A Natural Attraction, Unlike Any Other
Shenandoah National Park is a destination with dramatic expanses of unspoiled wilderness and fascinating historic sites that combine to create a vacation unlike any other. This national park is long and narrow, with the broad Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley on the west side, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont on the east. Given the close proximity of the park facilities to these areas, this is a desirable vacation destination. Here, you’ll connect with nature and our American past at a pace that lets you relax, settle in and enjoy the journey. For many, the experience starts on Skyline Drive – but a brief stop in our Visitor Centers will reveal that this National Scenic Byway offers just a glimpse of all Shenandoah has to offer.
Wildlife
Deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other woodland animals call Shenandoah home and regularly cross Skyline Drive in their daily travels. Watch carefully for these animals for they may dart across your path without warning. At 35 mph, you’ll stand the best chance of experiencing a fun and exciting wildlife encounter! If you want a closer look, be sure to pull completely off the Skyline Drive but stay in your vehicle. And remember it is unlawful to feed the wildlife.
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Trails
Stony Man Trail - Mile 41.7 on Skyline Drive. Located close to Skyland, this trail takes you to the parks’ second highest peak. The Stony Man Trail is steep but fairly easy to hike with great views to the west.
- Distance: 1.6 miles, roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy hike
Millers Head Trail - Mile 42.5 on Skyline Drive. From the parking area beyond the Skyland Stables, this trail experiences rocky, steep sections and takes you to a historic observation platform with panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.
- Distance: 1.6 miles, roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate hike
Black Rock Trail - Mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive. Located close to Big Meadows Lodge, this trail starts just past the cabins and will take you to the scenic overlook.
- Distance: .5 mile, rountrip
- Difficulty: Easy hike
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Dark Hollow Falls Trail - Mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive. Desend alongside a cascading stream to a scenic waterfall. Be careful on your return since the terrain is steep.
- Distance: 2.2 miles, roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate-to-challenging
Whiteoak Canyon Falls Trail - Mile 42.6. This trail is very steep and will take 3-4 hours to hike to the first waterfall and back. There are six additional waterfalls to see on this trail. Here is a link to the Whiteoak Canyon Falls trail map, provided by the National Park Service.
- Distance: 5 miles, roundtrip
- Difficulty: Challenging
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Historic Sites
Rapidan Camp - Mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive. Travel by van for 30 minutes to tour President Hoover’s summer retreat. Visit the authentically refurnished President’s cabin with a Park Ranger, then explore on your own. Tour duration - 3 hours. Reserve by phone (540-999-3500 ext. 3283) or in person at Byrd Visitor Center from Memorial Weekend to late October. Check the National Park Service website for current schedule.
Massanutten Lodge - Mile 41.7 on Skyline Drive. Tour the restored 1911 bungalow home of Addie Pollock with a Park Ranger and learn about the figures and forces of early Skyline Resort. Tour duration - 1 hour. Located on the historic lower level area at Skyland Resort. Check National Park Service website for current schedule.