If you have any other questions, most of them will be answered elsewhere in this post. Get ready to hike! Special regulations are in place for your safety and to help protect park resources. These colorful shrubs line the Skyline Drive and provide a beautiful display of color in early summer. Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Guide, Visit Big Meadows and the Byrd Visitor Center, Places To Stay In/Near Shenandoah National Park. There is no process for obtaining these in advance. With over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, there are numerous opportunities to walk through forests and meadows, climb to mountain peaks, descend to cascading streams and waterfalls, while observing an abundance of plants and wildlife. The total length of Skyline Drive, from the northern to the southern entrance station, is 105 miles. Although Shenandoah National Park was authorized by Congress on May 22, 1926, it wasn't established until December 26, 1935. There are a number of developed picnic grounds in the park with picnic tables, water, restrooms, fire pits with grills, and bear-proof trash/recycling containers. More info on entrance fees below. Lodges and cabins in the park are operated by the park concessionaire. If you plan on driving the entire 105 miles of the Skyline Drive, be sure you will clear Marys Rock Tunnel at mile 32.2 (just south of Thornton Gap entrance from Route 211) at 12'8". You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here. There are some first-come, first-served sites, but those fill quickly and usually by Thursday evening. Even though the park’s landscapes might not be as spectacular as those in some of the West Coast parks, it encompasses some seriously wild terrain. Four Skyline Drive Entrances. The most common sightings are white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, groundhogs and chipmunks. What are the park entrance fees? Their range extending from the north Rocky Mountains to the Cascade Range and into southeastern Alaska, mountain goats are an iconic species in the national park system. Shenandoah offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Other discounted or free passes that are available throughout the year include the $50 Shenandoah Annual Pass; the $80 America the Beautiful National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that charge an entrance fee); the $80 Lifetime Senior Pass, the $20 Annual Senior Pass; the free Military Pass, the free Annual 4th Grade Pass, and the free Access Pass for disabled citizens. Personally, I prefer spring in Shenandoah! Pets are allowed in the campgrounds, and Skyland Resort has a few "pet friendly" rooms. Fortunate visitors might occasionally spot golden eagles, bobcats and skunks as well. For information about each campground, go here: Camping! })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js');
. Of the many hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park and on Skyline Drive, several are fun rock scrambles. The Civilian Conservation Corps was a part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New-Deal program. Front Royal at U.S. 340; Thornton Gap at U.S. 211; Swift Run Gap at U.S. 33; and Rockfish Gap at I-64 / U.S. 250 (also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). Besides the exhibits, there are restrooms, a bookstore, information desks and ranger programs. This fertile environment is the preferred biotope of a wide variety of wildlife. Visit Shenandoah National Park and participate in a Ranger led hike or walk, visit a visitor center and the surrounding communities, or tour along Skyline Drive and enjoy the breathtaking views from 75 overlooks on this designated National Scenic Byway! Wind blows through your hair while sun rays hit your scalp. The shortest hike to a waterfall is 1.4 miles round-trip to Dark Hollow Falls near milepost 51. Hiking, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, photography, bird watching, backpacking, wildlife observation, and ranger programs--just to name a few! The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains six primitive cabins in the park for long-distance AT hikers. 22835, (540) 999-3500 s.type = 'text/javascript';
Before its total closure, Comer said, the park began closing incrementally, starting with boundary closures and later Skyline Drive. Over the last several years, we've noticed that many park trees are still showing off their fall foliage well into November. Basically climbing a summit while using your hands for balance, these rock scrambles are extremely fun things to do along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. The maximum speed limit throughout the park is 35 miles per hour. The annual Shenandoah pass is good for unlimited entries for a year from the date of purchase. The highest point in the park, accessible by a moderate hike, is the summit of Hawksbill mountain at 4,050 feet. © 2012-2020 The National Parks Experience. There are a number of waterfalls in the park. Be very careful if you decide to bike on Skyline Drive. Later in the season, the banks of Skyline Drive and the Big Meadows area are great places to see summer and fall wildflowers. Learn more about driving Skyline Drive. The open seasons of the campgrounds vary, so you will want to consider making a reservation if you are looking to camp during a holiday, weekend, or the busy fall season. If you'd like to bring your own horse, Shenandoah offers over 180 miles of horse trails. This section has the most visitor facilities overall, including the park’s only gas station. Most offer groceries, a small restaurant or lunch counter, gifts, and camping supplies. Almost every year, park staff members are involved in taking steps to separate people from wildlife (hazing animals or relocating them). Often, you’ll spot wild animals in Shenandoah National Park while driving Skyline Drive. Learn about bear safety. We hope that these fee-free days offer visitors an extra incentive to enjoy their national parks in 2018.”