It doesn’t quite feel like summer until you’ve made a road trip to Shenandoah National Park. With 93 named mountains, 311 sq miles of scenic trails, and 300+ species of native wildlife, there’s a reason Virginians take pride in this natural haven.
Before you start packing your bags, here are a few tips and recommendations to get you started:
- Drive time: ~1.5 hours
- Avg. number of visitors: ~1.5 million in 2023
- Avg. high temp in July: 75°
- Entry price: $30/vehicle, $15/hiker, except these free days.
🥾 Adventure awaits
Editor Elise: If you’re heading to Dark Hollow Falls, I highly recommend a stop at Big Meadows along Skyline Drive — just a short distance from the trailhead, as well as a visitors’ store + eatery. | Photo by RICtoday
Skyline Drive, ~105 mi.
This major scenic highway connects drivers to 69 outrageous overlooks with majestic mountain views of the nearly 100-year-old national park. From Skyline, you can get to anything — hiking trails, horseback riding, rock climbing, wine tasting, etc.
Pro tip: Find the perfect pit stop for a day of rock climbing, but be sure to read the park’s climbing guidelines to ensure a safe adventure.
Dark Hollow Falls Trail, 1.4 mi. | Difficulty: Moderate
This shorter out-and-back trail delivers the great reward of a 70-ft cascading waterfall. Pro tip: Leave the pups at home for this one; dogs are not premitted on the trail.
Old Rag Mountain, 9 mi. | Difficulty: Very strenuous
The most popular hike of Shenandoah is no joke. Old Rag includes multiple rock scrambles + an exposed summit ~3,000 ft above sea level. Pro tip: This hike will take 7-8 hours, so bring water, snacks and most importantly, take breaks. We’ve been told by hiking-savvy readers that visitors to Old Rag need an advanced permit to hit the trail. No pets allowed.
🍽️ Post-hike fuel
Grab food and road-trip memorabilia from Big Meadows Wayside. | Photo courtesy of National Park Service
Big Meadows Wayside, 51 Skyline Dr.
Grab-and-go or sit down for lunch at this convenient store + eatery . Hiking and camping gear is also sold in case you forgot a sleeping bag or backpack at home.
Rudy’s Diner, 418 N 5th St.
A local Luray favorite with American classics to fill up on after a day of hiking in the sun. It’s open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. for brunch, lunch + dinner.
West Main Market, 123 W. Main St.
This full-service delicatessen and sandwich shop, also in Luray, is a hop, skip and a jump from the Shenandoah National Headquarters. Pro tip: If you’re looking for a pint, cross the street to find Hawksbill Brewing Company.
🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins
Cabin rentals, like this serene farm, are also available through Airbnb. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb
Mathews Arm Campground, Mile 22.1 Skyline Dr.
This site on the northern end of the park includes reservations for a tent, RV, a fire pit + a picnic table. It costs $30 to set up camp, and food service is just two miles away.
Lewis Mountain Cabins, Mile 57.5 Skyline Dr.
Choose your own adventure with either a higher-scale cabin with an indoor bathroom + electricity, or try a Hiker’s Cabin with two bunk beds, no heat or AC.
Loft Mountain Campground, Mile 79.5 Skyline Dr.
The largest campground in the park is located on top of Big Flat Mountain, with access to multiple trails with waterfalls in the nearby Big Run Wilderness area.
