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Shenandoah, Virginia is truly a beautiful place.
Shenandoah Park highlights this beauty in a vast array of stunning views, gently flowing streams, and fresh green forests.
The Shenandoah Mountains offer spectacular vistas against the blue sky above, providing a respite from the bustling cities of normal life.
The Shenandoah Valley below is a haven for all sorts of wildlife, making it a major destination for birdwatchers and nature buffs.
So how can you enjoy this paradise to the fullest? Read this guide to discover the best of what this dynamic park has to offer.
Shenandoah National Park has Hiking for Everyone
Hiking is one of the main attractions of Shenandoah. The Virginia Mountains are just not to be missed. Explore them fully through 500 miles of hiking trails. Here you’ll encounter every level of difficulty and all the adventure you could possibly want.
Hit the Appalachian Trail
The Shenandoah National Park contains 105 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail. This icon of American achievement is free and open to the public year-round. Explore its wild beauty with abandon!
Discover Amazing Waterfalls
Hiking in Virginia means running into a vast quantity of waterfalls, many of which you can hike to. Make your way up the Big Meadows Trail to see Rose River Falls, a dazzling waterfall towering 67 feet up in the sky.
Make sure to climb Loft Mountain to immerse yourself in the beauty of Jones Run Falls. It’s one of the best hikes in Virginia. If you’re seeking out the peacefulness of nature, this is the waterfall for you.
Hiking Through It All
Hiking in Virginia provides you with a surefire way to get back to nature. The park website offers a detailed information page on all the hikes you can undertake. Make sure to consult the page before embarking on a journey.
You’ll find distances, levels of difficulty and elevation information. And who knows? You just might discover the hike of a lifetime!
Shenandoah National Park has Activities for All Tastes
The park has a plethora of other activities to enjoy. Make sure you pick up a Shenandoah National Park map at one of the Visitor’s Centers.
Biking
Biking in the park is encouraged on Skyline Drive and all paved roads. Areas where you can and cannot bike are clearly marked with signs, so you won’t have any trouble figuring out where you’re allowed to go.
Fishing
There are over 70 mountain streams located throughout the park. Trout are abundant in these mountain waters, so fishermen will have a ball. Make sure to check out the various rules and regulations on fishing, in order to have a fun and safe fishing expedition in the park.
Rock-Climbing
Shenandoah National Park is a fun destination for experienced climbers and rookies alike. Here you’ll find all sorts of rock-climbing opportunities. In order to maximize your experience, pay attention to the climbing guidelines put into place by the park. Here you’ll find safety tips and rules.
Staying the Night (Or Week!) in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park weather can be cruel in the winter. Because of that, camping and lodging are possible from early spring to late fall. During the season, you can choose to go tent-tastic or opt for full-on luxury.
National Park Lodging
You have options with Shenandoah National Park lodging. There are a few lodges to choose from:
- Big Meadows Lodge: This lodge is located in the heart of the surrounding national park. It’s open May 9th to November 4th, and reservations are required.
- Skyland: Open from March 22nd to November 25th, this lodge offer everything from rustic cabins to luxurious rooms.
- Lewis Mountain Cabins: Open March 16th to November 25th, some of these lodges are pet-friendly. Go rustic or choose luxury.
- PATC Cabins: There are six cabins operated independently by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club available for rent in the park. Reserve yours quickly! These are rustic.
National Park Camping
Shenandoah National Park camping is not to be missed. There are a few campgrounds to choose from.
- Shenandoah Acres: Deep in the Shenandoah Valley, this site is a must-see. Enjoy the beach as you frolic near the water and explore the surrounding park.
- Big Meadows: Walk to many of the waterfalls from this campground, and see the iconic Big Meadow. You’ll find it on Skyline Drive at mile 51.2. The fee is 20 dollars per night.
- Lewis Mountain: The smallest and most intimate campsite, located on Skyline Drive off mile 57.5. There is a 15-dollar fee.
- Loft Mountain: Located on mile 79.5 of Skyline drive, this is the largest campground in the park. The fee is 15 dollars per night.
- The Backcountry: Backcountry camping is allowed throughout the park. Make sure to read up on rules and regulations on the park’s backcountry camping page.
Don’t Miss Out on Shenandoah National Park
This park offers an incredible experience, allowing you to truly connect with nature in the heart of Virginia. Make sure you take advantage of every opportunity this park has to offer. Get started planning your visit today!
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