. Required fields are marked *. You'll pass banks of wildflowers and wildlife along the roadside. The "boys" built rock walls, trails, fire roads, log structures, scenic overlooks, and more. The color change does not happen all at once. Escape to Rapidan Camp. Closed caption films are shown upon request at the visitor centers. It is well worth the trek, as long as you can take the return uphill climb. Filter byAllSkyline Drive EntrancesSkyline Drive LodgesSkyline Drive OverlooksSkyline Drive TrailsSkyline Drive WaterfallsVisitor Centers. Come by and smell the wildflowers. Park entrance stations are able to accept donations and can provide a cash register receipt. Shenandoah National Park has 516 miles (830 kilometers) of hiking trails, 101 miles (163 kilometers) of which are on the iconic Appalachian Trail. Park lodging facilities are able to accept donations on behalf of the Shenandoah National Park Trust. Drivers of cars, RVs, and motorcycles are often paying more attention to the scenery than to the roadway. The vast majority of closures occur in winter, when ice and snow can make driving impossible. The Limberlost Trail is the best trail choice with a stroller. You may pay for your campsite with cash, credit/debit card, money order, or personal check. The northern entrance, the Front Royal Entrance Station lies at milepost 0.6 on Skyline Drive and is accessible via Routes 340 and 55. Learn more about driving Skyline Drive. DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc. offers three lodging options: Skyland Resort (mile 41.7), Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51.2), and Lewis Mountain Cabins (mile 57.5). Learn more about cycling Skyline Drive. For accommodation in towns around Shenandoah National Park, such as Harrisonburg or Charlottesville, the box below has some very tempting deals. Most park facilities, including lodges, visitor centers, and campgrounds, are generally open from late March through November. Shenandoah National Park consists of mainly forest-covered hills and mountains—95% of the park is forested. So, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The waysides in the park are operated by DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc., the park concessioner. Luray is just 10 miles from this entrance station, where you’ll find gas, food, and lodging. Today Rapidan Camp is a National Historic Landmark - and a site well worth visiting. Shenandoah National Park is one of about 150 park service units that charge an entry fee. Remember that these mountaintop streams can be extremely cold, even during the summer. Nearly 40 fish species thrive in Shenandoah National Park’s ponds, rivers and streams while some 53 mammals roam its woods. Speed limits are reduced in developed areas such as campgrounds and picnic grounds. We will try to communicate campground status via social media on Thursdays and Fridays on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, so please check our social media sites before calling. What to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Best National Parks for Wildlife Watching, Shenandoah National Park Wildlife Viewing Guide. Best State & National Parks Near Las Vegas, Best National Parks Near Portland, Oregon, Best National Parks Near Los Angeles, California, Best National Parks Near San Francisco, California. Connect with Shenandoah's mountain residents. Enjoy the park with pets. However, portions of the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, the only public road through the park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);
No one knows for sure. A short bike path at Big Meadows (mile 51), is also navigable with a stroller. Directions for self-registration/self-paying are posted on the exteriors of campground offices. Our many trails can lead you up a mountain or down a canyon, past waterfalls and wildlife and ancient rocks. There is no process for obtaining these in advance. Permits are not required for hiking. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Best State and National Parks near Las Vegas, 7 Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, The Ultimate Arizona National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, Best National Parks near Los Angeles, California, 14 Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, Top Attractions in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, Best Nature Day Trips from Portland, Oregon, Spectacular National Parks Near Denver, Colorado. Follow the links for more information. One of my favorite things to do in Shenandoah National Park is watching sunrises and sunsets from Skyline Drive. This driving Skyline Drive post contains affiliate links. Several hundred black bears live in Shenandoah National Park. You may also obtain these passes by mail. The flowers add to the beauty of the Skyline Drive. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];
Please be considerate of other people in the area, and to clean up all food and trash when you are finished eating.
