Shenandoah National Park
State: Virginia
Size: 199,223 acres
Topography: Mountain, Forest
Peak Season: Fall & Spring
Nearest Airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 1.5 hrs
Nearest Town: Charlottesville, VA / Luray, VA / Front Royal, VA
Top 5 Hikes
Old Rag Mountain Trail
Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Hawksbill Mountain Trail
Whiteoak Canyon Trail
Limberlost Trail
Points of Interest
Skyline Drive: A scenic, 105-mile road offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and access to many hiking trails and overlooks.
Old Rag Mountain: A popular and challenging hike that features rock scrambling, rewarding hikers with incredible views of the surrounding area.
Dark Hollow Falls: A beautiful, short trail that leads to a scenic waterfall, perfect for photography and nature walks.
Hawksbill Mountain: The highest peak in the park, offering expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Recreational Opportunities
Hiking – Iconic trails like Old Rag, Hawksbill, and Dark Hollow Falls.
Scenic Drives – Skyline Drive offers stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Backpacking – The Appalachian Trail runs through the park for 100+ miles.
Wildlife Viewing – Black bears, deer, and wild turkeys are common sightings.
Fishing – Great fly fishing in mountain streams for native brook trout.
Camping
Big Meadows Campground – Popular campground with easy access to Skyline Drive and major hiking trails.
Loft Mountain Campground – Largest campground in the park, offering ridge-top views and basic amenities.
Lewis Mountain Campground – Small, quieter campground with fire pits and picnic tables.
Mathews Arm Campground – Northernmost campground, ideal for a less crowded experience.
Backcountry Camping – Permitted throughout the park with a free permit, offering solitude in the wilderness.