Located about an hour’s drive away from Berkeley Springs, Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park contains some of the nation’s most iconic natural landmarks. These rolling hills are any nature lover’s paradise, dotted with fascinating geological formations, breathtaking overlooks, sprawling meadows, and much more. A bevy of world-class amenities and cultural sites accompany the park’s many natural attractions.
With so much to do, you might wonder how you could pack everything into your trip. We’ve got you covered—book your stay with Stay Blue Maple, and read on to learn about the 13 best things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
- Climb and Rappel
The granite cliffs that compose much of the Blue Ridge Mountains also make for an excellent playground for climbers of all techniques and skill levels. Bouldering, rock scrambling, multi-pitch treks—you name it, there’s something here just waiting for you to explore. As a bonus, you’ll get to take in some truly unparalleled scenery while you’re up on the wall.
Beginners can start at Little Stony Man Cliff, while intermediates and above can tackle more challenging terrain on one of the park’s most famed landmarks: Old Rag Mountain. The National Park Service requires visitors to hold day-use permits at certain times of the year, so make sure to brush up on all the necessary info before you go.
- Visit Luray Caverns
After a roughly 15-minute drive outside of the park, you’ll reach the spellbinding natural wonder that is Luray Caverns. Discovered in the Shenandoah Valley back in 1878, the caverns comprise a soaring array of stalactites and stalagmites buried deep underground, making this a great choice for a rainy day or winter activity. And since this is the largest cavern system on the East Coast of the U.S., you’ll want to set aside at least a few hours to see everything.
However, if you do happen to have some extra time after making your way around the caverns’ nooks and crannies, swing by the other attractions on site, like the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, the Gem Sluice, and Shenandoah Heritage Village. Suffice it to say you can easily make a full-day getaway out of Luray Caverns—time your trip accordingly.
- Ride Horses
More than 180 miles of trail in Shenandoah National Park are open to equestrians, allowing visitors to bring their own horses for a ride into the backcountry. These trails stay open year-round, with different experiences available based on the skill level of the rider—you’ll find challenging, rocky mountain trails, moderate hikes, and smooth, easy paths alike.
If you’d rather go on a guided horseback ride, you can book a trip with a professional from Skyland. Note that guided rides are only available from the spring through the fall, so you might have to ride with a stable outside the park, like Hermitage Hill Farm and Stables or Fort Valley Ranch and Campground, during winter.
- Go for a Hike Around 500 Miles of Trails
Shenandoah National Park boasts more than 500 miles of hiking trails, many of which lead up to gorgeous destinations like mountain vistas, thundering waterfalls, or iconic rock formations. Still, others will take you to or past certain historical sites, like Snead Farm or Corbin Cabin.
While there are dozens of different trailheads to choose from in Shenandoah National Park, including many fun, short hikes, here are the best hikes we’d recommend:
- Old Rag Mountain Loop (permit required from March through November; 9.4 miles, difficult)
- Stony Man via Appalachian Trail (1.5 miles, moderate)
- Dark Hollow Falls Trail (1.6 miles, moderate)
- Hawksbill Summit Trail (1.6 miles, moderate)
- Rose River Trail (3.9 miles, moderate)
- Cruise Skyline Drive
One of the most famous scenic roads in America, Skyline Drive winds through the park’s entire length, running 105 miles in total. This is the only public road that goes through the whole park, and on a clear day, you should need about three hours to drive it from end to end—barring time for stops along the way, of course.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the viewpoints, and be aware of the season. During winter, for instance, much of the road is closed due to inclement weather, while fall is the park’s (and thus the road’s) busiest season. As gas stations and EV chargers are limited within the park, fuel up your vehicle beforehand accordingly.
To experience another scenic drive nearby, head just outside Shenandoah National Park to the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, which terminates at Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro.
- Spot Wildlife
Dozens of different mammal species call Shenandoah National Park home, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and bobcats. Nature fans and photographers take note—you can spot many of these critters from the trails and roads, so move slowly and keep a watchful eye on your surroundings. Birders will also be in for a treat, as the park’s forests contain feathered friends like the scarlet tanager and the peregrine falcon.
Of course, you should always maintain a respectful distance away from any wildlife, particularly predators like black bears and bobcats. Pay close attention to park guidelines to make the most of your wildlife-spotting experience and avoid a difficult situation—both for your and the animals’ sake.
