Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Shenandoah National Park
Q:Where is Shenandoah National Park located?
A:Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia just west of Washington, D.C.
Q:When will the fall leaves in Shenandoah National Park be at peak color?
A:Usually, the peak season for fall colors is mid-late October. However, it is dependent on the weather. The fall colors start at the higher altitudes, and gradually move down the mountain to the lower elevations.
Q:What activities are there to do at Shenandoah?
A:There are many wonderful ways to see and experience Shenandoah National Park. You can drive through and enjoy the scenery, hike, horseback ride, and take photographs, to name a few.
Q:What is the weather like at Shenandoah National Park?
A:The average temperature at Shenandoah is 65 degrees Fahrenheit; the average high in January is 42 degrees and the average high in July is 85 degrees. The mountains in Shenandoah National Park are usually 10° cooler than the valley below. Winters can be severe with snow and ice. In summer showers are the usual. Layered clothing is always suggested.
Q: How large is Shenandoah Park?
A:The total acreage is 196,466.19, including 79,579 acres of the designated wilderness area.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration?
A:Minimalist (3 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 1
Hiking/Exploring: 1 ½ days
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: ½ day
Adventurist (5 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 2 days
Hiking/Exploring: 2 days
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 day
Notes: The Skyline Drive has been called one of the most scenic drives in America. This 51 mile trip is brimming with historic points of interest and beautiful scenic overlooks. You will definitely want to devote an entire day to driving and exploring the Skyline Drive alone. If you have extra time, plan a day trip down into one of the quaint historic towns that live just outside the parks boarders, such as Luray, Front Royal, Waynesboro, and Shenandoah. The Luray Caverns in the Town of Luray are definitely worth a visit. There is also a very cool historical museum in the town of Luray as well as many restaurants shops and boutiques. Inside the park you will find more than 500 miles of hiking trails as well as many great opportunities for fishing, rock climbing and bouldering, horseback riding, bird watching, wildlife viewing and more! To really experience the true beauty of Shenandoah, you will need to plan some time exploring her beautiful trails and other back country locations. These trails lead to some breathtaking scenic overlooks and stunning waterfalls.
Q:How much is the entrance fee?
A:
VEHICLE = $30.00
Per private, non-commercial vehicle. Pass is valid for day of purchase and next six days. Includes passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs, vans, and converted buses.
MOTORCYCLE = $25.00
Pass is valid for day of purchase and next six days.
INDIVIDUAL = $15.00
Per person 16 years of age or older when entering by means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle, such as bicycles; taxis and limousines providing transportation only; buses carrying passengers not on a pre-packaged tour such as school groups visiting for recreational purposes; and buses or vans registered to non-profit organizations such as churches or schools. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee.
