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National Park

Shenandoah National Park

InformationApr 22, 2026

Infrastructure Improvements to Old Rag Trailhead

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InformationApr 22, 2026

Shenandoah National Park Moved to Fully Cashless Fee Collection

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A man stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the receding mountains.

There are over 60 peaks with an elevation over 3,000 feet in Shenandoah.

Photo: NPS Photo / Neal Lewis

About

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore...and your journey begins right here!

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingClimbingRock ClimbingCompass and GPS
Geocaching
Fishing
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Hands-On
Citizen Science
Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Hunting and Gathering
Gathering and Foraging
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, west of Washington, D.C. It stretches 105 miles and has four entrances: Front Royal (northern entrance), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (southern entrance to Shenandoah and the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The physical address listed is to the administrative offices, not the Park itself. GPS can be unreliable for navigating to the Park, so we encourage you to check out our website for more info.

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Weather

Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The park spans roughly 100 miles, which means that weather can vary greatly depending on your location. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.

News

May 29, 2026

Shenandoah National Park Announces Extended Public Safety and Sobriety Campaign through November

To ensure the safety of millions of annual visitors, Shenandoah National Park will conduct a sustained high-visibility traffic safety campaign and periodic checkpoints beginning June 1, 2026, and continuing through Nov. 15, 2026.

Shenandoah National Park Celebrates 40th Annual Wildflower Weekend May 2 & 3
Apr 22, 2026

Shenandoah National Park Celebrates 40th Annual Wildflower Weekend May 2 & 3

Shenandoah National Park will celebrate spring wildflowers during its 40th annual Wildflower Weekend on May 2-3, 2026.

Shenandoah National Park to conduct aerial limestone applications to improve stream health
Jan 30, 2026

Shenandoah National Park to conduct aerial limestone applications to improve stream health

Shenandoah National Park will conduct an aerial limestone application to reduce the acidity of Meadow Run, a stream near mile 90 on Skyline Drive, between February 2, 2026, and February 28, 2026.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25.00