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Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA

Photo: Shenandoah National Park from Virginia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorIconicOutdoor Adventure

Shenandoah National Park

Thornton Gap Entrance, US-211 at Skyline Drive · Luray, VA

Why you should go…

Shenandoah National Park follows the crest of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, with Skyline Drive running 105 miles along its length. You can pull off at overlooks or hike down to waterfalls such as 70-foot Dark Hollow Falls. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and Hawksbill Mountain is its highest peak at 4,051 feet. Lodges at Skyland and Big Meadows offer overnight stays.

  • #national park
  • #skyline drive
  • #hiking
  • #waterfalls
  • #scenic drive

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Shenandoah National Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Luray Caverns

    $25–$50

    The largest cavern system in the eastern US, famous for towering formations and the Great Stalacpipe Organ.

    8.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Page County, Virginia

    Free

    Shenandoah Valley county home to Luray Caverns, Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive, and mountain cabin getaways.

    9.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Skyline Caverns

    $25–$50

    A show cave near Front Royal with guided cavern tours, a mini train, mirror maze, and a free nature trail.

    17 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    The Great Bungee Company

    $50+

    Leap off a platform above a flooded quarry at Harpers Ferry, the area's newest adrenaline stop.

    56 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Great Falls Park

    Under $25

    Watch the Potomac River crash over a series of cascades from three overlooks, then hike the cliffs above Mather Gorge.

    62 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Key Bridge Boathouse

    Under $25

    A Georgetown boathouse on the Potomac renting kayaks, canoes and paddleboards with guided tours available.

    69 mi awayMore like this