28 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park & Beyond!

The best things to do in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia will help you make the most of your trip to this beautiful part of the Appalachian Mountains. From the top hikes to the best scenic overlooks, you’ll find your itinerary fills up quickly with the amazing activities available throughout the park.

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Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

There are plenty of things to do in Shenandoah National Park, but planning how to spend your time requires you to find the things that fit your interests! From hiking in Shenandoah National Park to simply driving and admiring the views at sunset, you’ll find there’s something for everyone in this incredible national park.

1. Drive Skyline Drive & Stop at Scenic Overlooks

Cruising the 105 mile scenic Skyline Drive is one of the best ways to experience Shenandoah National Park. It takes you through the full length of the park and offers over 75 scenic overlooks.

To make the most of driving Skyline Drive, you’ll want to make frequent stops at the overlooks. They offer some of the best unobstructed panoramic views of the mountains, without having to hike uphill.

Check out all the can’t miss mileposts on Skyline Drive.

Here are some of the best overlooks in Shenandoah NP that to you won’t want to miss!

Range View Overlook (Milepost 17)
Hazel Mountain Overlook (Milepost 33)
Jewell Hollow Overlook (Milepost 36.5)
Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Milepost 40.5)
Crescent Rock Overlook (Milepost 44)
Spitler Knoll Overlook (Milepost 48.1)
Franklin Cliffs Overlook (Milepost 49)
The Point Overlook (Milepost 55.5)
Crimora Lake Overlook (Milepost 92.6)

The Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park

2. Hike to Dark Hollow Falls

With over 500 miles of hiking trails, hiking in Shenandoah National Park is one of the best ways to explore the park. Kick-off your hiking with one of the tallest waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park at Dark Hollow Falls trail.

The trailhead for this hike is at the Dark Hollow Falls parking area just off Skyline Drive, directly north of Big Meadows and Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center. The hike comes in at 1.4 miles round trip taking you down hill to the base of the waterfall, one of the top sights in Shenandoah National Park, and then back up to your car.

Milepost: 50.7
Parking: Dark Hollow Falls parking area
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 560 feet
Type of hike: Out & back
Time needed: 1 – 1.5 hours

Know what to pack for a day hike with the Essential Hiking Packing List.

3. Summit the Highest Mountain in Shenandoah National Park at Hawksbill Mountain

The tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park is Hawksbill Mountain at 4,049 feet. It’s also known as one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park with multiple different routes available to get to the picturesque summit.

The fastest route to summit Hawksbill Mountain is on the Upper Hawksbill trail. For this hike, park in the Upper Hawksbill parking lot and start your uphill walk. You’ll gain about 500 feet of elevation on this out and back hike totaling 2.1 mile round trip.

Milepost: 46
Parking: Upper Hawksbill parking area
Distance: 2.1 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 488 feet
Type of hike: Out & back
Time needed: 1 – 1.5 hours

For a more challenging hike, the Hawksbill Summit trail, also known as the Lower Hawksbill trail, is for you. You’ll only have to hike 1.5 miles round trip, but you’ll be headed uphill most of the way climbing almost 700 feet in elevation.

Milepost: 45.6
Parking: Hawksbill Gap parking area
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 672 feet
Type of hike: Out & back
Time needed: 1 – 1.25 hours

Or you can combine these two hikes into the Hawksbill Loop trail! Head counter clockwise for a more gradual ascent or challenge yourself by going clockwise and doing the steeper climb.

Milepost: 45.6
Parking: Hawksbill Gap parking area
Distance: 2.7 miles
Elevation gain: 748 feet
Type of hike: Loop
Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours

4. Conquer Old Rag

One of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag Mountain Loop trail, is truly stunning and a must for serious hikers visiting Shenandoah. It will take you up switchbacks through the forest, scrambling over boulders, and past many false summits to incredible views.

You’ll know you’ve reached the top when you find the Old Rag Mountain sign where you’ll have a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It makes the climb well worth the effort!

Parking: Old Rag parking area (not off of Skyline Drive!)
Distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,683 feet
Type of hike: Loop
Time needed: 4-6 hours

As an alternative, you can also hike to Old Rag via Berry Hollow. This route is shorter and avoids the difficult boulder scramble that makes the Old Rag hike infamous, but it is still a challenging hike with some serious elevation gain.

