State Parks and National Parks

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park, covering 197,000 acres, is a hiker's paradise.

Splendid trails lead to waterfalls, clear rushing streams, old home sites and scenic vistas off Skyline Drive. Wildflowers, birds and white-tailed deer are abundant and hikers sometimes see black bears foraging for food from late spring to early fall.

There are more than 500 miles of trails that vary in length from short leg-stretchers to a 101-mile segment of the Appalachian Trail. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (703-242-0693) operates six reservation-only cabins for hikers and seven huts for Appalachian Trail hikers.

The 105-mile Skyline Drive runs the full length of the park and connects with the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway.

Skyline Drive offers more than 75 overlooks that provide stunning vistas of the Piedmont region to the east and Shenandoah Valley to the west. You don't have to be a hiker to enjoy views or leisurely short strolls to wildflowers and forest edges.

Cyclists use Skyline Drive, the few public roads and a short hiker/biker path at Big Meadows. However, Skyline Drive is winding with sharp curves and inclines. Cyclists should exercise caution, considering the large camper trailers that travel that drive.

Two visitor centers along Skyline Drive are open April through late fall.

Backcountry camping is possible throughout the park with a permit, year-round. All facilities are closed in winter.

Fishing for native brook trout is possible if anglers are willing to hike to remote streams.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Shenandoah National Park. Courtesy of Shenandoah National Park. Photo by Richard Frear, courtesy of National Park Service.