Introduction
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Eastern United States, encompasses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These mountains form a distinct highland rising to elevations above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters). The highest point is Hawksbill Mountain, which stands at 4,051 feet (1,235 m).
Shenandoah National Park was established on December 25, 1935. It was officially designated as a national park to preserve and protect nationally significant natural and cultural resources, scenic beauty, and congressionally designated wilderness within Virginia’s northern Blue Ridge Mountains. Almost 40%, or 79,579 acres, of the park’s land is designated wilderness. See Wikipedia for more information.
Top Hikes
These three hikes are good starting points for planning, with at least one more difficult option. Distances and elevation gain are rounded; check the official park trail page for current closures, permits, weather, and trail conditions.
Dark Hollow Falls Trail (moderate) - 1.4 miles (2.3 km); elevation gain 440 feet (134 m). A short, steep waterfall hike near Big Meadows.
Stony Man Trail (easy to moderate) - 1.6 miles (2.6 km); elevation gain 340 feet (104 m). A popular summit walk with Blue Ridge views.
Old Rag Mountain Loop (difficult) - 9.4 miles (15.1 km); elevation gain 2,400 feet (732 m). A strenuous rock-scramble route that may require a day-use ticket.
Top Hikes
These three hikes are good starting points for planning, with at least one more difficult option. Distances and elevation gain are rounded; check the official park trail page for current closures, permits, weather, and trail conditions.
Dark Hollow Falls Trail (moderate) - 1.4 miles (2.3 km); elevation gain 440 feet (134 m). A short, steep waterfall hike near Big Meadows.
Stony Man Trail (easy to moderate) - 1.6 miles (2.6 km); elevation gain 340 feet (104 m). A popular summit walk with Blue Ridge views.
Old Rag Mountain Loop (difficult) - 9.4 miles (15.1 km); elevation gain 2,400 feet (732 m). A strenuous rock-scramble route that may require a day-use ticket.
Backpacking
Backpacking in the park is very popular. Permits are now required for any overnight trip. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. For a description of the Rules and Regulations and trail information please visit the NPS backpacking site. Below are our top backpacking hikes.
The Riprap - Wildcat Ridge backpacking trip is a 9.8-mile circuit hike that takes you through pristine forests, over several stream crossings, and offers beautiful views of the hollows and valleys to the west and north. This hike is rated as very strenuous, with an elevation gain of 2,365 feet (approximately 720 m) during the hike. The trailhead is located at Riprap Parking (mile 90 marker).
The Hannah, Hot-Short, and Catlett trail is 9.1 miles (14.6 km), with a total elevation gain of 2,365 feet (approximately 720 m). This hike is rated as very strenuous. The trailhead is located from the Hannah Run Parking Area (mile 35) on Skyline Drive. Along the way you will see an old home site ruin and mining pits.
The Hawksbill to Swift Run via Laurel Prong is a 23-mile circuit hike that takes you through lush forests, alongside cascading streams, and offers stunning views. It includes the highest peak and waterfalls. The NPS rates this hike as an long, easier beginner hike. The trailhead is located at the Hawksbill Gap Parking Area (mile marker 45.6 on Skyline Drive).
The Loft Mountain and Jones Run backpacking trip is a 9-mile hike that takes you through lush forests, alongside cascading streams, and offers stunning views. The NPS backpacking guide rates the hike as an easier beginner hike but expect elevation gain. This is not a loop trail. The trail head is at from the Loft Mountain Campground (mile 78 on Skyline Drive) and the exit is at Jones Run Parking.
Fishing
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia offers fantastic opportunities for fishing. Shenandoah National Park boasts over 90 mountain streams and their minor tributaries. Seventy of those streams contain fish. These streams serve as high-quality sources for three of Virginia’s major drainages; the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James rivers.
The park's streams support a diverse aquatic ecosystem, including 40 fish species and hundreds of aquatic insects. The three trout species found in the park are the Brook Trout, which are the native species and are most widespread. Brown Trout which were introduced decades ago, they reproduce naturally in a few park streams and Rainbow Trout, also introduced, but less common than Brook and Brown trout. Make sure you can identify the species before you go out fishing. No fish are stocked, all are wild fish.
The NPS goals are to preserve and perpetuate native brook trout as a key component of the park’s aquatic ecosystems and to allow recreational fishing on streams that consistently produce adequate numbers of gamefish. All of the streams are open for catch-and-release. There are areas where you may keep the fish. Please see the NPS website for more information on those areas.