Parking: Berry Hollow parking area (also not off of Skyline Drive!)
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,745 feet
Type of hike: Out & back
Time needed: 3.5 hours

Hiking Old Rag isn’t for the faint-hearted. Visit the Complete Guide to Hiking Old Rag to know the ins and outs of this challenging hike!

View of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the top of Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park

5. Catch the View at Marys Rock

For one of the best viewpoints in Shenandoah National Park, plan a hike up to Marys Rock. There are two ways to get there.

For the shorter, easier hike, take the Marys Rock South trail, which will take you up the Appalachian Trail. This trail is 3.1 miles round trip with just 800 feet of elevation gain.

Milepost: 33.5
Parking: Meadow Springs parking area
Distance: 3.1 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 784 ft
Type of hike: Out & back
Time needed: 1 hour 45 minutes

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike in Shenandoah National Park, try the Marys Rock North trail. This trail is considered the “official trail” vs. the alternate southern option, and packs a bigger punch with more elevation and distance.

Milepost: 31.6
Parking: Panorama parking area
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,210 ft
Type of hike: Out & back
Time needed: 2 hours

6. Climb Stony Man Mountain

The second highest peak in Shenandoah National Park is Stony Man at 4,040 feet. The short Stony Man Mountain trail starts at the Stony Man parking lot in Skyland and takes you up 300+ feet to the summit of Stony Man Mountain. It’s only a 1.5 mile loop trail and will only take about 1 hour to tackle.

Milepost: 41.7
Parking: Stony Man parking lot
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 320 feet
Type of hike: Loop
Time needed: 1 hour

7. Explore Rose River Falls

If you’re a waterfall lover, the Rose River trail may be your favorite hike in Shenandoah National Park. Follow this 3.8 mile loop trail clockwise to take you down to Rose River Falls and then past a number of other waterfalls along the Rose River.

Milepost: 49.5
Parking: Fishers Gap Overlook parking lot
Distance: 3.8 miles
Elevation gain: 875 feet
Type of hike: Loop
Time needed: 2 – 3 hours

8. Scramble up Bearfence Mountain

Get a 360 degree view of Shenandoah National Park by climbing up Bearfence Mountain trail. This short 1 mile hike will challenge you with a number of rocks and boulders to scramble over, but you’ll be rewarded with amazing views over the Shenandoah Valley. As a bonus, this hike also doesn’t have as much elevation gain as many in the park, climbing under 250 feet up!

Milepost: 56.4
Parking: Bearfence Mountain parking area
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation gain: 242 feet
Type of hike: Loop
Time needed: 30 minutes

9. Catch Sunrise and Sunset over the Mountains in Shenandoah

One of the best parts of Shenandoah National Park is that you have views out over both sides of the mountains. This makes it the perfect place to catch both sunrise and sunset! Plan your hiking in Shenandoah accordingly and you’ll have views and pictures that will last a lifetime.

If you’re going to get up early for sunrise, make it worthwhile by checking out the best places to see sunrise in Shenandoah National Park. These include:

Tunnel Parking Overlook (Milepost 32.5)
Buck Hollow Overlook (Milepost 32.8)
Hazel Mountain Overlook (Milepost 33.0)
Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Milepost 40.5)

While any west facing overlook along Skyline Drive will give you views of sunset, the best places to see sunset in Shenandoah National Park are:

Stony Man Summit (Milepost 41.7) – requires hiking!
The Point Overlook (Milepost 55.5)
Bearfence Mountain Summit (Milepost 56.4) – requires hiking!
Rockytop Overlook (Milepost 78.0)

Stay near Shenandoah National Park to make catching sunrise and sunset simple.
Check out the best places to stay nearby!

10. Admire the Wildlife in Big Meadows

Driving through Shenandoah National Park you’re sure to see some deer grazing by the road, but there’s more wildlife to see in Shenandoah. One of the best ways to find and experience wildlife is to visit Big Meadows. This large open field is a perfect location to witness animals in their natural habitat.

Other tips for finding wildlife in Shenandoah include:

Timing your outings to align to dawn and dusk when the animals are more active.
Paying attention to the edges of the landscape, like where the trees meet the grass, as this is a common place for animals to hang out.
Avoiding sudden movements and loud noises which may scare off the wildlife.

