8 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Shenandoah

Hey there!  Are you ready to plan an incredible trip to Shenandoah National Park?!  Spend some time among the peaks of Virginia’s gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.

Shenandoah is a place unlike any other — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come.  Overflowing with gorgeous overlooks, fabulous mountaintop trails, and exciting wildlife, there’s plenty to explore!  And with a captivating history, this enchanting place will leave you speechless.

There is so much to do.  You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.

I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details.  I’ve extensively explored Shenandoah National Park and am here to help!  Whether this is your first time to Shenandoah, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 8 things is for you.

What You Need to Know About Shenandoah National Park

• Shenandoah National Park is only 90 miles from Washington, D.C., making it a fabulous getaway!  Fall is popular in the park, but any season is a good time to go.  For more information on the park’s operating hours and seasons, click here.
• If you plan on hitting any trails in this park, you’ll definitely need a map.  Many of the trails have numerous intersections along their respective routes, and it can get confusing! This is the one I use and recommend. In conjunction with a map, pay attention to the blue or white blazes {lines painted on the rocks or trees} to help you navigate the trails.
• There are three lodges, four campgrounds, and five restaurants in the park.  To make lodging reservations or to learn more about your options, click here.
• Most points of interest in Shenandoah are along the 105-mile Skyline Drive that runs north and south through the park. Directions to trailheads and activities will reference the mile marker where they are located along this road.  For reference, the Front Royal Entrance Station is at mile 0, Skyland is at mile 41.7, Big Meadows is at mile 51.2, and the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station is at mile 105.
• The world-famous Appalachian Trail travels right through the heart of this park!  Many of the trails here meet up with or cross the Appalachian Trail at some point, so learn more about this spectacular trail before you go.

I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the most popular sights, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well.  Let the adventure begin!

Click NEXT to see this awesome list of 8 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Shenandoah National Park!

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