NPAD: Shenandoah National Park ItineraryShenandoah National Park is an oasis in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, filled with scenic views, waterfalls, wildflowers, and beautiful forests. It’s also part of the Appalachian Trail! One of our favorite facts about this park is that it’s VERY DOG FRIENDLY.AuthorsNPADTravel
DestinationsShenandoah National ParkItinerary

Must-Do Hikes

Ridge Trail
This hike is an adventure! It features rock scrambles and 360-degree views that provide an incredible perspective of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When we visited, we didn’t need a day-use pass, but as of now, you do need to get one before hiking between March 1st and November 30th. We parked in the Old Rag Lower lot before tackling this 4.6-mile loop trail, which is labeled as hard and includes some steep sections. There are also options to extend the trail, but we didn’t take those.
See More
Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead
You can’t visit this park without trying to see some waterfalls! This hike is a difficult one, with 1,453 feet of elevation gain over a 5.5-mile loop. The falls are worth it, though!
See More

Must-Do Activities

Skyline Drive
This is the only major road in the park and is 105 miles long. It takes about 3 hours to complete by car, but it is a great way to travel through, especially if you’re short on time, if the weather isn’t cooperating, or if you’re not up for hiking the trails. It is also bike-friendly for mountain bikes, road bikes, or e-bikes! There are plenty of scenic overlooks and stops you can make along the way!
See More
Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Embark on a self-guided driving tour through Shenandoah National Park, with scenic stops along Skyline Drive and hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Learn about the park’s history, from its early inhabitants to its natural wonders, while enjoying this easy, picturesque drive with an audio guide available for a year of use.
See More
Book
Big Meadows
Big Meadows is a high-elevation meadow that has lots of history! President Roosevelt used this site to designate the area as a National Park in 1935. It is also the location of the historic snowstorm in 1996, where they received 47 inches of snow—a record in Virginia.
See More
This tour includes a visit to Shenandoah National Park, where you'll walk along the iconic Skyline Highway, enjoying scenic views. It also features stops at other major national parks, a hike to a 360-degree observation deck, and visits to fun attractions like the Titanic Museum and Loli Cave.
See More
Three Blacksmiths
This restaurant is located in the gateway town to the Thornton Gap National Park entrance. It's a quaint town that reminds me a lot of New England! They have lots of cute coffee shops, and the Three Blacksmiths Restaurant is a delicious spot to stop for dinner after a long day in the park.
See More
Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
Explore this breathtaking National Park at your own pace with Shaka Guide’s self-guided audio tour, featuring scenic spots like Stony Man Overlook, Hawksbill Gap, and Big Meadows. Enjoy real-time narration as you discover hidden waterfalls, wildlife hotspots, and the park's rich natural and cultural history.
See More
Book

Lodging

Lewis Mountain Campground
We chose to highlight this campground because it is open the latest until December 1st (along with Big Meadows). Keep in mind that this campground is first-come, first-served, so if you’re planning a last-minute trip and need a place to camp, this is your best bet in the off-season! It is only 7 miles from Big Meadows and provides close access to trails.
See More
Big Meadows Lodge
If you’re looking for a cozy mountain stay inside the National Park, this is it. However, the lodge is only open from May 5 to November 10. It is just one mile from Big Meadows and has easy access to many hiking trails within the park.
See More
Skyland
Oh, the views on this one! What a lovely spot to wake up. This lodge is at over 3,000 feet in elevation and has sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you don’t stay here, at least stop by and grab yourself a nice drink and a great meal! Keep in mind that it closes in late fall and reopens in the spring.
See More