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Shenandoah National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Virginia

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore...and your journey begins right here!

🌤 Weather Information

Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The park spans roughly 100 miles, which means that weather can vary greatly depending on your location. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.

🚗 Directions

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, west of Washington, D.C. It stretches 105 miles and has four entrances: Front Royal (northern entrance), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (southern entrance to Shenandoah and the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The physical address listed is to the administrative offices, not the Park itself. GPS can be unreliable for navigating to the Park, so we encourage you to check out our website for more info.

Images

A man stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the receding mountains.

There are over 60 peaks with an elevation over 3,000 feet in Shenandoah.

Credit: NPS Photo / Neal Lewis

A man stands with his back facing us, looking at a waterfall.

Dark Hollow Falls, at 70 feet, is our most visited waterfall.

Credit: NPS Photo / Katy Cain

A close up shot of a Red-Bellied Woodpecker with a blurry teal background.

There are over 200 species of bird that call Shenandoah "home."

Credit: NPS Photo / Neal Lewis

A road surrounded by fall foliage turns a curve around a small waterfall.

There are 105 miles to explore on Skyline Drive.

Credit: NPS Photo / Neal Lewis

Looking up at a poplar stand canopy, which is turning yellow in fall.

This poplar stand at mile 8 is a popular stop for visitors entering from the north entrance.

Credit: NPS Photo / Katy Cain

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Entry for one motorcycle and one passenger for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
Entry for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Includes entering the Park by all means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee.
$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
This fee is for commercial use between 1-6 passengers (sedan). The total cost is calculated: $25 for the vehicle + $10 per passenger.
$10.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$75.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$200.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance fees, provided that visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use, support those purposes. Request an academic fee waiver through the education section of our website.
$0.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Fee is calculated per person for anyone 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Groups will not be charged more than the equivalent commercial group fee.
$15.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
Provides unlimited entry for one year to the pass holder and passengers in the same vehicle, not to exceed 4 total adults. Children under 16 are admitted for free and are not included in this total. Purchase online or at any of our entrance stations.
$55.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Sunday, Mar 29

Sunny

Sunny

High: 67.3°F | Low: 29.7°F

Humidity: 39%

Wind: 12.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.5

Sunrise: 07:03 AM

Sunset: 07:35 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (83%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 35.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Mar 30

Overcast

Overcast

High: 66°F | Low: 47.1°F

Humidity: 59%

Wind: 11.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 07:02 AM

Sunset: 07:36 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (90%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 46.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Mar 31

Sunny

Sunny

High: 76.3°F | Low: 53.8°F

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 12.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.4

Sunrise: 07:00 AM

Sunset: 07:37 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (95%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 59.2°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (2)

⚠️ Special Weather Statement (Moderate)
▼

Special Weather Statement issued March 29 at 2:01AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

Effective: Mar 29, 2026 2:01am
Expires: Mar 29, 2026 8:00pm

The combination of drying fine fuels, relative humidities around
20 to 30 percent, and wind gusts around 20 to 25 mph will lead to
an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires today.

Following modest early morning relative humidity recovery, the
conditions most conducive to fire spread are expected from late
morning through early evening (roughly 10 AM to 8 PM EDT).

Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette
butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate
containers. Additionally, exercise caution if operating any
equipment that could create sparks and keep vehicles off of dry
grass. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could
easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

Lastly, remember to obey local burn bans. For more information about
wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and
education, please visit your state forestry or environmental
protection website.

For West Virginia, visit www.wvforestry.com
For Maryland, visit dnr.maryland.gov
For Virginia, visit dof.virginia.gov

⚠️ Special Weather Statement (Moderate)
▼

Special Weather Statement issued March 29 at 4:32AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Effective: Mar 29, 2026 4:32am
Expires: Mar 29, 2026 7:00pm

The combination of relative humidity values in the 25 to 30
percent range, dry fine fuels, and wind gusts up to 15 mph will
result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires
this afternoon across central and inland eastern Virginia, and
interior northeast North Carolina.

