This short 1 mile hike will challenge you with a number of rocks and boulders to scramble over, but youll be rewarded with amazing views over the Shenandoah Valley. National Park Blog. Skyline Drive 2,748 Bodies of Water Scenic Drives By travellingProfsr It consist of 105 miles of slow, relaxed driving with countless vista views, hiking and wildlife viewing. Front Royal Outdoors offers SUP rentals. Starting at the true trailhead in Cherokee Orchard, the trail itself is 8.8 miles long, 3.4 to Grotto Falls, and 8.9 to get all the way to Mt. If youre up for a challenge, try scrambling up Old Rag Mountain, Whiteoak Canyon, or along any of the trails if youre feeling adventurous! As an easier alternative, the Bearfence Viewpoint Hike is about a mile, cuts out the rock scrambling and rewards hikers with the same stellar views. Limberlost is a super easy Shenandoah hike (1.3 mile/2.1km) through a well-treed, flat section of the national park. I'm glad I did. During your visit, check out some of these educational opportunities. Driving Skyline Drive Hiking Backcountry Camping Ranger Programs Exhibits Viewing Wildlife Biking Fishing It consist of 105 miles of slow, relaxed driving with countless vista views, hiking and wildlife viewing. It will take you up switchbacks through the forest, scrambling over boulders, and past many false summits to incredible views. Masks or other face coverings required to be worn inside for all employees and guests, regardless of vaccination status. It is 105 miles long and cuts the park in half from north to south. The most popular locations include Bearfence Mountain Road, Compton Peak Trail, and Big Meadows. Hike the Shenandoah Section of the Appalachian Trail. The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from mid-March through late November but closes during the rest of the year. Most falls occur along Mill Prong, the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, or Hazel Run Creek with beautiful overlooks at Whiteoak Canyon and Doyles River Overlook. For the shorter, easier hike, take the Marys Rock South trail, which will take you up the Appalachian Trail. However, if youre looking for more activities to add to your top things to do in Shenandoah National Park itinerary, here are some awesome ideas! Additionally, the park has plenty to offer visitors including camping, fishing, and even some historical sites. There are Epic Experiences Ahead and lots of things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. There are 6 CCC campsites located throughout Shenandoah National Park. From the peak, you can experience panoramic views of peaks like Hawksbill Mountain and Whiteoak Mountain. Overall, hikers say that the Dark Hollow Falls trail's steep nature proves worthwhile for the rewarding view of the beautiful waterfall at the end. There is a fee to enter but the National Park Pass is an option and can be used throughout the year. Old Rag Mountain Hike 385 Hiking Trails By lanceb565 Dark Hollow Falls: This 1.4-mile out-and-back hike is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Shenandoah. Horseback Riding Family Fun Dining Shop the Valley Here are some of the best overlooks in Shenandoah NP that to you won't want to miss! 1 / 9. Bearfence Mountain is a popular hike in Shenandoah National Park because it offers a fun yet challenging rock scramble at the very top of the mountain. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. It typically takes about 3 hours to travel the full length of Skyline Drive, but that timeline will vary based on your stops at the nearly 70 scenic overlooks. 5. Here are the best places to enjoy fresh oysters (and other tasty treats) when you visit Virginia. This post may contain affiliate links. Access to the trail is included with park admission. Youll gain about 500 feet of elevation on this out and back hike totaling 2.1 mile round trip. Past visitors described the route as mostly flat with benches along the trail, making the hike appealing to parents pushing strollers and groups planning a picnic. The Shenandoah National Park offers ranger programs that include talks, walks, and campfire programs in the spring, summer, and fall months. The stars and Milky Way are easier to see on a new moon when the sky is at its darkest. Whether you seek a scenic drive, crave a bite to eat, or enjoy hands-on history lessons, these are the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park. This service is run by Virginia Regional Transit. In 1324, Bishop Sigurdsson accused Ragnhild Tregagas, a Norwegian woman, of being . Surrounded by Virginia's soft, rolling mountain range, tree-packed forests and hazy blue skies, you'll soon understand why Virginia is for . Please note that pets must be crated when left unattended . