National park · United States
Shenandoah National Park
Drive Skyline Drive once (3 h end to end, 35 mph limit) and pick two hikes off it: Stony Man or Bearfence for a short day, Old Rag only if you can start before 8:00 and scramble rock for 6 h. Enter before 9:00 or after 16:00 to skip the gate queues; mid-October weekends are the worst.Drive Skyline Drive once (3 h end to end, 35 mph limit) and pick two hikes off it: Stony Man or Bearfence for a short day, Old Rag only if you can start before 8:00 AM and scramble rock for 6 h. Enter before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to skip the gate queues; mid-October weekends are the worst.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
806 km² (311 sq mi)311 sq mi (806 km²)
approximate
Established
1935
Best months
Apr–May
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 806 km² (311 sq mi)311 sq mi (806 km²)
- About 300 sq mi (777 km²) of the Blue Ridge in the central Appalachians; figures vary slightly by boundary source (check).
- Established
- 1935
- Best months
- Apr–May
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Washington, D.C.
Shenandoah National Park protects about 300 sq mi (777 km²) of the Blue Ridge in the central Appalachians, an hour and a half west of Washington, DC. Skyline Drive, the only public road through the park, runs 105 mi along the ridge crest with 75 overlooks and mileposts that every map and trailhead uses; over 500 mi of trails leave from it, including about 100 mi of the Appalachian Trail. Two peaks top 4,000 ft, and Big Meadows at mile 51 is the largest developed area in the park. The park was established in December 1935 after more than 450 mountain families were relocated from the Blue Ridge, and it now serves as a refuge for 200-plus bird species, 50-plus mammals and 51 reptiles and amphibians. Most visitors come for a single day on the drive; the harder decision is whether to give a whole day to the Old Rag scramble outside the drive, which needs a separate day-use ticket in season and an early start.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1935.
Size and age
806 km² (311 sq mi)311 sq mi (806 km²) · national park since 1935
About 300 sq mi (777 km²) of the Blue Ridge in the central Appalachians; figures vary slightly by boundary source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Washington, D.C..
Why go
- The only public road through the park, Skyline Drive, runs 105 mi along the ridge crest with 75 overlooks and mileposts that every map and trailhead uses.
- Over 500 mi of trails, including about 100 mi of the Appalachian Trail, from 1 mi accessible loops to the 7.2 mi Old Rag scramble.
- Two peaks top 4,000 ft (Stony Man 4,010 ft); Big Meadows sits at mile 51 in the middle of the park.
- A refuge for 200-plus bird species, 50-plus mammals and 51 reptiles and amphibians, an hour and a half from Washington, DC.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanIce and snow on trails; Skyline Drive sections close
- FebColdest; few services open
- MarMuddy; early wildflowers start low
- AprWildflowers and full streams; light crowds
- MayGreen, mild, waterfalls still running
- JunWarm and humid; afternoon storms
- JulHot and humid; haze cuts the views
- AugThunderstorm month; start hikes early
- SepCooling; most thunderstorm days of the year
- OctBest colour, worst crowds — mid-October weekends jam the drive
- NovBare trees, open views, quiet
- DecCold; check for drive closures after storms
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer along the drive at dawn and duskAll year · Slow down; collisions are common. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Black bears around campgrounds and picnic areasApr–Nov · Store all food in a vehicle or locker, never in a tent. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Migratory birds at Big MeadowsApr–May, Sep–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Wildflowers, low elevations firstApr–Jun | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Fall colour, mostly above 3,000 ftOct · Peak is usually mid-to-late October; weekends then are the busiest of the year. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Washington, DC
I-66 west to Front Royal, then the Skyline Drive north entrance (mile 0).
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Charlottesville
I-64 to Rockfish Gap, then Skyline Drive south entrance (mile 105).
45 min–1 h
From Richmond
I-64 west, then Route 33 to Swift Run Gap or I-64 to Rockfish Gap.
2–2.5 h
From Shenandoah Valley towns (Luray, Elkton, Waynesboro)
Route 211 at Thornton Gap, Route 33 at Swift Run Gap, or I-64 at Rockfish Gap.