When you do spot wildlife in Shenandoah NP, pull off the road completely to admire them and make sure to give them their distance. Black bears are prevalent throughout the park and you should stay a safe distance of at least 150 feet back from them.

11. View the Night Sky

The high elevation and remoteness of Shenandoah National Park make it a perfect place to go stargazing! On clear nights you’ll be able to not only spot thousands of stars and constellations but also the Milky Way.

To make the most of the dark night sky in Shenandoah NP, plan ahead and stay nearby.

Track the moon phases before your trip. The stars and Milky Way are easier to see on a new moon when the sky is at its darkest.
Head to the Big Meadows area near the Rapidan Fire Road or the amphitheater in the Skyland area for unobstructed views.
Take a flashlight, but keep it off to help your eyes adjust to the darkness.
Pack a blanket or chairs to have someplace to sit while you admire the sky.

12. Learn more about Shenandoah National Park

There’s a lot of educational options in Shenandoah National Park to help you learn more about the area, the wildlife, and the plant life in the park. During your visit, check out some of these educational opportunities.

Exhibits in Shenandoah: Stop by the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (Milepost 4.6), Massanutten Lodge (Milepost 41.7), or the Byrd Visitor Center (Milepost 51) to check out exhibits about Shenandoah National Park.

Ranger Led Programs: Offered in the spring, summer, and fall, in-person ranger programs are held throughout the park every day of the week. Find the current schedule online.

Virtual Ranger Programs: Interested in learning about Shenandoah but unable to travel? You can attend virtual ranger programs too! Check them out here.

Rapidan Camp Tours: While on hold during the COVID pandemic, the Rapidan Camp (Milepost 51) tours offer an inside look at the former summer retreat of President Herbert and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. These tours do require reservations in advance, so make sure to book online!

Bonus Activities in Shenandoah National Park

While you might consider these bonus activities as some of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park, they certainly aren’t for everyone. But, if they align to your interests, definitely plan ahead to take advantage o the opportunities that await you in Shenandoah National Park!

Bike Shenandoah National Park

If you’re a serious cyclist, pack your bike! Biking in Shenandoah National Park is a popular activity for those looking to tackle the steep hills and blind curves along Skyline Drive.

You’ll work every muscle possible as you climb mountain roads and then soar down the other side. Remember to follow all road regulations and stay single file along the right side of the road. This will help keep you safe as you challenge yourself with the severe elevation gains you’re going to be making.

Go Fishing in Shenandoah National Park

With over 90 mountain streams, 70 of which contain fish, you’ll find fishing in Shenandoah a rewarding experience. While native brook trout are the most common fish, there are over 40 fish species and hundreds of aquatic insect species present in Shenandoah NP.

Keep in mind that the fish in Shenandoah are all wild. They do not stock their streams. And there are a number of regulations in place to help protect their streams. Review the fishing regulations in Shenandoah before casting your line!

Try Out Astrophotography in Shenandoah National Park

Are you into night photography? Shenandoah National Park is a perfect place to do it! With a perfect dark sky, you’ll be able to see constellations and even the Milky Way with the human eye. This makes it perfect for trying your hand at astrophotography in Shenandoah NP.

Make sure to learn about astrophotography before you go, and take all of the necessary equipment, including your camera, lens, extra batteries, and of course, a tripod.

Dark Hollows Falls in Shenandoah National Park — Dark Hollow Falls

Know the Ins & Outs of Visiting Shenandoah National Park

Plan ahead for your trip with insight into everything you need to know about Shenandoah National Park, including:

How to get to Shenandoah National Park
Entrance fees for Shenandoah National Park
When to visit Shenandoah National Park
Where to stay in Shenandoah National Park
How many days you need in Shenandoah National Park
Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park
What to pack for Shenandoah National Park
And more!

Read it now: Visiting Shenandoah National Park: What to Know Before You Go

Other Things to Do Near Shenandoah National Park

With just over 100 miles of driving and 500+ miles of hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park, you can certainly keep yourself busy for a few days. However, if you’re looking for more activities to add to your top things to do in Shenandoah National Park itinerary, here are some awesome ideas!

Hike the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail covers 2,193 miles making it the longest hiking trail in the world. It runs from Maine to Georgia meandering through 14 states! And, while you’re checking out the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find yourself likely hiking part of the Appalachian Trail!

