National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Neal Lewis
Shenandoah National Park
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore...and your journey begins right here!
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
9.4 mi · 2,348 ft gain · loop
The park's most popular and iconic hike featuring an adventurous rock scramble and 360-degree summit views. Requires good upper body strength.
Starts at: Old Rag Parking Area
1.4 mi · 440 ft gain · out & back
A steep descent following a stream to one of the park's most beautiful and most-visited waterfalls. The return climb is challenging.
Starts at: Dark Hollow Falls Parking Area (mile 50.7)
1.6 mi · 340 ft gain · out & back
An outstanding viewpoint overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Mountain, and beyond. One of the easiest summit hikes in the park.
Starts at: Stony Man Parking Area (mile 41.7)
2.9 mi · 860 ft gain · loop
Ascend to Shenandoah's highest peak with a viewing platform offering a magnificent 360-degree view of the valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Starts at: Hawksbill Gap Parking Area (mile 45.5)
Upcoming Events
This September, the Shenandoah National Park Trust is hosting Art in the Park: Scenes from Shenandoah at Big Meadows Wayside (mile 51.2). This two-day event will feature workshops and demonstrations by local artists from across the region that are free and open to the public. These teaching artists—whose mediums range from watercolor, charcoal, and photography to fiber art, printmaking, and music—will conduct events throughout the weekend designed to engage, educate, and inspire visitors to connect with Shenandoah. Check back mid-August for a schedule of events!
Location: TBD Time: TBD The Honey Dewdrops, Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish, will host a concert showcasing their experimental folk sound—blending electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin and clawhammer banjo—while weaving in tight vocal harmonies. Shenandoah’s Artist-in-Residence program is supported by generous donations to the Shenandoah National Park Trust.
Location: Big Meadows area Time: TBD Rebecca Shewmaker will lead "Stitched in the Skyline: Art and Stewardship" a discussion of how the unique geography and autumn transformation of Shenandoah National Park inspire her "threadpaintings." Rebecca will explain her creative process—using a sewing machine and thread to "paint" the world around her—and show examples of her intricate textile art. This talk is an invitation to see the Blue Ridge Mountains through a new lens and discover how contemporary craft can deepen our appreciation for the environment. Shenandoah’s Artist-in-Residence program is supported by generous donations to the Shenandoah National Park Trust.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: March
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The park spans roughly 100 miles, which means that weather can vary greatly depending on your location. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.