Things to do in Shenandoah National Park
A Blue Ridge park of Skyline Drive overlooks, waterfalls, Appalachian Trail ridges, black bear habitat, historic mountain communities, and accessible forest walks.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Shenandoah National Park
Dark Hollow Falls TrailDo not miss
The steep short trail reaches one of Shenandoah's most beloved waterfalls close to Big Meadows.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.9
Hawksbill SummitDo not miss
The park's highest summit delivers broad Blue Ridge views from a relatively short climb.
Hike · 2 hr4.9
Old Rag CircuitDo not miss
The rock scramble and summit views make Old Rag Shenandoah's most famous and most demanding day hike.
Hike · 8 hr4.9
Skyline DriveDo not miss
The 105-mile ridge road is the park's spine, linking overlooks, trailheads, lodges, and fall-color viewpoints.
Scenic Drive · 4 hr
Marys Rock Summit Trail
The summit near Thornton Gap gives a classic northern-central Blue Ridge panorama.
Hike · 2.5 hr5
South River Falls Trail
A forest descent reaches a high waterfall viewpoint in the quieter southern half of the park.
Hike · 3.8 hr5
Bearfence Mountain Trail
A short rock scramble reaches a 360-degree view for hikers who want a compact adventure.
Hike · 1.3 hr4.9
Blackrock Summit
A short southern-district hike reaches a boulder field with wide views and Appalachian Trail atmosphere.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.9
Rose River Loop Trail
This forest loop combines cascades, falls, and quieter stream scenery near Big Meadows.
Hike · 3.8 hr4.9
Rapidan Camp
President Hoover's mountain retreat adds a rare historic site to Shenandoah's natural itinerary.
Ranger Program · 4 hr4.8
Stony Man Trail
A short climb from Skyland reaches one of the park's best effort-to-view ratios.
Hike · 1.3 hr4.8
Whiteoak Canyon Trail
A waterfall-rich canyon hike gives a longer, wilder alternative to Dark Hollow Falls.
Hike · 5.5 hr4.8
Big Meadows
The open meadow is prime for deer, birds, wildflowers, night sky, and a low-effort pause near services.
Wildlife · 1.4 hr4.7
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
The north entrance visitor center is a low-effort orientation stop with views, exhibits, and ranger advice.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
And 3 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Shenandoah is famous for the 105-mile Skyline Drive, Old Rag, Dark Hollow Falls, Stony Man, Hawksbill, fall color, and easy mountain access from Washington, DC.