Shenandoah National Park

Skyline Drive, 105 miles of Blue Ridge overlooks.

A park built around a ridge road. Waterfalls drop off the east side; the AT threads the crest. Fall color is spectacular and slow. You can day-trip from D.C. and still feel far Virginia.

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Location

38.29° N, 78.68° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

May–June, October

Trip planner

A Shenandoah National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Shenandoah National Park is a U.S. National Park in Virginia. Skyline Drive, 105 miles of Blue Ridge overlooks.

When to go

May–June, October is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with skyline Drive with room to stop. Then old Rag only if you have a day-use ticket. If you have a second day, dark Hollow Falls as an easy waterfall. Keep one spare hour for a wayside blackberry milkshake, unironically.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Old Rag requires a timed ticket most of the year. Skyline Drive has its own weather.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

Open the long-form guide →

Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Avery C.

6/10

Start early in Shenandoah National Park

Dark Hollow Falls as an easy waterfall. A wayside blackberry milkshake, unironically. Give Shenandoah National Park days, not hours, and go in May–June. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Oct 6, 2025

Marie C.

10/10

Shenandoah National Park is bigger than the postcard

Old Rag only if you have a day-use ticket. Skyline Drive, 105 miles of Blue Ridge overlooks. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. May–June, October is the window I would book again.

Sep 5, 2025

Leila H.

8/10

Start early in Shenandoah National Park

Skyline Drive with room to stop. Old Rag only if you have a day-use ticket. Give Shenandoah National Park days, not hours, and go in May–June. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Aug 4, 2025