Anglers 16 years and older are required to possess a valid Virginia State fishing license. Multiple hook lines and certain types of bait are not permitted. A full list of regulations can be found in the NPS brochure.
Skyline Driving Tour
The Skyline Driving Tour follows Skyline Drive, a scenic 105-mile (169 km) road that runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is the only public road through the park and offers breathtaking views, access to numerous trails, including the Appalachian Trail, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The drive is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves change colors. Remember, the speed limit is 35 mph, allowing you to enjoy the views and watch for wildlife crossing the road.
Here are some points of interest along Skyline Drive:
· Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (milepost 4.6): Start your journey here with exhibits and information.
· Stony Man Mountain Hike (milepost 41.7): Offers panoramic views from the summit.
· Byrd Visitor Center (milepost 51): Learn about the park’s creation and history.
· Big Meadows (milepost 51): A large, open area with a lodge, wayside, and visitor center.
· Dark Hollow Falls (near milepost 50.7): A beautiful waterfall hike.
· Skyland (milepost 41.7 and 42.5): The highest point on Skyline Drive, with lodging and dining options.
· Loft Mountain (milepost 79.5): A campground with spectacular views and access to trails.
Campgrounds
Shenandoah National Park has five campgrounds. One, Big meadows Campground is by reservation only. Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain Campground are a combination of first-come-first-served and reservable sites. Many of the sites are seasonal only. Check with NPS site for more information. Reservations for reservable sites can be made at recreation.gov. You may only bring USDA certified wood which can also be purchased in the park. Dead wood can also be picked up for the fire ring.
Mathews Arm Campground has 165 sites and is a combination of first-come-first-served and reservable sites. There is no cell service but it does have a dump station, flush toilets and potable water.
Big Meadows Campground is very popular and has 221 campsites, 51 are tents only. The campground is centrally located to many of the parks destinations, including Dark Hollow Falls and Byrd Visitor center. There is no cell service. There is a campstore, laundry, dump station, flush toilets and potable water in the campground.
Lewis Mountain Campground has 30 sites, all first-come-first-served. There is no cell service or dumpstation. There is a camp store, laundry service, flush toilets and potable water.
Loft Mountain Campground sits on top of Big Flat Mountain. It has incredible eastern and western views. There are 207 campsites with 50 being tent-only. There is no cell service. There is a camp store, laundry service, flush toilets and potable water. Reservable sites are released in sections.
Lodges and Cabins
There are four lodges and cabins available for rent within the park.
Skyland Lodge is at an elevation of 3,680 feet, providing breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley. The lodge is surrounded by lush forests and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lodge has 179 rooms spread across 28 separate buildings. Unlike a single large structure, it comprises multiple smaller buildings, each housing a limited number of rooms. Room types vary, including options with one king bed, two queen beds, or a combination of double and twin beds. The lodge provides access to hiking trails, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Reservations can be made at their website.
Big Meadows Lodge was built in 1939 from stones from the Massanutten Mountains and native wormy chestnut trees. It is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lodge spans across Madison County and Page County in Virginia. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations, including main lodge Rooms and detached small cabins. The main lodge building has a full-service restaurant with views of the park and tap room. Reservations can be made at their website.
Lewis Mountain Cabins offer a rustic and authentic experience and is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The cabins are either one bedroom, two bedroom or rustic cabins (with a pot-belly stove for heating). You will need to provide your own linen, food and utensils. There are no refrigerators. There are sheltered outdoor grill pit and picnic table. Reservations can be made at their website.
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains six locked, primitive cabins at various locations in Shenandoah. The cabins are equipped with mattresses, blankets, and cookware, with a pit toilet and spring water nearby. The PATC website allows you to make online reservations for these cabins.
Restaurants
In Shenandoah National Park, you have a variety of dining options. Click on the link for a full description of the menu.
Elkwallow Wayside (mile 24.1) offers breakfast selections, sandwiches, grilled items for lunch and dinner, and groceries. Seating is available outside on the patio or at picnic tables.
Skyland (mile 41.7 and 42.5) features the Pollock Dining Room for full-service dining, the Mountain Taproom for lighter fare and beverages, and Grab'n Go for quick snacks and meals.
Big Meadows Wayside (mile 51.2) provides a varied menu of regional favorites for carry-out or sit-down dining, plus groceries.
Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51.2) offers The Spottswood Dining Room offers a rustic setting for all meals, and the New Market Taproom has lighter fare with specialty drinks.
Loft Mountain Wayside (mile 79.5) serves a variety of breakfast selections, sandwiches, and grilled items with indoor and outdoor seating options.