Shenandoah National Park
RV Guide

Private stables not only provides guided horse tours, but they also house several sweet ponies that are a perfect companion for smaller children. While kids can’t travel out on the trails with these ponies, they can enjoy their own smaller-scale excursion. Pony rides are a perfect way to get out and spend the day with the kids. The only requirements are that children can reach the stirrups and wear helmets whenever atop a pony.

A good majority of Shenandoah’s visitors come to take in the park from a more unique perspective - along the rocks. Enjoying nature and the feelings it evokes in the human spirit have a whole new meaning when clinging against a rock face. Rock climbing is an experience that creates a bond to nature in a whole other way. To ensure you have not only a good time, but a safe one, it’s best that you follow all guidelines and park recommendations. If you are not an experienced rock climber, it is a good idea to consider hiring a professional guide to accompany you on your adventure. Pack a bag which includes appropriate footwear, drinking water, and snacks.

This is an easy hike that stretches just shy of a mile. The entrance to the trail is found at Compton Gap parking area (mile 10.4 of Skyline Drive). From here, follow the trail north to the intersection with Dickey Ridge Trail, go to the left, and soon you’ll come across the Fort Windham Rocks. They aren’t hard to miss. The boulders are deeply split and rise above the ground about 50 feet. A lot of the park’s visitors make a stop here. It’s a perfect spot to snap a few photos.

Spring is the ultimate season for waterfall enthusiasts, when snowmelt and spring rains transform Shenandoah's cascades into thundering spectacles. Overall Run Falls, the park's tallest at 93 feet, flows strongest from March through June before often drying up in summer. Dark Hollow Falls, the park's most popular cascade, features multiple drops just 1.4 miles roundtrip from Skyline Drive. Other must-see spring waterfalls include South River Falls (83 feet), Whiteoak Canyon's six-tier cascade system, and the picturesque Rose River Falls Loop.

There are over 70 mountainous streams that flow through Shenandoah. They support a very diverse world of aquatic flora and fauna, and opportunities for fishing are abundant. There are certain regulations in place to protect eastern brook trout populations, so brush up on area fishing regulations before setting out. For fishing enthusiasts looking for a little more of a challenge, these waters are also perfect for working on your fly fishing technique. Take your choice of fishing from the shore or from a canoe or kayak out on the water.

There are several area restaurants near to Shenandoah National Park that offer excellent cuisine in a tranquil setting with a rustic feel. Most of these establishments serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to meet the needs of every RV camper.

Some of the area taverns offer lighter, pub-style fare and family-friendly entertainment during the evening hours. There are also many different places offering takeout options for those who prefer to grab and go.

While not permitted on trails, unpaved roads, or in grassy areas, bicycling is a recreational activity you can enjoy along the length of Skyline Drive. For those who enjoy getting out on two wheels instead of four, you can travel this well-trekked road and peer out over the overlooks with ease. Cyclists are advised to always travel with extreme caution, as Skyline Drive is a two-lane road with rather steep hills and winding, blind curves. Elevation changes can also mean dramatically different weather. Always come prepared for all sorts of conditions.

Intermittently throughout fall, Ranger-led tours of Rapidan Camp are provided. Reservations must be made for this tour, and a fee is charged. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance, so you can be sure you secure a spot. This exhibit once was the summer retreat for President Herbert and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.

One of the main features of the property is a cabin built by the president and known today as Brown House. The cabin was completely refurbished to restore it to its original state in keeping with its historical origins.

To join in, all you need is a GPS, a geocaching online account, and an enthusiasm to explore the park. Visitors have widespread access to the property but will find all geocaches along marked trails. It is not advised to ever roam off the designated paths. Earthcaching means there are no physical trinkets to uncover, but Shenandoah’s natural features provide the reward worth discovering.

Though fall weather is typically quite moderate, it is recommended that you dress in layers in case of cold or inclement weather conditions. Bring along drinking water and snacks to enjoy.

This is a strenuous 9.8-mile hike that features spectacular views. This trail is action-packed, with several stream crossings and a small waterfall. Huge rock formations make up some of the scenic geological wonders along the trail. A shorter hiking option is available via access through Chimney Rock, however, you won’t get to reap the reward of Riprap and Wildcat Ridge’s swimming hole and beautiful cascades. Bring along a towel and a bathing suit in case the water is warm enough to take a dip. You will also want to carry some bottled water and snacks with you on his adventure.

