Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park

Location: Virginia, United States

Features: Rock climbing, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, waterfalls

About the Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is an American National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the U.S. state of Virginia. The Skyline Drive runs its length, and a vast network of trails includes a section of the long-distance Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, the park features wetlands, waterfalls and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. Shenandoah is home to many bird species, plus deer, squirrels, and the elusive black bear. 

Top 3 Adventure Hacks for Shenandoah National Park

1) Cruise The Skyline Drive

The park is best known for Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that runs the length of the park along the ridge of the mountains, north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. 

2)  Variable Weather At Shenandoah Park

Always come prepared and check the local forecast for current road condition before visiting the park. Visitors can experience all four seasons sometimes in one day, Winters are cold and snowy, Summer is warm and humid, weather is unpredictable with the tops of mountains like Old Rag often 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the park.

Storms at high altitude pose a danger to hikers, so make sure to watch those clouds and be familiar with the risk associated with your adventure and what you can do to keep yourself safe and yet ensure your trip is an enjoyable one.

No matter what the adventure, always be sure to bring the necessary outdoor gear with you.

3) Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Shenandoah park is a sanctuary for many types of wildlife like deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a wide variety of insects and amphibians. This vibrant ecosystem is well-protected, despite being in one of the most populated parts of the country, Visitors are required to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, especially as many of them are rare and close to endangered.

Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a safe, close-up view, Calling, whistling, or making noises of any kind to attract wildlife is illegal. Do not do anything that changes the natural behavior of wildlife.

Been to this national park recently?

Please rate it and tell us about your experience!