Shenandoah National Park
United States of America · Virginia · 1235 m
Description
Shenandoah National Park lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is known for its sweeping mountain panoramas, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls. The scenic 170-kilometer Skyline Drive follows the mountain ridge and offers spectacular views across the Shenandoah Valley and the Virginia Piedmont. More than 800 kilometers of hiking trails, including a roughly 160-kilometer section of the famous Appalachian Trail, make the park a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Shenandoah is especially impressive in fall, when its forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, while black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys are among the region’s characteristic wildlife. At the southern end of Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway begins its scenic journey through the mountains of the southern Appalachians toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May or October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Skyline Drive (105 mi / 169 km)
- Old Rag Mountain
- Fall Foliage
- Dark Hollow Falls
- Hawksbill Mountain (highest point)
- Black Bears & White-tailed Deer
- Stony Man & Little Stony Man
- Appalachian Trail
- Big Meadows
- Whiteoak Canyon & Waterfalls
- Bearfence Mountain
- Mary's Rock
- Rose River Falls
- Overall Run Falls
- South River Falls
- Limberlost Trail
- Blackrock Summit
- Dickey Ridge
- Rapidan Camp
- Skyland
- Shenandoah Valley Overlooks
- Thornton Gap & Tunnel
- Wildflowers & Mountain Laurel
- Birdwatching & Peregrine Falcons
- Blue Ridge Parkway(Day trip)
- Luray Caverns(Day trip)