National Park Guide

Shenandoah National Park

Virginia, US

Skyline Drive winds 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas of the Shenandoah Valley below.

199,224

Acres

101

Trails

1935

Established

1.4 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO), 45 minutes

Best Months

May, June, October

Highlights

Skyline Drive scenic byway
Old Rag Mountain summit scramble
Dark Hollow Falls
Whiteoak Canyon waterfalls
Appalachian Trail through the park

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Shenandoah National Park

Old Rag Mountain Trail

Strenuous

9.0 miles loop

2,380 ft gain

Whiteoak Canyon Trail

Strenuous

9.2 miles round trip

2,160 ft gain

Dark Hollow Falls Trail

Moderate

1.4 miles round trip

440 ft gain

Bearfence Mountain Trail

Moderate

1.2 miles loop

300 ft gain

Stony Man Trail

Easy

1.6 miles round trip

340 ft gain

About Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park encompasses a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, with Skyline Drive running its entire length along the mountain crest. The park offers over 500 miles of trails including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, cascading waterfalls, quiet hollows, and some of the best fall foliage viewing on the East Coast.

In-Depth Guide

Shenandoah National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Shenandoah National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for exploring Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Shenandoah National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Mimslyn Inn Historic Hotels Of America

$$$

Historic 1931 Georgian Revival inn in Luray with 45 guestrooms and suites, two restaurants serving southern cuisine, two outdoor pools, 24-hour fitness center, and spa services.

15 min drive$180-300/night

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Inn of the Shenandoah

$$$

Upscale 4-star bed and breakfast within a 10-minute drive of Shenandoah National Park, featuring private hot tubs, balconies, complimentary buffet breakfast, and free parking.

10 min drive$200-350/night

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Days Inn by Wyndham Luray Shenandoah

Budget-friendly pet-friendly hotel near Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park with free WiFi, parking, serene garden, and laundry facilities.

15 min drive$70-120/night

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Compare Shenandoah National Park

See how Shenandoah National Park stacks up against other national parks

Shenandoah National Park vs Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Choose Shenandoah for accessible scenic driving, easy day trips from Washington D.C., and quieter trails. Choose Great Smoky Mountains for greater biodiversity, larger backcountry, and free admission.

See full comparison

Shenandoah National Park vs New River Gorge National Park

Choose New River Gorge for adventure sports, whitewater rafting, and dramatic canyon scenery. Choose Shenandoah for scenic driving, accessible ridge-top hiking, and a more relaxed mountain experience.

See full comparison