, putting visitors within easy reach of the meadow, Dark Hollow Falls, and the Byrd Visitor Center. Camping here is by reservation only, and each site includes a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Big Meadows Lodge offers rooms ranging from main lodge rooms to small cabins, and guests can eat at the Spottswood Dining Room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or at the New Market Taproom for lighter fare and drinks. Big Meadows Wayside offers carry-out and sit-down meals, including sandwiches and salads to go.
Lewis Mountain
The smallest campground in the park sits at mile 57.5 on Skyline Drive, a short drive north of the Swift Run Entrance. It suits visitors who want a quieter, more private place to camp, whether in a tent or an RV. Some of its campsites are accessible, and the campground has accessible showers and laundry facilities. A campstore on site stocks basic supplies. For those who would rather sleep under a roof, the Lewis Mountain Cabins are rustic, furnished units with private baths and outdoor grill areas. Backpackers can take a two-night trip that links the campground area with Laurel Prong, passing streams, waterfalls and historic features along the way.
Loft Mountain
Set atop Big Flat Mountain at mile 79.5, this campground is the largest in the park, with views to the east and west. Campers can pick from reservable sites or first-come, first-served spots. Trails lead into the Big Run Wilderness for hikers who want to venture past the campsites, and two waterfalls lie nearby. Evening ranger programs at the Loft Mountain Amphitheater run 45 minutes and cover the natural or cultural history of the area, so bring a flashlight and dress warmly for cool mountain nights. The Loft Mountain Wayside, also at mile 79.5, serves breakfast items, sandwiches, and grilled food with indoor and outdoor seating. A camp store, flush toilets, coin laundry, and a dump station provide visitor services.
Popular Hiking Trails
All trails →
Old Rag Mountain Loop
Extreme5.0 mi
Little Devils Stairs Trail
Difficult5.3 mi
South River Falls Trail
Moderate4.3 mi
Stony Man Trail
Moderate1.5 mi
Passamaquoddy Trail
Moderate2.0 mi
Lower Hawksbill Trail
Easy1.4 mi
Rose River Loop Trail
Moderate3.7 mi
Dark Holllow Falls Trail
Moderate1.6 mi
Bearfence Mountain Trail
Moderate1.0 mi
Mill Prong Trail
Moderate3.6 mi
Visitor Centers
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
Closed
Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center
9:00AM - 4:30PM
Campgrounds
Camping guide →
Big Meadows Campground
Big Meadows
Lewis Mountain Campground
Lewis Mountain
Loft Mountain Campground
Loft Mountain
Mathews Arm Campground
Mathews Arm/Elkwallow
About the Park
Park Areas
The North District is a prime destination for visitors seeking diverse hiking experiences and historical insights. It features the challenging Old Rag Mountain trail, offering rewarding views, and historical sites like Rapidan Camp, once a retreat for President Hoover. This district is distinguished by its developed facilities and accessible wildlife viewing opportunities. The Skyline Drive runs through the North District, providing easy access to scenic overlooks, dense forests, and vibrant fall foliage.
The Central District offers a quieter alternative to the North, with trails such as Old Rag and Whiteoak Canyon catering to both casual hikers and seasoned adventurers. Known for its waterfalls and panoramic views, this district is a prime spot for nature observation, with frequent wildlife sightings. Visitor facilities are conveniently located throughout, enhancing the overall experience.
The South District is characterized by its serene landscapes and less crowded trails, offering a tranquil experience. It features attractions like Doyles River Falls and Jones Run Falls, with the Appalachian Trail providing excellent hiking opportunities. Common wildlife sightings, including deer and black bears, make this area ideal for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature.
Park Guides
All 11 guides →Driving Skyline Drive's 105 Miles
Skyline Drive is the only public road through Shenandoah National Park, running 105 miles north to south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Timing Peak Fall Foliage on Skyline Drive
Fall is when Shenandoah National Park is best known for its color, as the deciduous trees shift from green to reds, oranges, and yellows.
Summit Hikes: Hawksbill, Stony Man, Marys Rock
Summit hiking is one of the best ways to see Shenandoah National Park. Several of its peaks reward a climb with wide views over the land below, and the routes range from short and steep to longer and more demanding.
Walking Shenandoah's Stretch of the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail runs 2193 miles from Maine to Georgia through 14 states, making it the longest hiking trail anywhere.
Dark Skies and Loft Mountain Night Programs
Shenandoah National Park has night skies dark enough to make stargazing and astrophotography rewarding at any age.
