Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The Shenandoah River flows through the valley to the west, with Massanutten Mountain, 40 miles long, standing between the river's north and south forks. The rolling Piedmont country lies to the east of the park. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Trails may follow a ridge crest, or they may lead to high places with panoramic views or to waterfalls in deep canyons. Many animals, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory forest. In season, bushes and wildflowers bloom along the Drive and trails and fill the open spaces. Apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries are reminders of the families who once called this place home. Shenandoah National Park has many stories waiting to be told, and a world of beauty that can renew and bring peace to the spirit.

To visit our expanded web pages, click on IN-DEPTH.

Authorized May 22, 1926 and fully established December 26, 1935, the park's total acreage is 196,149, including 79,579 acres of congressionally designated Wilderness.

3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835-9036
540-999-3500 - Visitor Information
540-999-3500 - Headquarters

By Plane
The closest airports are in Washington, DC, Weyers Cave, VA, and Charlottesville, VA.

By Car
The four entrances to the park are at I-66 and Route 340 to the north entrance at Front Royal, Route 211 to the central entrance at Thornton Gap, Route 33 to Swift Run Gap, and I-64 to the Rockfish Gap entrance at the southern end of the park and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speed limit for the Skyline Drive is 35mph.

By Plane
There are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park.

Getting Around
Since there are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park, a car is needed. Speed limit is 35mph. Bicycles are permitted in the park on paved roads only. The speed limit for bicycles is also 35mph on the Skyline Drive and 10mph in the campgrounds.

The mountains in Shenandoah National Park are usually 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. Winters can be severe with snow and ice, and summer showers may be sudden. Layered clothing is always suggested.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing

Recommended Activities
Hiking (over 500 miles of hiking trails), picnicking, camping in a developed campground or backcountry camping with a permit (available at visitor centers, entrance stations or park headquarters), participating in ranger-guided activities, viewing audio-visual programs or exhibits at visitor centers, fishing, enjoying the panoramic views from overlooks, or just plain relaxing in the peaceful surroundings are some of the favorite activities visitors can experience.

For more information, please click on IN-DEPTH.

Click on image to enlarge.