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For a more challenging hike, the Hawksbill Summit trail, also known as the Lower Hawksbill trail, is for you. From Dickey Ridge to Dundo, Shenandoah National Park offers ample picnic areas. This set of falls combines a series of cascades up to the set of falls. It runs from Maine to Georgia meandering through 14 states! The National Park Service is modifying its operations on a park-by-park basis. One of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag Mountain Loop trail, is truly stunning and a must for serious hikers visiting Shenandoah. There are two routes to Bearfence Mountain, the Bearfence Rock Scramble Hike and the Bearfence Viewpoint Hike. This hike will get you to work up a sweat, but the views from the top are definitely worth it. Recent travelers recommend tackling the Rose River Falls hike because it exposes you to Shenandoah National Park's diverse ecologies, with flowers, birds, scenery and plenty of shade. For a more adventurous experience, consider backcountry camping in the Shenandoah wilderness. More importantly, park rangers are on-site to answer any questions, recommend hikes and lead programs. Plan ahead for your trip with insight into everything you need to know about Shenandoah National Park, including: Read it now: Visiting Shenandoah National Park: What to Know Before You Go. Stop wondering about the places you want to visit and start wandering following your dreams, wherever they may take you. This road follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains with stunning views of Shenandoah Valley to the west and endless ridgelines to the east. Located in Virginia's Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers a retreat for many living in the busy Washington, D.C. metro area. Whether it's at a waterpark, on a hiking trail, on horseback, in a canoe, at a performance or festival, in a garden or museum, on a wine or beer trail - you might discover something that sparks a life-long interest. It wasn't that hard to get down there and back. ), Parking: Fishers Gap Overlook parking lot. This scenic road has 8 overlooks, 6 picnic areas, 5 parking areas, and many other scenic pull-outs along its length. Honorable mentions for best fishing spots include Big Run, Naked Creek, Ivy Creek, and Meadow Run. The best-known feature is the 105-mile Shenandoah Skyline Drive, which roughly . So whether you are roughing it in the wilderness, tent camping at a campground, or lodging in a camper, youll need to follow the food safety procedures and be bear aware when visiting Shenandoah. Get Cultured on the Waynesboro Street Art Trail. Whether you and your kids like waterfalls, rock scrambles, historic sites or big views, Virginia's Shenandoah National Park has it all. Black bears are prevalent throughout the park and you should stay a safe distance of at least 150 feet back from them. Pro Tip: For other fantastic hikes throughout the state of Virginia, check out this article. I founded this blog back in 2015 when I quit my corporate job to pursue a lifelong dream of traveling the world full-time, and I'm looking to help others, like you, totravel more and travel better.Learn More about The Cure for Curiosity. However, Pinnacles is a good one with views over the park and the mountains. Visitor Center, for information and personalized suggestions from the park's knowledgeable rangers. It offers restrooms, exhibits, an orientation movie, a bookstore and maps. They also praise the numerous places to pull over and swap drivers, snap photos or enjoy the panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley. Probably one of the best-known hiking sites within Shenandoah National Park, this trip offers some serious challenges for hikers willing to take on its strenuous 3-mile trail which concludes at an elevation of 3,180 feet. Skyline Drive is the one and only road that goes through Shenandoah National Park. The visitor center welcomes travelers daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from mid-March to mid-January, but closes during the colder months. For a slightly longer and less steep option, take the Upper Hawksbill Trail to the Summit Hike, which trades about a half a mile of additional distance for a more than 150-foot reduction in elevation gain. Stony Man is the highest peak in the park and this is a very popular hiking trail for all ages. Some of the more popular trails include Big Run Loop Trail (easy), Mill Prong Trail (moderate), Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail (moderate), and Old Rag Mountain Trail (difficult). Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. From hiking in Shenandoah National Park to simply driving and admiring the views at sunset, youll find theres something for everyone in this incredible national park. These are usually free for you to participate in, though some parks may charge a fee. Sample Downtown Waynesboro Restaurants. We exited to explore Luray Caverns and opted to drive back on 341 through the valleys that we viewed from Skyline. Additional information about the visitor center, including updated hours and ranger programs, is available online on the National Park Service website. The trailhead has its own parking area and is accessible year-round for anyone who paid the National Park's entrance fee. These are just a few of the possibilities! Park rangers work hard each year to educate visitors about astronomy and provide them with opportunities to get into the field. Although driving the length of Skyline Drive is one of the easiest and fastest ways to experience the majestic beauty of Shenandoah National Park, the park is also home to over 500 miles of hiking trails - many of which are accessible right from Skyline Drive. This trail is 3.1 miles round trip with just 800 feet of elevation gain. One of the easiest hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Limberlost Trail provides an excellent option for travelers with small children and anyone with limited mobility. In an early-season battle between two top teams in the Bull Run District, it was defending VHSL Class 2 runner-up Page County coming out on top with a 2-1 win over Clarke County to open the 2023 softball campaign in Shenandoah. You can even hike up to the top of Old Rag Mountain and come out on a small waterfall! Daniel Reiner / Shutterstock.com. P.S. These include Big Meadows, Skyland, Pinnacles, Piney River, Baldface, and Dundo. Additional information about Dark Hollow Falls is available online on the National Park Service website. Prepare for your trip to Shenandoah National Park by watching a few Shenandoah Shorts or reading posts from park rangers on the Shenandoah National Park Facebook page. Either way, Doyles Falls is beautiful. The trail can be done by hikers of all levels if they take their time as the 1.5-mile trail includes steep, rocky sections. Check out the best places to stay nearby! Like most other hikes, it is accessible via Skyline Drive and access to the trail comes included with park admission. The high elevation and remoteness of Shenandoah National Park make it a perfect place to go stargazing! But, if they align to your interests, definitely plan ahead to take advantage o the opportunities that await you in Shenandoah National Park! If youre visiting in the winter, it will likely snow. If you'd prefer to avoid the portion of rock scrambling, but still want to summit the mountain, head to the Berry Hollow parking lot for a roughly 5.5-mile (round-trip) hike with approximately 1,700 feet in elevation gain. Little Devils Stairs Loop is a 7.4 mile circuit hike with a hiking difficulty rating of strenuous and an estimated hiking time of 8 hours and 30 minutes. No one was there when I got to the bottom part and I spent a good 10-15 minutes just standing there thinking and enjoying the peace there. The Old Rag. The Park has over 2,000 types of flowering plants including mountain laurels, rhododendrons, azaleas, and dogwoods. There is bathrooms, a shelter with 4 fireplaces, a number of water fountains and water spigots. On clear nights youll be able to not only spot thousands of stars and constellations but also the Milky Way. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) campsites can also be visited on ranger-led walks. more, Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park, VA - Shenandoah National Park Attractions. I hope these tips help you plan your next trip to Shenandoah National Park! Visitor Center is available via the National Park Service's website. Make sure to learn about astrophotography before you go, and take all of the necessary equipment, including your camera, lens, extra batteries, and of course, a tripod. Hike to Hawksbill Mountain. Avoiding sudden movements and loud noises which may scare off the wildlife. Access to the trail is included with park admission. Driving Skyline Drive Is Top of the List for Shenandoah National Park Things to do! And at the end of his troubled administration, Hoover donated the camp to the American people. Nearly all of Shenandoah National Park's notable things to do sit along Skyline Drive, which runs vertically through the park. The top attractions to visit in Shenandoah National Park are: The best outdoor activities in Shenandoah National Park according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The best day trips from Shenandoah National Park according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The most popular things to do in Shenandoah National Park with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: It was a beautiful day for a drive. Bearfence Mountain Summit (Milepost 56.4) requires hiking! There is a $30.00 per pet, per night, non-refundable cleaning fee. There are over 70 waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park so if youre lucky enough to visit during the spring and summer, be sure to take part in waterfall viewing. The most popular option is the Hawksbill Loop Hike, which is less than 3 miles and takes visitors on a circuit of the area's trails. 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