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180-mile (and then some) trek that traverses all sorts of lands, spanning along the mountain range. One-hundred and five miles of the trail is located in Shenandoah National Park and makes for another welcome footpath for visitors. You’ll often find it following the same path as the famed Skyline Drive. There are all sorts of stops and shelters along the Appalachian Trail, and it’s not uncommon to come across a number of backcountry campers.

Guided rides can be arranged through Skyland Stables, the park’s concessioner. Those traveling on horseback are able to enjoy over 180 miles of trails that range from smooth, wide paths to steep, narrow trailways. Guided rides depart from the stables, cross Skyline Drive, travel past the Limberlost area, and through an old apple orchard. It’s a truly genuine experience to appreciate the park atop such a strong companion.

Dress comfortably and bring along a picnic blanket and packed lunch, so you can stop at a scenic lookoff point and enjoy lunch on the grounds. You will need lots of drinking water to keep from becoming dehydrated along your journey.

Spring hiking offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds on popular trails. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail provides the quickest waterfall fix, while more adventurous hikers can tackle the 9.3-mile Whiteoak Canyon Loop for spectacular multi-tier waterfall views. Old Rag Mountain, one of Virginia's most popular hikes, becomes accessible as winter ice melts, offering challenging rock scrambles and 360-degree summit views. Remember that higher elevation trails may retain snow through May.

Spring brings black bears out of hibernation, making April and May prime months for bear sightings as they forage for food. White-tailed deer become more active, and fawns appear in late spring. Bird migration peaks in May, with over 200 bird species recorded in the park. Lamar Valley—wait, that's Yellowstone! In Shenandoah, head to Big Meadows at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife viewing, or explore the Dickey Ridge area in the park's northern district. Always maintain safe distances and never approach or feed wildlife.

The seven picnic areas in Shenandoah National Park are quite scenic and spacious. They are certainly an ideal setting for spending a relaxing lunch. What more could you ask for than such pristine surroundings? Picnic tables and grills are provided. Shenandoah, along with other National Parks, has worked hard to make as many of the parts of the park as accessible-friendly as possible so that everyone, of every ability, can take in the parks and their splendor. If needed, fully accessible settings are provided. Bring a packed lunch from home and some drinking water to share. Your pooch may tag along on your picnic adventure, but please keep them leashed at all times.

Summer provides ideal conditions for exploring the full 105-mile length of Skyline Drive, with all 70+ scenic overlooks accessible. Start early to beat crowds and catch golden-hour light painting the Shenandoah Valley below. Stop at the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center at Big Meadows (Mile 51) to learn about park history and pick up trail maps. The drive typically takes 3-4 hours without stops, but plan a full day to enjoy overlooks, short hikes, and waysides offering food and supplies.

Ranger-guided programs are a fantastic way to provide all visitors with an opportunity to dive into the wonders of the park. Just about anything you could want to know about this recreational area is provided in detailed talks and interpretive programs that are held throughout the season. Learn about the park’s thriving plants and animals, hike through mountain meadows, take in Shenandoah’s past, and so much more.

While the beautiful colors of fall fade, winter brings about its own beauty. The crisp, clear surroundings of Shenandoah National Park make for a pristine winter wonderland worth capturing. Geological features and supreme viewpoints make for spectacular photo subjects. The panoramas you can capture here are postcard-worthy. If you’re more into photographing wildlife, be sure to always maintain a safe distance and use that zoom (instead of your feet) to get a closer view.

The exhibits at Byrd Visitor Center tell stories of the park’s establishment and early developments, including tales that aren’t often discussed. Shenandoah’s landscape has changed greatly as a reflection of the values around it. The exhibit showcases those changes and compels visitors to get involved in the park’s future. While most facilities of the park are closed during the winter season, Byrd Visitor Center remains open with limited hours. It’s a nice setting to get out of that crisp winter air.

Avian enthusiasts will love Shenandoah’s winter bird life. Several species are actively searching for seeds and berries, or foraging through bark for insects. Look out for favorites, such as chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and more. Even when you can’t see them, you’ll be sure to hear them. That’s the beauty of the serene solitude Shenandoah supports in winter. To aid you on your journey, pack a bag which includes binoculars, a naturalist's guide, and a camera, so you can spot, identify, and record the unusual bird species you discover in the park.

Snow reveals animal tracks, scat, and signs of wildlife activity invisible during other seasons. Winter is an excellent time to learn about animal behavior by reading tracks. Deer, bobcats, and other creatures leave clear signatures in fresh snow. Bring a wildlife tracking guide and camera to document discoveries. Remember that wildlife is more vulnerable in winter, so maintain extra distance and never pursue animals.

Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Blue Ridge Mountain adventures, check out our Blue Ridge Parkway road trip guide.