Your guide to Shenandoah National Park in the summer

Plan your summer getaway at Shenandoah National Park, where waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and woodlands dominate. 

One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Virginia is to visit the massive 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park, where waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and woodlands dominate. Visitors can drive along Skyline Drive and stop for hiking, educational experiences, dining, and lodging along the way.

Here’s your guide to making the most of a summer trip to Shenandoah National Park.

Hawksbill Mountain in Shenandoah National Park. (Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is the main artery that runs through Shenandoah National Park. Spanning 105 miles from the north to south ends of the park, it can be driven in one go in three hours. It’s important to note that it’s the only public thoroughfare in the park. The four entrances include Front Royal Entrance Station at Mile 0, Thornton Gap Entrance Station at Mile 31.5, Swift Run Gap Entrance Station at Mile 65.5, and Rockfish Gap Entrance Station at Mile 104.6. The cement mileposts can guide you as you travel the drive.

The drive can also be biked by those on mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes. There are even several bike repair stations along the way. 

Hiking

A trip to Shenandoah National Park wouldn’t be complete without a hike on one of the park’s more than 500 miles of trails. With day hikes that range from under a mile all the way up to more than 7 miles, there’s one for those of all experience and stamina levels. Here are several hikes that range in length and difficulty.

Blackrock Summit

Location: Mile 84.4

Blackrock Summit is a hike that’s recommended for kids, given it’s only an hour in duration. The provided self-guided brochure that guides the hike up to a slope where the valley and Massanutten Mountain can be seen is specifically designed for children.

Jones Run Falls

Location: Mile 84.1

Jones Run Falls is classified as a medium hike with a moderate difficulty level that takes about two to three hours to complete. Notably, it snakes along a stream, through a forest, and to a 42-foot waterfall. 

Riprap – Wildcat Ridge

Location: Mile 90

RipRap – Wildcat Ridge should only be attempted by those with the stamina to complete an eight-to-nine-hour hike. Fairly extensive, it features forests, streams, hollows, and valleys. 

Exhibits 

Shenandoah National Park doesn’t just offer a chance to immerse oneself in nature, but also an opportunity to learn about the park and its history. For this reason, it makes a great summer field trip destination for kids and young adults. The park has a range of exhibits that are both interactive and informative. Here are some of the park’s must-visit exhibits.

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center

Location: Mile 4.6

Stop by the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center to get acquainted with the park. It has an interactive exhibit for just that purpose! The large topographic map will help you acclimate to the massive place. You can also watch a movie while you’re there.

Rapidan Camp

Location: Mile 51

Those with an affinity for presidential history should swing by Rapidan Camp, President Herbert Hoover’s former summer retreat. The house he stayed in, Brown House, has been refurnished to look as it did when he was there. The nearby Prime Minister’s cabin now contains an exhibit that goes into detail about why Hoover vacationed there, as well as the history of his presidency.

Dining 

Even though one might not think of full-service dining as being a feature of a national park, Shenandoah National Park doesn’t disappoint. Several restaurants at the park offer full meal service, along with refreshing local beverages. Here are the top dining options. 

Skyland Dining Room

Location: Mile 41.7

The Skyland Dining Room offers both tasty food and stunning views. Situated on a ridge that offers views of the Shenandoah Valley, diners can eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the patio. There’s also a taproom for those who’d prefer a small meal with a beer or glass of local wine. People who are just passing through and need a quick snack can also pick up sandwiches at the Grab ‘n Go station. 

Spottswood Dining Room

Location: Mile 51

The Spottswood Dining Room at Big Meadows Lodge also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Notably, it’s a pet-friendly establishment, so feel free to bring your dog along for a tasty treat from the “Yappy Menu.” The associated taproom also serves wine and beer. 

Lodging 

Shenandoah National Park is so massive that staying more than one day is almost a given. With this in mind, it offers a range of lodging options. For those looking for a rugged experience, consider staying at one of the campgrounds. Visitors who prefer cushier accommodations might prefer one of the lodges. Here are some lodging options worth considering. 

Mathews Arm Campground

Location: Mile 22.1

Those visiting the park from the north can overnight at Mathews Arm Campground. After camping, they can visit the nearby Traces Trail and Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. A campsite costs $15 a night and includes access to clean water. 

Lewis Mountain Campground

Location: Mile 57.7

The Lewis Mountain Campground offers a do-it-yourself lodging experience with its first-come, first-served campsite options. For $15 a night, campers get a site with a picnic table, fire grate, and parking area. Importantly, electricity and water are not offered. 

Big Meadows Lodge

Location: Mile 51

Big Meadows Lodge offers visitors a cozier lodging experience with options ranging from the main lodge to fully furnished cabins. Mountain views are the main draw at the lodge. Notably, the lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places because its legacy dates back to 1939. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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