How do I get to the park?
What is the difference between Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge?
If I arrive late will the park be open?
When will the fall leaves in Shenandoah National Park be at peak color?
What is there to do in the park?
How long is the Skyline Drive?
Are pets allowed in lodge rooms?
What are the admission fees for the park?
Can I make a camping reservation with you?
How do I get to the park?
If you are driving to the park, four highways bisect the park. The park’s four entrances are located at:
- Front Royal accessible via I-66 and Route 340
- Thornton Gap accessible via Route 211
- Swift Run Gap accessible via Route 33
- Rockfish Gap accessible via I-64 and Route 250 (Rockfish Gap is also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway.)
If you’re flying, the four closest major airports are:
- Washington Dulles International, 65 miles to Thornton Gap Entrance Station
- Reagan National, 80 miles to Thornton Gap Entrance Station
- Shenandoah Valley Regional, 27 miles to Swift Run Gap
- Charlottesville-Albemarle, 31 miles to Swift Run Gap
What is the difference between Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge?
Skyland Resort is the larger of the two properties with 179 rooms. It’s located at the highest point on Skyline Drive (Mile 41.7), and listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Skyland Resort has a longer season than Big Meadows Lodge, from early April through late November. Guided horseback riding is offered daily from the Skyland Stables.
Big Meadows Lodge (Mile 51.2) has 97 guest rooms and offers close proximity to the Byrd Visitor Center. Big Meadows Lodge was built in 1939. The Great Room of the chestnut-paneled main lodge is a cozy place to relax and read by the fireplace.
If I arrive late will the park be open?
Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the park, are periodically closed during inclement weather and at night during deer hunting season. You can still enter the park on foot to hike - even when Skyline Drive is closed. Facilities and services begin operating in April and close down completely in late November. For more information call the park’s recorded information line: 540.999.3500.
When will the fall leaves in Shenandoah National Park be at peak color?
Usually, the peak seasaon for fall colors is mid-to-late-October. However, it’s dependent on the weather. The fall colors start at the higher altitudes and gradually move down the mountain to the lower elevations.
What is there to do in the park?
Wind your way through lush forests. Breathe in fresh mountain air. Relax near a cool cascading waterfall. There's no better way to experience Shenandoah National Park than on its 500+ miles of hiking trails. Pick up trail maps at entrance stations or visitor information centers. Degree of difficulty ranges from a leisurely stroll to a strenuous hike. The Limberlost Trail is also wheelchair accessible. Try a self-guided trail (guide booklets are at trailheads and information centers), a ranger-led interpretive program or an Explore & Experience guided program. For more information call 800.778.2871, Opt. 1 then Opt. 2.
At Shenandoah National Park you can also enjoy:
How long is the Skyline Drive?
Skyline Drive, designated as one of America’s Scenic Byways, is 105 miles (169.0 km) long. It’s an integral element of Shenandoah National Park, offering spectacular vistas in every season and 75 overlooks to enjoy the beautiful views of the valley.
Are pets allowed in guest rooms?
Pets are allowed in a limited number of rooms at Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge. All rooms at Lewis Mountain Cabins are pet-friendly. The following pet policies apply:
- $25.00 per pet/per night non-refundable cleaning fee charged for cabin rooms and $10.00 per pet/per night non-refundable cleaning fee charged for tent cabin.
- No more than two well-behaved pets per room permitted. Service animals always allowed. Pet owners will be liable for any additional cleaning bills or repairs should they be required.
- Limited rooms available. Please inquire about room at time of booking reservation.
Pets must be declared at check-in. In consideration of all guests, pets must be attended at all times. Your pet cannot be left alone in your room unless in a portable kennel.
- Pets cannot be tied or left unattended on balconies.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times while in the Park. Check the Park's website for their current policy http://www.nps.gov/shen
- Pets are not permitted in any public building. Service animals always allowed.
When walking pets on the property, please be considerate of other guests and clean up after your pet.
- Mutt mitts are located inside each room.
What are the admission fees for the park?
Automobile Passes
- December through February: $10.00 per private, non-commercial vehicle
- March through November: $15.00 per private, non-commercial vehicle
- Automobile Pass is valid for day of purchase and next six days. Includes passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs, vans and converted buses.
Motorcycle Passes
- $10.00 (Pass is valid for day of purchase and next six days.)
Individual Passes
- December through February: $5.00 per person 16 years of age or older when entering by means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle.
- March through November: $8.00 per person 16 years of age or older when entering by means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle.
- Pass is valid for the day of purchase and next six days
- Examples of individual passes include walk-in entries at high-use areas such as Old Rag, Berry Hollow, Weakley Hollow, Lower Whiteoak Canyon, and Little Devils Stairs; 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.
Commercial Tour Passes
- $25.00: 1-6 Passengers ($25.00 + $5.00 per passenger)
- $75.00: 7-15 Passengers
- $100.00: 16-25 Passengers
- $200.00: 26+ Passengers
- Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers.
- A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service.
- The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
- Possession of a national park passport or the ages of the passengers does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle’s capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Can I make camping reservations directly with Shenandoah National Park?
You can make camping reservations at Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, and Loft Mountain Campgrounds by calling 877.444.6777 or you can book online at http://www.Recreation.gov. Lewis Mountain Campground is first-come, first-served. Campgrounds are operated by the National Park Service.