Shenandoah National Park

Driving the scenic Skyline Drive is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the park; the route offers 75 overlooks along the way. You can also opt to explore via the park’s 500 miles of hiking trails, which include 101 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail. Other options include horseback riding, fishing, camping, and picnicking. To learn more about the park’s historic sites or the local wildlife, opt for a ranger-led hike or presentation.

• You must pay a fee to enter the park; once you’ve paid, you can access the park for seven days.

• Gas is available at the Big Meadows Wayside in Stanley.

• Cell phone reception can be very spotty inside the park.

• If you’re planning to hike, wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection and plenty of water. Temperatures on the mountain are colder than in the valley, so make sure to bring layers.

• Pets are allowed on most trails but must be on a leash.

• Most facilities and services in the park are accessible or accessible with assistance. The Limberlost Trail is wheelchair accessible.

There is no bus or shuttle service through the park, so you must use a car or taxi to visit. There are four entrances: Front Royal is accessible via Highway 340; Thornton Gap is accessible via Highway 211; Swift Run Gap is accessible via Highway 33; and Rockfish Gap is accessible via Highway 250 and I-64.

Although the park is always open, most park facilities are closed from December to March. Skyline Drive is also closed periodically due to inclement weather. Fall is one of the most popular times to visit the park; visitors come for the fall colors, which usually peaks in mid- to late October. Many visitors also come in the spring, when the wildflowers are blooming.

Shenandoah National Park is home to more than 200 resident and transient bird species, 50 mammal species, 30 reptile and amphibian species, and 30 fish species. White-tailed deer are a common sight. The park also has one of the densest populations of black bears in the United States; if you’re camping, make sure to use a food-storage locker or a bear pole and dispose of garbage in the park’s bear-resistant trash cans.

The most popular time to visit Shenandoah National Park is during the autumn, when the park is known for its vibrant foliage displays. The peak of its autumnal show varies year by year, so keep an eye on leaf forecasts; typically, however, early October is a good bet.

To make the most of Shenandoah National Park, set aside a minimum of two days. That gives you enough time to journey the 105-mile (169-kilometer) length of Skyline Drive, hike some of its trails (including sections of the Appalachian Trail), visit several famous scenic overlooks, and more.

Yes, Shenandoah National Park is worth it. Following the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's home to some of the East Coast's most dramatic mountain scenery, as well as iconic roads like the Skyline Drive and hiking trails like the Appalachian Trail. Its wealth of wildlife and natural diversity make it a standout.

While there have been some scattered and unconfirmed sightings over the years, mountain lions (also known as cougars) are not generally thought to inhabit Shenandoah National Park. They were once present, but their population has dwindled so much that it’s highly unlikely visitors will encounter one in the park.

It's useful to understand the park's layout. Shenandoah National Park is divided into three sections—the North District, Central District, and South District. (The Central is the most popular, while the North and South offer secluded nature.) All visitors must also pay for an entrance pass before accessing the park.

Yes, you can swim in the park's streams and the swimming holes around its waterfalls—but take caution. The water here can be extremely cold, and swimming areas may require hiking to access. Visitors are also strongly cautioned not to climb around waterfalls, as rocks can be very slippery and dangerous.