Our Perfect Way to Spend a Day!
If you’ve never been to Shenandoah National Park, it’s helpful to have a plan to ensure you see and do it all. We’ve put together our favorite 3-day itinerary that celebrates the sound of rustling leaves, chirping birds and trickling streams, the sight of a glowing sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains, the feeling of being immersed in nature and of time standing still.
And while you’re planning your visit, be sure to check out our Specials & Packages - we're bound to have a deal that suits your interest.
Day of Arrival:
Stay With Us See It All - Accommodations include guest rooms, lodge rooms, cabins, and suites to suit your personal preferences. We offer three distinct locations within the park. Skyland Resort, at the highest point on Skyline Drive; Big Meadows Lodge, surrounded by history and beauty; Lewis Mountain Cabins, cozy cabins in a quiet, natural setting.
Add Some Flavor to Your Visit - The dining opportunities at Shenandoah are as diverse as the views. We strive to use fresh, local ingredients when possible and our Executive Chef varies the menu with the changing seasons. Whether you’re dining at Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge or our Wayside Food Stops, you’ll find a wonderful selection to quench your appetite.
Look Up, Be Dazzled - Depending on the time of year, celestial objects viewed can vary from a quarter moon to the planets, distant galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and double stars. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and discover the heavenly lights. Night Skies Program is a one of its kind experience.
1st Full Day:
Breakfast - You can indulge in scrumptious breakfast at Pollock Dining Room at Skyland Resort or at Spottswood Dining Room in Big Meadows Lodge - Served Daily: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM. Pack some lunch before you head out on your hiking trip.
An Experience of a life time - We have an array of hikes for you to choose from. Some of them are as follows:
- Explore Shenandoah with family - Discover hidden treasures on family-friendly guided Scavenger Hike Adventures from Skyland or Big Meadows Lodge.
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History & Culture - Tour historic Rapidan Camp, President Hoover’s summer retreat. Travel by van with a Park Ranger on this 3 hour tour. You’ll visit the authentically refurnished President’s cabin and then explore on your own.
- All About Kids - Led by the Shenandoah Mountain Guides, the Rock Climbing/Rappelling program is designed to be an Introductory through Intermediate level program in rock climbing and rappelling, with Little Stony Man cliffs providing an unforgettable environment for learning. All required gear is provided for this program.
Ride Off into the Beauty - Take a 1-hour Guided Horseback Ride from the Skyland Stables that takes you by an old apple orchard in the Limberlost area.
Add Some Flavor to Your Visit - The dining opportunities at Shenandoah are as diverse as the views. We strive to use fresh, local ingredients when possible and our Executive Chef varies the menu with the changing seasons. Whether you’re dining at Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge or our Wayside Food Stops, you’ll find a wonderful selection to quench your appetite.
2nd Full Day:
Breakfast - You can indulge in scrumptious breakfast at the Pollock Dining Room at Skyland Resort or at Spottswood Dining Room in Big Meadows Lodge - Served Daily: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM. Pack some lunch before you head out on your hiking trip.
Into the Woods, Guided by Experts - We have an array of guided hikes for you to chose from. Some of them are as follows:
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Explore and Experience Guided Hikes - The Shenandoah Mountain Guides lead these hiking experiences to waterfalls, wildflowers and mountain vistas. All destinations are significant because of their natural beauty and cultural significance.
- Junior Ranger Programs and Scavenger Hike Adventures - Unlock the mysteries of Shenandoah National Park through fun and educational activities on a Junior Ranger Program. For kids ages 7-12, meet up with a National Park Ranger
White-oak Basket Making & Shenandoah’s Legacy -Learn the age old art of basket making with artisan Clyde Jenkins. Clyde teaches participants how to make a Colonial-style white oak basket with techniques handed down through the generations.
Add Some Flavor to Your Visit - The dining opportunities at Shenandoah are as diverse as the views. We strive to use fresh, local ingredients when possible and our Executive Chef varies the menu with the changing seasons. Whether you’re dining at Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge or our Wayside Food Stops, you’ll find a wonderful selection to quench your appetite.
Day of Departure:
Breakfast - You can indulge in scrumptious breakfast at the Pollock Dining Room at Skyland Resort or at Spottswood Dining Room in Big Meadows Lodge - Served Daily: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Beyond Souvenirs - As you travel along Skyline Drive, be sure to stop at one of our gift shops for a variety of gifts and apparel. All have a selection of our private label Shenandoah wine (bottled by a Virginia winery) plus our locally made jams and jellies. Stop by and browse to find the perfect Shenandoah souvenir.
Extend Your Stay - Visit Shenandoah's Neighbors
Caverns
Visit cool caverns and escape summer's heat — if only for a few hours. Children thrill to the eerie worlds created by dripstone stalactites and stalagmites. Obtain a copy of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Guide from the front desk for their locations.
The legendary Shenandoah River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing, tubing or kayaking. Outfitters in Front Royal and Luray will launch or guide you and pick you up at trip’s end. Obtain a copy of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Guide from the front desk for contact information.
Wineries 119 award winning vineyards are located throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia. Virginia’s Wine Country features tours, tastings and special holiday open houses. Obtain a copy of Virginia’s Wine Country brochure at the front desk.
Antique Shops Virginia’s country roads are dotted with antique shops and auctions where treasures from many eras can still be found.
Historic Civil War Battlefields
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More Civil War battles were fought in Virginia than in any other state and Virginia battlegrounds have been preserved and maintained by the National Park Service, Virginia State Parks and private organizations. You just might hear the echoes of the battle cries, see the soldiers in their trenches and smell the lingering smoke of musket-fire as you tour Virginia’s battlefields. The history of the nation during those tumultuous years is reenacted at battlefields, plantations and museums.
Historic Homes Virginia’s architecture spans four centuries with many national landmarks from Alexandria to Winchester. The presidential homes of Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, James Madison, Woodrow Wilson and architectural marvels are all within an easy drive from the park.