Shenandoah National Park Travel Information
Dense forests, flocks of birdsong, musical waterfalls and a scenic road that follows the mountaintops are just a few of the reasons over 2 million visitors flock to Shenandoah National Park each year. Over 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains are sheltered in the park including 79,000 wilderness acres. Park statistics are staggering. Over 860 species of wildflowers bloom here, over 200 species of birds fly here and over 50 species of mammals roam the park confines. Shenandoah National Park, dedicated in 1936, has the highest density of black bears of any park in the U.S. although you’re more likely to see white-tail deer or raccoons. Skyline Drive with its many overlooks and covering 105 miles along the crest of the mountains is one of the best ways to see the park. Park elevations range from 600 to 4,000 feet. Over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through the park, following Skyline Drive. Over 500 miles of trails cover the park, ranging from easy to strenuous. Limberlost Trail, rated easy, is the only fully accessible trail in the park via stone walkway past ancient trees. White Oak Canyon trail, rated moderate, drops down a steep gorge past six waterfalls. One strenuous trail begins with a steep path from Hawksbill Gap and leads to the highest point in the park, Hawksbill Mountain (4,049 feet). Be sure you’re in shape though—the trail rises 1,557 feet in less than a mile but the view of hawks circling above is worth it. The park has three sections (Northern, Central and Southern) or main entrances with information booths. Lodges and cabins are available plus four campgrounds (open Spring-Fall). Park recreation includes biking, horseback riding and fishing. Only a short jaunt from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is especially crowded on weekends and holidays. Best times to visit are springtime and weekdays in summer and autumn. In winter, most facilities are closed; Skyline Drive is open but parts may be closed due to inclement weather. Shenandoah National Park is located in north central Virginia and runs from Front Royal southwest to Waynesboro. The northern end is about 72 miles west of Washington, D.C.; the southern end is about 95 miles northwest of Richmond, VA.
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