The Ultimate Shenandoah National Park Mini Guide
Shenandoah National Park is one of our favorite East Coast destinations to experience in the fall, when the rolling ridges of Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains burst into shades of red, orange, and gold. Peak foliage varies by elevation—higher elevations near Skyline Drive and overlooks such as Stony Man and Hawksbill often turn earlier in October, while lower valleys like Big Meadows and Rose River Canyon peak later in the month, making the park a vibrant place to explore throughout the season. Visitors can enter the park through four entrance stations (Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap) with a standard national park entrance fee, and find helpful information at either Dickey Ridge Visitor Center or Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center. We find it best to explore all that the park has to offer over at a minimum a three day period. Parking can be limited at popular trailheads and overlooks, especially on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early in the day and, if possible, plan your visit during the week for a more relaxed experience.
Shenandoah National Park features over 500 miles of trails with 101 miles being the Appalachian Trail. With so many trails there are plenty of hikes for those of all skill levels. Some of our favorite easy to moderate hikes that take you to the ridge line include Blackrock Summit, Stony Man Summit, Hawksbill Summit, and Bearfence Mountain. One of the hardest hikes in the park but by far our favorite is Old Rag. There are several different trials that you can hike to get to the summit of Old Rag with varying difficulty in terms of milage and the amount of rock scambling. From March to November of each year you will need a permit to do any of the Old Rag trails.
If you like chasing waterfalls, then Shenandoah National Park is the place for you! The central area of the park has so many options to choose from and we narrowed it down to our 2 favorites! Fall is the perfect time to visit as the fall foliage just makes a waterfall scene that much more epic! Dark Hollow Falls is one of the shortest hiking options but it still packs a punch in elevation. South River Falls is a more gradual out & back trail with an incredible 83 foot waterfall. We couldn’t believe how big this one was in person!
Shenandoah National Park is famous not only for its endless hiking trails in the fall but also for offering one of Virginia’s most scenic drives. Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles from the park’s northern tip to its southern end, winding through brilliant fall foliage and featuring 75 overlooks with breathtaking views. Our favorite sunrise spots include Hazel Mountain Overlook and Buck Hollow Overlook.
If you are looking for places to stay, we would recommend staying in Luray, Elkton, or Front Royal if you are not staying in the park. If you are looking for a bigger town and don’t mind driving 30+ minutes to get to the nearest park entrance, you can also stay in Harrisonburg. If you are wanting to stay inside the park itself there are also quite a few options from lodges to campgrounds but they fill up quickly. These include Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge, and Lewis Mountain Cabins. Campgrounds inside the park are Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, Loft Mountain, and Matthew’s Arm.
Shenandoah National Park Fall Guide
Discover the magic of Shenandoah in peak fall with our all-in-one digital guide. Inside, you’ll find detailed write-ups of 12 must-do hikes, 18 stunning overlooks. We’ve provided the best times to visit, and tips for chasing waterfalls, catching sunrise and sunset, and planning the perfect trip. We’ve also included sample 2- and 3-day itineraries, lodging and dining recommendations, plus a downloadable map with all pinned trailheads, overlooks, and eateries to make planning effortless. Whether you’re seeking fiery foliage views, bucket-list hikes like Old Rag, or family-friendly trails, this guide has everything you need to create your ultimate Shenandoah fall adventure.
