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 at Shenandoah National Park?
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 at Shenandoah National Park?
A:
Vehicle: $30.00 for 7 Days
Motorcycles: $25.00 for 7 Days
Individuals: $15.00 for 7 Days
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service?
A:
Cellular service is very limited and not reliable through most of Shenandoah National Park. There is some availability at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and some west-facing overlooks. Public WiFi is available at Big Meadows Lodge, Byrd Visitor Center, and Skyland Resort.
Q:Are pets allowed inside of the park?
A:
Shenandoah National Park is one of the few national parks that does allow pets on trials with an exception of a few trails. Pets are not allowed on Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6), Stony Man Trail (mile 41.7) except for the portion that follows the Appalachian Trail, Limberlost Trail (mile 43), Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter, Old Rag Ridge Trail, Old Rag Saddle Trail, Ridge Access Trail (Old Rag area), Dark Hollow Falls Trail (mile 50.7), Story of the Forest Trail (mile 51), Bearfence Mountain Trail (mile 56.4), Frazier Discovery Trail (mile 79.5). You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets. Pet-friendly lodging is also available inside of the park.
Q:When can I see wildflowers at Shenandoah?
A:
Typically in the Spring, it occurs from the middle of March through the end of May. There are over 862 types of wildflowers found in the park. Usually, in May the park hosts a Wildflower Weekend in Shenandoah with information about the flowers in bloom. Plus this is a perfect time to visit the park, temperatures usually range from a low of 35 to a high of 70 degrees. These are the perfect temperatures to visit the park. Make sure you bring winter gear though, it tends to snow sometimes.
