At a glance
, Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. and your journey begins right here!
Things to do: Auto and ATV Β· Scenic Driving Β· Astronomy Β· Stargazing Β· Biking Β· Road Biking Β· Camping Β· Backcountry Camping Β· Car or Front Country Camping Β· Group Camping Β· RV Camping Β· Climbing Β· Rock Climbing Β· Compass and GPS
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. Tap one to log it in the app.In the app, tap one to log it.
Camping
Approximately 567 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (May β October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: May β October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
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 10Β°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.
Pack for Shenandoah
Four things worth having for forest trails and afternoon showers. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Black Diamond daypack
Room for water, layers, snacks, and a first aid kit β nothing more.
See on Amazon β
Marmot PreCip rain shell
Afternoon thunderstorms are a feature of the mountain West, not a bug.
See on Amazon β
Salomon Speedcross trail runners
Grippy on slickrock and mud, light enough to forget about. I hike in these more than boots.
See on Amazon β
EVERLIT mini first aid kit
Blister care and tweezers get used more than anything else.
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Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle β Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle.$30
- Entrance - Motorcycle β Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$25
- Entrance - Per Person β Entry for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Includes entering the Park by all means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee.$15
- Commercial Entrance - Sedan β The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger.$25
- Commercial Entrance - Per Person β This fee is for commercial use between 1-6 passengers (sedan). The total cost is calculated: $25 for the vehicle + $10 per passenger.$10
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Washington DC. Park center: 38.490Β°, -78.350Β°.
C. It stretches 105 miles and has four entrances: Front Royal (northern entrance), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (southern entrance to Shenandoah and the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The physical address listed is to the administrative offices, not the Park itself. GPS can be unreliable for navigating to the Park, so we encourage you to check out our website for more info.
Coming from a big city? See every park near Washington, DC or Philadelphia.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Shenandoah National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Shenandoah?
Peak season is May β October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. 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.
Can you camp in Shenandoah National Park?
Yes β about 567 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Shenandoah National Park?
Washington DC is the nearest major city. C. It stretches 105 miles and has four entrances: Front Royal (northern entrance), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (southern entrance to Shenandoah and the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The physical address listed is to the administrative offices, not the Park itself. GPS can be unreliable for navigating to the Park, so we encourage you to check out our website for more info.
What are the best hikes in Shenandoah?
Popular trails include Old Rag Mountain (9.2 mi), Hawksbill Summit Trail (2.1 mi), Dark Hollow Falls Trail (1.4 mi), Stony Man Trail (1.6 mi). The park has roughly 500 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.