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National park in Virginia, United States
Photo: w:User:Ragrawal, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Shenandoah National Park is a national park in the state of Virginia. The park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the eastern part of the USA, visited by well over 1 million people a year. Although hundreds of thousands drive along Skyline Drive in mid-late October to admire vibrant fall foliage, the park is no less spectacular (and a lot less crowded) in spring when the wildflowers and trees are in full bloom.
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Camp Hoover
Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, bought land in Virigina for his summer weekend retreat in 1929, during the first peaceful days of his administration. Rapidan Camp provided President and Mrs. Hoover much needed rest and recreation during the later difficult years of his presidency. The Brown House is historically refurnished to the 1929 era with a ranger-guided tour in high season.
Thornton Gap was one many mountain passes used to access the Shenandoah Valley by both Confederate and Union troops during the American Civil War. Neither side controlled it for very long and its scattered inhabitants were left largely undisturbed by the conflict raging in the valleys below.
Though only 1 mile, Bearfence offers a short but challenging rock scramble and a viewpoint. Bearfence requires that you maneuver up and around boulders, using your hands, feet, and whole body. Once at the top, you will be greeted with a 360-degree view of Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding valleys and mountains.
See a spectacular view to distant valley and mountains and examine up close geology at Blackrock Summit. This easy 1 mile loop leads to a rocky talus slope and scenic view.
The 2.4 mile hike to Compton Peak includes two viewpoints, Compton Peak West and Compton Peak East as well as a unique columnar jointing geological feature.
(1.5 hours, 1.4 miles, pets not allowed; elevation gain: 440 feet) The most popular waterfall trail leads to the Dark Hollow Falls. The trail descends steeply to the head of the falls and then to the foot. The return trip to the parking may be exhausting to some. This moderate out-and-back trail has some steep sections, but is rewarding once you look upon the falls. For an alternate route, follow the 4 mile Rose River Loop from Fishers Gap Overlook. Always be careful and use caution when hiking around waterfalls.
Fox Hollow is a 1.2 mile loop near Dickey Ridge Visitor Center rated easiest. This trail features a variety of forest life, as well as evidence of the Fox family who once called this plot of land their home before the establishment of Shenandoah National Park.
Hike to a viewpoint over the South District of Shenandoah National Park on the Frazier Discovery Trail. This loop hike is 1.2 miles and includes a short, but steep, climb to the viewpoint.
Limberlost Trail is a fully accessible trail in the Central District of Shenandoah National Park. Walk this 1.3 mile loop through a covered forest. See a columnar jointing geological feature and in the spring see the blooming mountain laurel that surrounds the trail.
A hike near Stony Man is Little Stony Man (1 hour, 0.9 miles), a climb with breathtaking views. Alternatively you can reach Little Stony Man from Stony Man by using part of the Appalachian Trail, then walk down Little Stony Man, and return to the beginning of the Stony Man walk via the Passamaquody Trail.
This rocky summit hike makes for a wonderful sunset or day hike. The ascent to Marys Rock can be either a 2.9 or 3.7 mile trek through the forest and a portion of the Appalachian Trail with many viewpoints at the higher elevations leading to the summit.
Old Rag (6 hours, 7.2 miles; elevation gain: 2,510 feet) is an especially popular loop trail that covers forests, hollows, and rocky top. The peak, at 3,291 feet, has great views of the park and the surrounding countryside. The trail is typically traversed by ascending along the Ridge Trail, which is a strenuous trail of approximately 3 miles that includes a rope climb and rock scramble, and then descending along the Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow Fire Road. Some hikers opt to hike in the opposite direction, which has a longer ascent but may be easier when descending the rock scramble. To reach the trailhead, travel north from Madison about 13 miles on Route 231, and turn left on Nethers Road. The small parking area at the trailhead is now closed, but a much larger parking area is available 0.8 miles from the trailhead. Recommended only for people in great shape, wearing appropriate hiking boots and with sufficient water and snacks on hand.
At 93 feet, Overall Run Falls is the tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park. Hike a 5.1 mile, moderately strenuous trail to a sweeping view of the falls and surrounding mountains. Unless rainfall is plentiful, Overall Run Falls may have minimal to no water flow.
The Riprap-Wildcat Ridge Loop is a very strenuous 9.8 mile trip that features scenic views, geology, small cascades, and a swimming hole. For an alternate, shorter hike, take the 3.4 mile hike to Chimney Rock.
(1.5 hours, 1.6 miles, pets not allowed) A popular and gentler hike that is one of the most scenic trails in the skyline drive that ends in a cliff with a beautiful overlook. The walk passes over the summit of Stony Man Mountain, at 4,010 feet. Once at the view, you will to look out over the Blue Ridge Mountains and into Shenandoah Valley below.
Whiteoak Canyon has six waterfalls ranging from 35 to 86 feet making this trail one of the most popular places to hike in Shenandoah National Park. With swimming holes, many smaller cascades along the way, and surrounded by the forest canopy, Whiteoak Canyon can be a great place for a 2 mile hike to the lower falls or a longer full day hike to all six falls.
Limited range of sandwiches and grilled food. No seating spaces indoors but there are picnic tables outside.
This is part of the Skyland complex and offers dining with a view.
Offers eat-in and take-away food. Country food and cakes.
Dining room service in a rustic setting.
Seating inside and outside. Also sells groceries, camping, and hiking supplies from May to late October. There are showers and a laundry near the campground from May to late October.
166 sites, 3 group sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Mathews Arm is a family-oriented campground, offering plenty of open spaces. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring and picnic area. The campground also offers modern amenities like flush toilets, drinking water and dump stations. Elkwallow Wayside is located just two miles away, offering camping supplies, restaurants and more.
178 sites, 2 group sites. All sites can be reserved in advance in the summer. Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the scenery at Meadows Campground never disappoints, with a stunning array of colors in the fall and a blanket of bright wildflowers in the spring. This green and shady campground offers amenities including flush toilets, coin showers, coin laundry, dump station, camp store.
31 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the backcountry, yet it is within seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area. Flush toilets, coin showers, coin laundry, campstore.
200 sites, 3 group sites. 66 sites can be reserved in advance, 134 sites are first-come, first-served. Loft Mountain, the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. Generator-free and group sites available. Flush toilets, coin laundry, dump station, campstore.
Locked primitive cabins maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). There are six of them in the park.
The best way to enjoy the area is by taking any of the numerous hiking trails along the road. There is no public transportation in the area and the only way to get to the trails is by vehicle or by bicycle.
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