20–40 min
From By air
Shenandoah Valley Regional (SHD) or Charlottesville-Albemarle (CHO), then a rental car; there is no public transport into the park.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| North District (miles 0–31) | Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Fox Hollow and Compton Peak trails, Mathews Arm campground. | Enter at Front Royal; open with a ticket. |
| Central District (miles 31–65) | Thornton Gap, Marys Rock, Stony Man, Skyland, Big Meadows and the Byrd Visitor Center, Dark Hollow Falls, Whiteoak Canyon. | Enter at Thornton Gap (Route 211); the busiest section. |
| South District (miles 65–105) | Loft Mountain, Blackrock Summit, Riprap and Wildcat Ridge, quieter trails and campgrounds. | Enter at Swift Run Gap (Route 33) or Rockfish Gap (I-64). |
| Old Rag area | The granite scramble outside the drive, reached from Nethers Road near Sperryville. | Separate trailhead; day-use ticket in season. |
Sketch map
- 1Front Royal entrance (mile 0) · Gate≈38.919, -78.194Map ↗
- 2Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6) · Headquarters≈38.872, -78.205Map ↗
- 3Thornton Gap entrance (mile 31.5) · Gate≈38.661, -78.320Map ↗
- 4Marys Rock summit · Summit≈38.647, -78.319Map ↗
- 5Stony Man summit · Summit≈38.606, -78.367Map ↗
- 6Skyland (mile 41.7) · Sleep≈38.592, -78.381Map ↗
- 7Big Meadows and Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51) · Headquarters≈38.518, -78.437Map ↗
- 8Dark Hollow Falls · Trail≈38.520, -78.431Map ↗
- 9Bearfence Mountain (mile 56.4) · Viewpoint≈38.452, -78.467Map ↗
- 10Loft Mountain (mile 79.5) · Sleep≈38.287, -78.629Map ↗
- 11Blackrock Summit (mile 84.4) · Viewpoint≈38.223, -78.734Map ↗
- 12Rockfish Gap entrance (mile 105) · Gate≈38.032, -78.858Map ↗
- 13Old Rag trailhead · Trail≈38.572, -78.295Map ↗
Take the points offline
13 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap, plus the Old Rag trailhead outside the drive; for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$30 | vehicle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate — confirm the current rate on the NPS site. |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$25 | motorcycle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| Entrance, per person (walk or bike in) | US$15 | person | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | pass | Covers entry here and at other federal fee areas for 12 months; 2026 estimate. |
| Old Rag day-use ticket (Mar–Nov) | US$1–2 | person | Separate from entrance; booked online in advance (check current price and season). |
| Camping, developed campground | US$15–30 | night | Per site, varies by campground and season; 2026 estimate. |
| Backcountry camping permit | Free | permit | Free, self-registered at a visitor centre or trailhead (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Old Rag day-use ticket permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Rapidan Camp tour permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$30
- US$25
- US$15
- US$80
- US$1–2
- US$15–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NPS — Fees and passes, Shenandoah before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Allowed on most trails but not on Stony Man, Dark Hollow Falls, Old Rag or the Appalachian Trail through the park; always on a leash (check the current list).
- Food storage
- Never leave food, coolers or scented items unattended; bears that get food are destroyed.
- Fires
- Only in designated fire grates at campgrounds and picnic grounds; no fires in the backcountry.
- Camping
- Only in developed campgrounds or with a free backcountry permit, at least 10 yards from trails and water (check).
- Drones
- Launching or landing anywhere in the park is prohibited.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or approach animals; keep 50 yards from bears and other wildlife.
Where to stay
In the park
Skyland and Big Meadows lodges
Park-run rooms and cabins at miles 41.7 and 51; book months ahead for October.
In the park
Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain and Loft Mountain campgrounds
Developed sites along the drive; some are first-come, others reservable.
In the park
Backcountry campsites
Free with a self-registered permit; no fires, no facilities.
Near the park
Luray, Elkton, Waynesboro and Front Royal
Motels, inns and rentals 20–40 min from a gate; the fallback when park lodging is full.
Safety
Rock scramble on Old Rag high
Afternoon thunderstorms medium
Ice and snow on trails medium
Deer and bears on the road medium
Heat and humidity in summer low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Limberlost Trail at mile 43 is a fully accessible 1.3 mi loop.
- Visitor centres, waysides and the main overlooks are reachable by car with short or no walking.
- The drive has pull-outs and paved paths at several overlooks; trails to waterfalls and summits are steep and not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use the park shuttle or carpool where offered in the fall; parking at popular trailheads fills by mid-morning.
- Pack out all rubbish — there are no bins on trails.
- Keep to trails to protect the thin ridge soils and the rare plants at Big Meadows.
- Buy the annual pass if you plan more than two federal fee areas in a year; the money stays with the parks.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Shenandoah National Park?
A private vehicle pays about US$30 for a 7-day ticket, a motorcycle about US$25 and a walker or cyclist about US$15 (2026 estimate). The US$80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry here and at other federal fee areas. Old Rag also needs a separate low-cost day-use ticket in season.
What are the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park?
For a short day: Stony Man (1.6 mi, easy, big view), Bearfence (1 mi with a rock scramble) or Dark Hollow Falls (1.4 mi, steep back up). For a full day: Whiteoak Canyon for six waterfalls, or Old Rag (7.2 mi, 6 h, rope climb and scramble) if you are fit and start early.
When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park?
April and May for wildflowers, full streams and lighter crowds; late September and October for colour and clear views. Mid-to-late October weekends are the busiest of the year on Skyline Drive. July and August are hot and humid with afternoon storms; winter brings ice and occasional drive closures.
Do I need a reservation to drive Skyline Drive?
No. You pay the entrance fee at one of the four gates or online and drive in. The only booking you may need is the Old Rag day-use ticket in season, plus lodging or campsites if you want to sleep inside the park.
Can I see the park without hiking?
Yes. Skyline Drive takes about 3 h end to end at the 35 mph limit, with 75 overlooks; Dickey Ridge and Byrd visitor centres have exhibits and short paths, and Limberlost is a fully accessible 1.3 mi loop.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
On many trails, on a leash, but not on Stony Man, Dark Hollow Falls, Old Rag or the Appalachian Trail through the park. Check the current list before you plan a hike around a dog.
Where should I stay near Shenandoah National Park?
Inside the park: Skyland and Big Meadows lodges, or Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain and Loft Mountain campgrounds. Outside: Luray, Elkton, Waynesboro and Front Royal have motels and rentals 20–40 min from a gate.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go