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Our top picks for Shenandoah National Park: 1. Bearfence Mountain Loop, 2. Preddy Creek & Creekside Trail Loop, 3. Dark Hollow Falls, 4. Pleasant Grove Park: Heritage Trail and Beach Grove Loop and more.
This 3-day Shenandoah National Park itinerary covers all of the park’s highlights and attractions not to be missed. You’ll also get insights on the most commonly asked questions about Shenandoah National Park, from the best time to visit and where to stay to how many days you should spend here.
- Top 15 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
- Top 10 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
- Top 5 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
- List of Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
- Map of Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
15. Learn About Shenandoah’s Past at Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center
The best way to learn about Shenandoah National Park’s fascinating history is to check out the Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center located at mile 51 on Skyline Drive. Here, you can browse exhibits, watch historical films, and interact with rangers to learn more about the park’s past. Discover the Native American origins of the park’s name, the history of mountain residents, and the role of the Civilian Conservation Corps in creating the park. With many hiking trails in the area, the center is...
14. Admire the Basalt Columns
If you’re looking for unique things to see in Shenandoah National Park, don’t miss the chance to witness the impressive basalt columns. While most people associate basalt columns with famous landmarks like Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and Stuolagil Canyon in Iceland, Shenandoah National Park is also home to these natural wonders. To get there, park at the Compton Gap parking lot (located at mile 10.4 on Skyline Drive) and take the Compton Peak Summit via the Appalachian Trail. You’ll...
13. Enjoy breathtaking views of Shenandoah National Park at the Bearfence Mountain trail
For an unforgettable hiking experience in Shenandoah National Park, climb the Bearfence Mountain trail. Despite being only 1 mile long, this hike will challenge you with a series of rocks and boulders to scramble over. However, once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the stunning Shenandoah Valley. The best part? The elevation gain is only about 250 feet, making this hike a bit easier on your legs. So, be sure to include it on your list of amazing things to do i...
10. Take a scenic hike along Limberlost Trail
Limberlost Trail is a must-do on any list of cool things to do in Shenandoah National Park. This easy 1.3 trailis perfect for families with young children or anyone who prefers an easy and scenic hike. The trail is covered in crushed greenstone, providing a smooth surface to walk on. And with only a moderate 130 feet of elevation gain, the loop can be completed in about an hour. What makes this hike even more special is that it is a TRACK Trail, offering a self-guided brochure with informatio...
9. Visit the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is another of the top places in Shenandoah National Park that you should visit. Located at the park’s northern end, this center provides essential facilities like maps, exhibits, a bookstore, and restrooms. But what sets it apart, however, is the presence of knowledgeable park rangers who can help you plan your visit and suggest the best hikes and activities that suit your interests. Therefore, it is worth stopping by to orient yourself in the park and shore up...
8. Chase Waterfalls at Doyles River Falls hike
We continue with this list of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park, with a must-visit spot for waterfall enthusiasts; Doyles River Falls. Unlike the more popular Dark Hollow Falls, this trail sees fewer visitors and offers a more secluded and serene experience. The 3.4-mile out-and-back trail is challenging but worth it, as it leads to not one, but two beautiful waterfalls.And if you’re lucky, you might even have a waterfall all to yourself! It will take you around 2-3 hours to c...
5. Stay Past Sunset for Views of the Night Sky
Shenandoah National Park is not just beautiful in the day; it’s also a fantastic spot for stargazing at night! If you’re lucky enough to be here on a clear evening, stay past sunset for amazing night sky views. Although the park is not an International Dark Sky Park, its relative remoteness and higher elevations provide a relatively dark environment for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see over 2,500 stars and even the Milky Way!And this makes it one of the top attractions in Shenandoah...
4. Admire the Wildlife in Big Meadows
Are you ready to have a wild time? If so, add Big Meadows to your list of must-visit spots in Shenandoah National Park! While driving through the park, you might catch a glimpse of a few deer here and there, but there’s a whole world of wildlife waiting to be discovered in Shenandoah. With over 50 species of mammals and 200 species of birds, you never know what kind of amazing creature you might encounter. From playful squirrels to majestic black bears, the possibilities are endless. To maxim...
3. Hike the Old Rag Mountain Loop
One of the most thrilling and adventurous things to do in Shenandoah National Park is to hike the Old Rag trail. This circular trail covers a distance of 9.4 miles and offers a challenging terrain that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. While the hike is challenging, the views from the top are absolutely worth it, provided the weather is not foggy. Keep in mind that if you are short, climbing the rocks might be a bit of a struggle, but having a companion to boost you can make all the dif...
Skyline DriveDark Hollow FallsOld Rag Mountain LoopBig MeadowsSummary of Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
These are some of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park that will make your trip memorable. Exploring the park’s various trails, taking in the breathtaking views, and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains are just a few of the many experiences that await you.
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How to Determine Hiking Difficulty. Shenandoah's Hiking Difficulty is determined by a numerical rating using the following formula: Elevation Gain x 2 x distance (in miles). The product's square root is the numerical rating. For example, a 10-mile hike that gains 2,200 feet in elevation: 2,200 x 2=4,400.
- Skyline Drive. Without a doubt, this is the best thing to do in Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive runs down the backbone of the park, along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Dark Hollow Falls. Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. This relatively short, easy hike takes you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park.
- Bearfence Mountain. This is the most thrilling hike in Shenandoah National Park. It’s short, it’s sweet, and with a little bit of rock scrambling, it’s tons of fun for older kids and adults.
- Stony Man. At 4,040 feet, Stony Man is the second highest peak in Shenandoah National Park (Hawksbill is #1). For a summit climb, this is a relatively short and easy trail, so it’s great for almost all ages and ability levels.
May 9, 2023 · Covering 197,439 acres, Shenandoah National Park is a long stretch of land within Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains —as wide as 13 miles at points and narrower than one mile at others.
Nov 7, 2023 · November 7, 2023. Come join me while I run 30 MILES through the beautiful Shenandoah National Park! This self-supported long run is part of my ultra training (50 miler) and I used it to get some serious time on feet and continue to dial in my nutrition. Hope you enjoy the fun!