That’s right, the Appalachian Trail runs through Shenandoah National Park following most of Skyline Drive. This means you can hike 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah. However, there are some additional famous sections of the Appalachian Trail worth checking out just south of Shenandoah NP in Roanoke, VA:

McAfee Knob: One of the most photographed places on the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob will take you on a 7.8 mile round trip hike to a famous hanging ledge that offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains below. You’ll gain about 1,800 feet on the amazing hike to McAfee Knob.

Dragon’s Tooth: Challenge yourself with this 4.5 mile round trip daredevil hike that takes you up narrow rocks to the top of the “tooth”! With about 1,250 feet of elevation gain, you’ll have awesome views at the top.

Tinkers Cliff: Make your way 7.3 miles round trip and almost 2,000 up to Tinker Cliffs where you’ll have beautiful views of the Catabwa Valley and McAfee Knob area.

Hiking along the Appalachian Trail to the famous McAfee Knob — McAfee Knob

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

As you exit Shenandoah National Park at the southern Rockfish Gap Entrance, you’ll be deposited onto the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive”, this 469 mile parkway meanders through the mountains from Shenandoah National Park to Smoky Mountain National Park.

If you have the opportunity to drive the entire parkway, you’re in for a treat! It will take you through endless opportunities for stunning views, challenging hikes, and charming towns, like Asheville, NC.

As you start your drive from Shenandoah down the Blue Ridge Parkway, here are a few stops nearby that you won’t want to miss:

Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail: Explore what was once the longest tunnel in America at the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. This 4.7 miles round trip trail takes you through a 4,700 foot tunnel in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Note that you can park at either the east or west side of the tunnel. Also, make sure to take your headlamp or flashlight as the tunnel isn’t lit!

Humpback Rocks: Just south of Shenandoah National Park, Humpback Rocks is located right off of milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers incredible views at the top of this 1.8 mile round trip trail with 800 feet of elevation gain. If you have more time, you can also hike it as a 3.8 mile loop gaining 1,100 feet of elevation!

Crabtree Falls: Located just 6 miles east of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 27.2 is Crabtree Falls in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This short hike is a 2.8 mile round trip trail up over 1,000 feet following a stunning waterfall most of the way.

Yankee Horse Ridge Trail & Wigwam Falls: Located right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 34.4, this stop does feature a 0.2 mile trail to a small waterfall, but it is more to check out the picturesque old railroad tracks that are overgrown by nature.

Crabtree Falls in Virginia — Crabtree Falls

Visit the Caverns near Shenandoah National Park

The Shenandoah area features a number of caverns to explore. Whether you make it a central focus of your trip or simply a quick stop along the way, you’ll be in awe at these amazing places – which is of course how they’ve ended up on the best things to do in Shenandoah NP list!

Here are three of the top choices for caverns near Shenandoah:

Luray Caverns: Located just west of Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns are the largest caves in the eastern United States. Take a guided tour of the caves or try out the Rope Adventure Park located there.

Shenandoah Caverns: Take a one-hour guided tour of the Shenandoah Caverns which will take you through one mile of the amazing underground world.

Skyline Caverns: Located in Front Royal, you can explore these caverns near Shenandoah with a one hour tour as well as visiting their miniature train, mirror maze, and nature trail!

Explore Virginia’s State Parks

In addition to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia has a number of other fabulous parks to check out. Some of the closest that you may want to add to your Shenandoah itinerary include:

Shenandoah River State Park: Located close to the Front Royal Entrance for Shenandoah National Park, this state park offers 24 miles of trails, 5.2 miles of shoreline, and plenty of camping opportunities!

Natural Bridge State Park: About 1.5 hours south of the Rockfish Gap Entrance, you’ll find Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia. This state park offers 7 miles of hiking trails, the 215 foot tall Natural Bridge, and a beautiful 30 foot waterfall. It’s so spectacular that it’s recognized as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

Douthat State Park: Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places is Douthat State Park as it helped play a role in developing parks nationwide. Here you’ll find plenty of fishing opportunities, a sandy swimming beach, boat rentals, over 43 miles of hiking, and more! And, it’s less than two hours from the southern part of Shenandoah!

Continue Exploring Beyond Shenandoah National Park

Continue planning what to do in Shenandoah with:

If you liked the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll love some of these other national parks:

Or you can continue your exploration of the southeastern United States with:

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28 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park & Beyond!

Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park