Note: Most of Shenandoah’s hikes are found along Skyline Drive, excluding those in the Old Rag area outside the main park. Hikes along Skyline Drive are labeled with mile markers, sorted north to south.

Old Rag Area:
🥾 Old Rag Summit (9.4 miles, 2,604 feet elev. gain): Shenandoah’s flagship hike is worth the hype. This exciting trail guides hikers up the eastern side of Old Rag Mountain, which requires navigation of an intense and tricky rock scramble. The summit provides some of the best views in the park. From the summit, hikers descend via the easier Saddle Trail, making their way back to the trailhead through pristine forests and across a creek. This scramble has become so popular that you need to purchase a ticket to hike it. If you are not in great physical shape, DO NOT attempt this hike.
🥾 Lower Whiteoak Falls (2.9 miles, 419 feet elev. gain): The easiest way to see the gorgeous Whiteoak Canyon is by way of this trailhead near Old Rag. From here, you can challenge yourself with a longer hike by connecting the trail with Cedar Run, turning the trail into a loop.

Skyline Drive:
🥾 Marys Rock (6.7 miles, 1,400 feet elev. gain, MM 31.6): This hike’s namesake summit provides some of the best westward views in the park, making the journey to it a vigorous yet rewarding experience.
🥾 Stony Man Summit (1.5 miles, 321 feet elev. gain, MM 41.7): Stony Man is a short, sweet jaunt to an overlook of the Shenandoah River valley west of the park.
🥾 Upper Whiteoak Falls (4.6 miles, 990 feet elev. gain, MM 42.6): Whiteoak Canyon offers some of the best scenery in the park. This trail leaves from Skyline Drive and follows a creek to a series of waterfalls. The further you hike, the more waterfalls you will see.
🥾 Hawksbill Summit (2.1 miles, 498 feet elev. gain, MM 45.5): Hawksbill is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park, so you’d be remiss not to give this hike a try.
🥾 Rose River Falls (2.4 miles, 656 feet elev. gain, MM 49.4): This trail guides hikers to a 67-foot-tall waterfall on a relatively short (but steep) walk through the woods.
🥾 Dark Hollow Falls (1.6 miles, 585 feet elev. gain, MM 50.7): Located near Big Meadows, this popular hike to a waterfall gets crowded on weekends, so be sure to start it early.
🥾 Bearfence Mountain (1.0 miles, 242 feet elev. gain, MM 56.4): This short but exciting hike provides some fun scrambles across rocky terrain to gain a stunning 360-degree view of Shenandoah National Park.
🥾 Chimney Rock (3.2 miles, 830 feet elev. gain, MM 90): Short, challenging, and ending in a great view atop a unique rock formation, this hike is a lesser-visited gem.
🥾 Turk Mountain (2.4 miles, 695 feet elev. gain, MM 94.1): If you want to give the southern part of Shenandoah National Park some love, this short hike to a great overlook to the west is the hike for you.

🚗 Skyline Drive: Running 105 miles from south to north, Skyline Drive is the only road that runs through the park. A leisurely drive along Skyline can last anywhere from 2 hours to an entire day, depending on how many overlooks and short hikes you stop for. In addition to hiking, this is the single best activity in the park.
🦌 Wildlife Watching: Shenandoah National Park is filled with abundant wildlife, which can be enjoyed most readily at Big Meadows. Take a walk along the Story of the Forest Trail or around Big Meadows Campground at dawn or dusk to spot deer, foxes, birds, and – if you’re lucky – a black bear!
⛺ Camping: Camping is an easy way to make the most of your visit to Shenandoah. Staying at any of the park’s four campgrounds can give you close encounters with wildlife and allows for easy access to the park’s clear night sky. Plus, what better way to enjoy the park than by ending a walk in the woods at dusk with a warm campfire and the sounds of nature around you?
🎒 Backpacking: Most of Shenandoah’s 500 miles of trails are best explored through a backpacking trip. Those looking for a more intimate experience with the park should plan a backcountry journey along the Appalachian Trail and enjoy the peace offered by the park’s endless forest.
🚴 Cycling: If you’re an avid cyclist, Skyline Drive presents an amazing chance for a ride like few others. Be sure to bring some high visibility clothing and bright bicycle lights to ensure that cars along Skyline can easily spot you.

🌲 George Washington & Jefferson National Forests: These national forests – managed jointly by the USFS – cover much of western Virginia. If you love the Appalachian Mountains but don’t love the crowds, this huge swath of land is the place for you.
🦇 Luray Caverns: If you love caves and don’t mind tourists, Luray Caverns is a neat detour that sits only an hour from Big Meadows.
🏙️ Washington, D.C.: America’s capital city is a 2-hour drive from Shenandoah. The city is full of history, museums, impressive monuments & memorials, and a diverse collection of cultures that is reflected in the many distinct cuisines found throughout D.C.
⛰️ McAfee Knob: Virginia’s other most famous hike is a 2.5-hour drive from Shenandoah. This hike takes you to a stunning overlook of the Appalachian Mountains atop a distinct rock formation along the AT. Its proximity to Shenandoah makes it easy to work into a trip to the park.
🏞️ New River Gorge National Park & Preserve: One of America’s most underrated national parks is a 3-4 hour drive from Shenandoah. Hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and scenic drives await those who plan a visit to this gem of a park.

📅 When to Visit: Shenandoah National Park is famous for its fall foliage, making it a popular place to visit from late September until early November. If you want good weather in Shenandoah but don’t like crowds, consider making a trip during the spring, from late March to early May.
⌚ How Long to Visit: 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to sample Shenandoah’s highlights. However, longer visits yield better opportunities to view wildlife, enjoy lesser-traveled trails, and catch sunrises or sunsets.
🚗 How to Get There: Washington, D.C., is the nearest major city to Shenandoah National Park. If you’re visiting from afar, your best bet is to fly into DCA and rent a car at the airport. Otherwise, Shenandoah is easy to reach by car from almost any direction.
🛏️ Where to Stay: Inside the park, there are a number of camping and lodging opportunities. Shenandoah houses four top-notch campgrounds: Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain. Big Meadows offers the easiest access to popular activities along Skyline Drive. All campgrounds offer sites reservable in advance, except for Lewis Mountain. In addition, Shenandoah offers lodging in the form of Big Meadows Lodge, Skyland, and the rustic Lewis Mountain Cabins.
🧳 What to Bring: Sturdy boots with good traction will be your best friend in Shenandoah National Park. Bear spray is also a good idea if you plan to camp or backpack in the park. Otherwise, bring your usual hiking, camping, and/or backpacking gear. Also, if you want to be a good steward of the park, bring a trash bag to pick up after other people’s waste… it’s unfortunately common on the park’s more popular trails.

✅ DO consider hiking on longer, more remote trails in the park if you want to escape weekend crowds and pesky tourists.
✅ DO bring a garbage bag to collect trash on the park trails. Trash is – annoyingly – common along the park’s most popular, shortest trails.
✅ DO be wary of hikers and cyclists walking along Skyline Drive. The speed limit is there for a reason.
✅ DO remember to purchase tickets for Old Rag in advance of your visit, in case you intend to embark on this popular hike. Tickets release 30 days in advance.
❌ DON’T approach bears, deer, or other wildlife in the park. Give them at least 50 yards of space.
❌ DON’T feed the wildlife. I know the chipmunks are cute, but DO NOT give them your food. It endangers them as much as it does you.
❌ DON’T underestimate Old Rag. Don’t attempt this hike when it is wet or raining. Be prepared to scramble and climb up large boulders.