My Guide to Visiting Shenandoah National Park

Sunrise glow along Skyline Drive aka, the best way to start a Shenandoah day.

When you get married, it’s pretty typical to inherit a few new hobbies, right? My husband set a big, beautiful goal: visit all the national parks. So guess what my goal is now? You got it, I’m officially on Team Park Passport!

Growing up in North Carolina, I was shocked to realize I’d never visited Shenandoah National Park, even though it was just one state away. Consider this my cozy, first-timer-friendly guide.

Shenandoah at a Glance

• Where: The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, running north–south above Charlottesville and west of Washington, D.C.

• Signature drive: Skyline Drive — about 105 miles of scenic road with 70+ overlooks and endless Mountain views

• Trails: 500+ miles of hiking, including ~100 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.

• Highest point: Hawksbill Mountain (around 4,049 ft) for sweeping valley views.

• Waterfalls: Fan favorites include Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls, and Whiteoak Canyon.

• Wildlife: Deer, black bear (keep your distance), and plenty of birdlife — pack those binoculars!

• Seasonal magic: Wildflowers in spring, lush greens in summer, and legendary foliage in fall.

Quick Tips to enjoy Shenandoah Park

 (Save This!)

Earlier is better: Arrive before sunrise to skip crowds and catch the blue-hour glow along Skyline Drive.

Sunrise > sunset (for traffic): Mornings are quieter; pull into an overlook 15–20 minutes before the sun breaks. Don’t get caught up by the first over look you see there are many, so it’s possible to get this moment with just your car group.

Pack snacks + water: It’s a long, winding ride between services so bring a small cooler in the car. Trust me there is nothing better than having a cup of coffee while looking at the scenic views at 5am!

Bring bug spray: You’ll thank yourself for doing this one when on waterfall trails and in shady, humid hollows.

Layers & sturdy shoes: Weather shifts with elevation; trails can be rocky and rooty.

Download maps: Cell service can be spotty —> offline maps = peace of mind. We personally like to use the Alltrails app.

Respect wildlife: Give bears and deer plenty of space; never feed animals.

Best Ways to Experience the Park

• Cruise Skyline Drive

Treat it like a choose-your-own-adventure. Stop at overlooks as the light changes, pack a thermos for sunrise, and keep an eye out for trailheads right off the road.

• Chase Waterfalls

For a first trip, Dark Hollow Falls is short, steep, and classic. Rose River and Whiteoak Canyon add extra cascades if you want to level up.

• Go for a Summit View

Hike to Hawksbill for that “WOW” panorama, or try Stony Man for a slightly gentler climb with dreamy vistas.

• Picnic With a View

Pack charcuterie vibes and claim a table at a picnic area or spread a blanket at an overlook (carry out what you carry in).

• Stay a Little Longer

Whether you camp under the stars or book one of the park lodges or cabins, a slow morning in the mountains is the real souvenir.

Sample One-Day Itinerary

• Pre-dawn: Enter the park and drive to a favorite overlook for sunrise.
• Morning: Short hike to a waterfall (Dark Hollow) or a summit (Stony Man).
• Midday: Picnic lunch; lazy overlook hopping along Skyline Drive.
• Afternoon: Second hike or ranger program; stop for coffee/ice cream at a wayside if open.
• Golden hour: Pull into a western-facing overlook for soft light before heading out.

Love this? Pin it to your travel board!

Have a Shenandoah favorite I should add to my list? Drop it in the comments — our National Park passport needs more stamps!