Stretching across Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a natural sanctuary filled with stunning overlooks, forested trails, and incredible biodiversity. With nearly 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, the park offers year-round recreation, breathtaking vistas, and one of America’s most scenic drives—Skyline Drive.

Recommended For

Nature Lovers: Hike through peaceful forests, view wildlife, and soak in the mountain views.

Road Trippers: Drive the iconic Skyline Drive, with 75 scenic overlooks and panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Campers & Outdoor Enthusiasts: Stay overnight in a cabin, lodge, or one of five major campgrounds.

What to Expect

  • Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
  • Size: Nearly 200,000 acres / 300 square miles
  • Established: 1935
  • Experience: Hiking, camping, backcountry adventures, and year-round exploration

Park Activities

  • Hiking: Miles of trails, including parts of the Appalachian Trail, lead to waterfalls and panoramic peaks
  • Camping: Choose from five campgrounds or opt for rustic lodges and private cabins
  • Backcountry: Backpacking and backcountry camping are allowed with a permit
  • Skyline Drive: A major attraction offering access to most of the park’s top sights

Skyline Drive

  • Length: 105 miles running the entire length of the park
  • Endpoints: Front Royal (US 340) in the north to Rockfish Gap (I-64/US 250) in the south
  • Designation: National Scenic Byway and National Historic Landmark
  • Driving Time: Around 3 hours without stops (speed limit: 35 mph)

Scenic Overlooks

  • Total: 75 overlooks along the drive
  • Views: Shenandoah Valley (west) and Piedmont region (east)
  • Wildlife: Keep your eyes open for deer, wild turkeys, and black bears—especially near road crossings
  • Flora: Enjoy colorful wildflowers and autumn foliage throughout the year

Access Points

  • Front Royal: US 340 (north entrance)
  • Thornton Gap: US 211
  • Swift Run Gap: US 33
  • Rockfish Gap: I-64/US 250 (south entrance)

Fees & Hours

  • Park Fees: Required for entrance to Skyline Drive and the park
  • Free Entrance Days: Includes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Park Service Birthday, Veterans Day, and others
  • Hours: Shenandoah is open year-round; most visitor centers and facilities operate from March to November
  • Closures: Skyline Drive may close temporarily due to weather—check the official site or call 540-999-3500 for updates

Visitor Tips

  • Visit in Fall: The park is especially popular in October during peak foliage season
  • Pack Snacks & Water: Services are limited along Skyline Drive—plan ahead
  • Slow Down: Enjoy the drive, and keep an eye out for wildlife and sudden stops at popular overlooks

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