Shenandoah National Park
RV Guide

While the campgrounds and most facilities are closed, the park is open all year round. That means visitors are free to enjoy all open road ways and trails as they would during other seasonal operating times. Winter brings on a whole other set of challenges to trails. You want to be sure you come extra prepared for any change in weather; that means bring plenty of extra food and water, and lots of layers of clothing and blankets. These aren’t hikes that are recommended for beginners, but those that are up for the challenge will enjoy an experience few others do.

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.

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.

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.

With campgrounds closed and few hikers roaming the trails and backcountry wilderness, a new foot traffic is witnessed. The quietude the park experiences in winter is a perfect setting for getting to see all sorts of woodland animals. On snowy days, when white blankets the ground, be sure to look out for any array of tracks. Rabbits, deer, squirrels, turkey, and other benign critters are busy foraging for food, as are the fox and bobcats. It’s such a wonderful experience to catch a glimpse of nature doing what it does best.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The hike to get to these falls is a bit more on the moderately strenuous side, with a round trip totaling almost 6.5 miles. The trail climbs a good 1,850 feet, so it’s advised for only hikers who are conditioned to gradual inclines. The trek is so worth it. Just when climbing seems like it may be too much, you’ve reached your destination - a towering, 93-foot waterfall. The cascading waters are breathtaking (or maybe it’s all that hiking…). From here, you’ll also have an impressive view of the Valley and Massanutten Mountain.

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.

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.

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.

Many of the park’s visitors come for this drive alone. It provides so many phenomenal overlooks and breathtaking views. In spring, the park is still quite quiet, as most campgrounds open again in May. This is a great time to get out and enjoy Skyline Drive without all the hustle and bustle of other eager visitors. Roadways may still be slick, but any road closings should have passed with winter. Be prepared to shift into a lower gear if traveling with a larger haul and make sure you’ll pass clearance at Marys Rock Tunnel at 12 foot, eight inches. Wildlife will regularly cross Skyline Drive as well, so always remain vigilant.

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.

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.

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.