- Bike Along Skyline Drive
Though mountain biking isn’t allowed on almost all of the national park’s trails, you still have plenty of options to bike around Shenandoah, giving you an opportunity to see the park at a more relaxed pace.
All kinds of bikes—including mountain bikes and e-bikes—are allowed on Skyline Drive, as well as other paved areas of the park. As for trail riding, notice that we said “almost all”—you can bike on roughly one mile of Rapidan Fire Road, located in the Big Meadows area.
Note that all bikers must abide by Virginia state laws, so riders have to stay single file and pull over to allow vehicles to pass. High-visibility gear is also recommended to prevent collisions, particularly on misty or overcast days in the park.
- Stare at the Stars in Big Meadows
Though most visitors to Shenandoah National Park understandably come for daytime activities, those in the know stick around after dark to experience another of the park’s highlights—its star-studded night sky. Located at a relatively high elevation far from major urban areas, Shenandoah National Park is a must-see destination for panoramic views of the Milky Way, constellations, and, at the right time of the year, meteor showers.
For the best sights, the NPS recommends heading to the Big Meadows area or the amphitheater at Skyland. If you happen to visit during August, stop by the annual Night Sky Festival, which takes place over the course of one weekend every year and celebrates the national park’s many celestial spectacles.
- Take a Fishing Trip
With more than 90 different streams crisscrossing the park, at least 70 of which contain fish, Shenandoah is a prime destination to cast a line. Local species include native brook trout, a worthy prize for any angler, as well as brown and rainbow trout. Fly fishers can try their hand at popular spots like Big Run and the lower section of the Rapidan River.
To get started, both resident and non-resident fishers must first obtain a valid Virginia fishing license and read up on the park’s regulations. While the Park Service only permits catch-and-release fishing, what better place to brush up on your casting skills?
- Cross Country Ski Through the Snow
When the winter weather cooperates, there’s no more beautiful sight than the peaks of Shenandoah National Park dusted in snow. You can get a closer look at the view on cross-country skis, which allow hikers to access off-road areas without floundering around in boots.
The Limberlost Trail is a popular pick for first-time Nordic skiers, but the Big Meadows area also provides space for sliding and gliding. You could even trek up Skyline Drive itself when the road is closed due to snowfall (just try to stay ahead of the snowplows!).
- Enjoy the Park’s Food and Drink
While Shenandoah’s reputation hinges on its wide array of outdoor activities, the park’s indoor amenities are also more than worth a stop. Restaurants like the Pollock Dining Room at Skyland and Spottswood Dining Room at the Big Meadows Lodge dish up delicious cuisine right within the park’s borders, so you don’t have to go far to find a great meal.
As for beverages, head to the New Market or the Mountain Taproom or reserve a seat on the Skyland Whisky-Wine Shuttle to check out nearby wineries.
If you just need a quick bite to eat before hitting the trails, drop by the Elkwallow, Big Meadows, or Loft Mountain Waysides. These easily accessible spots provide everything from breakfast sandwiches to an impressive grocery selection, perfect for travelers on the go.
- Raft the Shenandoah River
The 56-mile-long Shenandoah River offers countless chances to participate in watersports, including kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Closer to Shenandoah National Park, visitors can go for a relaxed, self-guided rafting trip with Front Royal Outdoors, the area’s premier whitewater outfitter.
The trip will take you adjacent to the national park boundary, with the George Washington National Forest on your other side. Rapids don’t exceed Class I and II riffles, so this is more of a family-friendly trip than an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and sunblock!
- Participate in Educational Programs
No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to learn about all the unique natural resources that make up Shenandoah National Park. Rangers host educational programs such as guided hikes, tours of Rapidan Camp (once a summer retreat for President Herbert Hoover), and culinary events throughout the year.
Since you never know what might be happening at the park during your visit, check the official calendar to see if there’s something you won’t want to miss. Chances are, your trip will line up with an unexpected, exciting event.
Book Your Stay Near Shenandoah National Park
If you haven’t gathered by now, there’s a lot to love about Shenandoah National Park, one of the crown jewels of the sprawling U.S. park system. Whether you want to marvel at native animals and wildflowers on the hiking trails or simply watch the world go by from the comfort of your car, there’s something for every kind of visitor to experience here.
Though you might still need some time to choose what to do during your visit, book your trip with Stay Blue Maple as soon as possible. That way, no matter what you decide, you’ll still be close to the excitement.