Shenandoah National Park
Located in the north part of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park stretches 105 miles offering natural beauty from its northern entrance in Front Royal to its southern entrance three miles near Waynesboro. This park has four established entrances, but only one has a physical address.
Skyline is the scenic main road that runs the length of this park and connects with the northern end of Blue Ridge Parkway, -a different national park unit-. The campgrounds, gift shops, and most hiking trails are directly off Skyline Drive. Some trails, like Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag Mountain, start at the park boundary. Many visitors enjoy Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive when visiting Shenandoah National Park as part of their experience, taking their time to discover the natural beauty, the communities, and the fun-filled recreational activities this area offers.
Shenandoah is mostly forested, and it features beautiful waterfalls, wetlands, and rocky peaks like Old Rag Mountains and Hawksbill. This National Park is home to a wide variety of bird species, deer, squirrels, and black bears. Whether you’re looking for a scenic getaway, want to spend your day hiking and admiring beautiful sceneries, or want to plan a vacation, Skyline Drive is a perfect option to reconnect with the outdoors.
The less-seen and wild side of Shenandoah National Parks awaits those who leave Skyline Drive and adventure on their feet. If you decide to hike this park, be prepared to be amazed by the complementary views from this park and Skyline Drive. Here are some of the hikes available in Shenandoah National Park divided into sections:
- HIKES UNDER 2.5 MILES: Fox Hollow Trail, Compton Peak, Hawksbill Summit, and Blackrock Loop
- HIKES FROM 2.5 TO 8 MILES: Big Devils Stare Vista, Lewis Spring Falls Loop, Hazeltop/Rapidian Camp Look, Falls Loop from Browns Gap