. Of the many hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park and on Skyline Drive, several are fun rock scrambles. The Civilian Conservation Corps was a part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New-Deal program. Front Royal at U.S. 340; Thornton Gap at U.S. 211; Swift Run Gap at U.S. 33; and Rockfish Gap at I-64 / U.S. 250 (also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). Besides the exhibits, there are restrooms, a bookstore, information desks and ranger programs. This fertile environment is the preferred biotope of a wide variety of wildlife. Visit Shenandoah National Park and participate in a Ranger led hike or walk, visit a visitor center and the surrounding communities, or tour along Skyline Drive and enjoy the breathtaking views from 75 overlooks on this designated National Scenic Byway! Wind blows through your hair while sun rays hit your scalp. The shortest hike to a waterfall is 1.4 miles round-trip to Dark Hollow Falls near milepost 51. Hiking, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, photography, bird watching, backpacking, wildlife observation, and ranger programs--just to name a few! The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains six primitive cabins in the park for long-distance AT hikers. 22835, (540) 999-3500 s.type = 'text/javascript';
Before its total closure, Comer said, the park began closing incrementally, starting with boundary closures and later Skyline Drive. Over the last several years, we've noticed that many park trees are still showing off their fall foliage well into November. Basically climbing a summit while using your hands for balance, these rock scrambles are extremely fun things to do along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. The maximum speed limit throughout the park is 35 miles per hour. The annual Shenandoah pass is good for unlimited entries for a year from the date of purchase. The highest point in the park, accessible by a moderate hike, is the summit of Hawksbill mountain at 4,050 feet. © 2012-2020 The National Parks Experience. There are a number of waterfalls in the park. Be very careful if you decide to bike on Skyline Drive. Later in the season, the banks of Skyline Drive and the Big Meadows area are great places to see summer and fall wildflowers. Learn more about driving Skyline Drive. The open seasons of the campgrounds vary, so you will want to consider making a reservation if you are looking to camp during a holiday, weekend, or the busy fall season. If you'd like to bring your own horse, Shenandoah offers over 180 miles of horse trails. This section has the most visitor facilities overall, including the park’s only gas station. Most offer groceries, a small restaurant or lunch counter, gifts, and camping supplies. Almost every year, park staff members are involved in taking steps to separate people from wildlife (hazing animals or relocating them). Often, you’ll spot wild animals in Shenandoah National Park while driving Skyline Drive. Learn about bear safety. We hope that these fee-free days offer visitors an extra incentive to enjoy their national parks in 2018.”. Required fields are marked *. You'll pass banks of wildflowers and wildlife along the roadside. The "boys" built rock walls, trails, fire roads, log structures, scenic overlooks, and more. The color change does not happen all at once. Escape to Rapidan Camp. Closed caption films are shown upon request at the visitor centers. It is well worth the trek, as long as you can take the return uphill climb. Filter byAllSkyline Drive EntrancesSkyline Drive LodgesSkyline Drive OverlooksSkyline Drive TrailsSkyline Drive WaterfallsVisitor Centers. Come by and smell the wildflowers. Park entrance stations are able to accept donations and can provide a cash register receipt. Shenandoah National Park has 516 miles (830 kilometers) of hiking trails, 101 miles (163 kilometers) of which are on the iconic Appalachian Trail. Park lodging facilities are able to accept donations on behalf of the Shenandoah National Park Trust. Drivers of cars, RVs, and motorcycles are often paying more attention to the scenery than to the roadway. The vast majority of closures occur in winter, when ice and snow can make driving impossible. The Limberlost Trail is the best trail choice with a stroller. You may pay for your campsite with cash, credit/debit card, money order, or personal check. The northern entrance, the Front Royal Entrance Station lies at milepost 0.6 on Skyline Drive and is accessible via Routes 340 and 55. Learn more about driving Skyline Drive. DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc. offers three lodging options: Skyland Resort (mile 41.7), Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51.2), and Lewis Mountain Cabins (mile 57.5). Learn more about cycling Skyline Drive. For accommodation in towns around Shenandoah National Park, such as Harrisonburg or Charlottesville, the box below has some very tempting deals. Most park facilities, including lodges, visitor centers, and campgrounds, are generally open from late March through November. Shenandoah National Park consists of mainly forest-covered hills and mountains—95% of the park is forested. So, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The waysides in the park are operated by DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc., the park concessioner. Luray is just 10 miles from this entrance station, where you’ll find gas, food, and lodging. Today Rapidan Camp is a National Historic Landmark - and a site well worth visiting. Shenandoah National Park is one of about 150 park service units that charge an entry fee. Remember that these mountaintop streams can be extremely cold, even during the summer. Nearly 40 fish species thrive in Shenandoah National Park’s ponds, rivers and streams while some 53 mammals roam its woods. Speed limits are reduced in developed areas such as campgrounds and picnic grounds. We will try to communicate campground status via social media on Thursdays and Fridays on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, so please check our social media sites before calling. What to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Best National Parks for Wildlife Watching, Shenandoah National Park Wildlife Viewing Guide. Best State & National Parks Near Las Vegas, Best National Parks Near Portland, Oregon, Best National Parks Near Los Angeles, California, Best National Parks Near San Francisco, California. Connect with Shenandoah's mountain residents. Enjoy the park with pets. However, portions of the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, the only public road through the park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);
No one knows for sure. A short bike path at Big Meadows (mile 51), is also navigable with a stroller. Directions for self-registration/self-paying are posted on the exteriors of campground offices. Our many trails can lead you up a mountain or down a canyon, past waterfalls and wildlife and ancient rocks. There is no process for obtaining these in advance. Permits are not required for hiking. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Best State and National Parks near Las Vegas, 7 Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, The Ultimate Arizona National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, Best National Parks near Los Angeles, California, 14 Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, Top Attractions in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, Best Nature Day Trips from Portland, Oregon, Spectacular National Parks Near Denver, Colorado. Follow the links for more information. One of my favorite things to do in Shenandoah National Park is watching sunrises and sunsets from Skyline Drive. This driving Skyline Drive post contains affiliate links. Several hundred black bears live in Shenandoah National Park. You may also obtain these passes by mail. The flowers add to the beauty of the Skyline Drive. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];
Please be considerate of other people in the area, and to clean up all food and trash when you are finished eating.