Everyone is urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts,
matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers.
Additionally, exercise caution if operating any equipment that
could create sparks, and keep vehicles off of dry grass. Most dry
grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite
and spread fire quickly.

A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service
is currently in place. All open burning is prohibited until
further notice.

Park Alerts

Skyline Drive Status Park Closure
Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Thornton Gap (miles 0-31.5) is open. Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap (miles 31.5-65.7) remains closed. Swift Run Gap to Rockfish Gap (miles 65.7-105) is open.
Skyline Drive Status Park Closure
The entire length of Skyline Drive (miles 0 to 105) closed Friday, January 23, for a snowstorm. Notifications will be updated as conditions improve.
Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag Information
March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.

More Info

Potential delays during stone wall rehabilitation project Caution
The stone wall that lines Skyline Drive is being rehabilitated between miles 72.8 and 75.7. There will be a single lane closure for the duration of this work, with an established work zone that will be managed by flaggers. Visitors should expect delays.
Skyline Drive Status Park Closure
Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (miles 0-5) is now open. All other sections remain closed due to icy conditions.
Charging Stations are Currently Unavailable Information
The charging stations at Skyland are currently out of service.
Necessary Upgrades Underway at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center in September Information
For visitor safety, please avoid the construction area and follow all signage and fencing. Visitor center operations will not be impacted.
Aerial limestone applications between February 2-28, 2026 Park Closure
Shenandoah National Park will conduct aerial limestone applications between February 2 and February 28, 2026, to reduce the acidity of Meadow Run, a stream near mile 90 on Skyline Drive. Visitors planning to be in the park should follow for updates and use the "more" link for information.

More Info

Skyline Drive Status Information
Click for more information.
Skyline Drive Status Park Closure
Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Loft Mountain (miles 0-79.5) is open. Loft Mountain to Rockfish Gap (mile 105) remains closed for aerial liming operations.
Get Skyline Drive Status Updates Information
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.

More Info

Big Meadows Gas Pumps Out of Service Caution
Gas pumps at Big Meadows Wayside are currently out of service (mile 51). Visitors should fill up their tanks before entering the Park.
Potential delays during stone wall rehabilitation project Caution
The stone wall that lines Skyline Drive is being rehabilitated between miles 72.8 and 75.7. There will be a single lane closure for the duration of this work, with an established work zone that will be managed by flaggers. Visitors should expect delays.
Shenandoah National Park Moves to Fully Cashless Fee Collection July 1 Information
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
Skyline Drive Status Information
Click for more information.

More Info

Skyline Drive Status Park Closure
Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Thornton Gap (miles 0-31.5) is now open. The remainder of Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap to Rockfish Gap (miles 31.5-105) is closed due to icy conditions and snow removal operations.

More Info

Get Skyline Drive Status Updates Information
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Loft Mountain Campground: Temporary Water Outage Caution
The water supply system at the campground is undergoing repairs. At this time, there is no drinking water or functioning toilets or showers.
Parking at Boundary Access Areas Caution
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.
Necessary Upgrades Underway at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center in September Information
For visitor safety, please avoid the construction area and follow all signage and fencing. Visitor center operations will not be impacted.
Park Emergency Phone Line Caution
At this time, the park's main emergency phone line is out of service. Please direct all emergency calls to (540) 999-2227 or 911.
Charging Stations are Currently Unavailable Information
The charging stations at Skyland are currently out of service.
Skyline Drive Status Park Closure
All of Skyline Drive is closed due to snow accumulation and icy conditions. Notifications will be provided as conditions change.
Shenandoah National Park Moves to Fully Cashless Fee Collection July 1 Information
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag Information
March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.

More Info

Parkwide Phone Outage Information
Due to an ongoing outage, all Shenandoah National Park phone lines, including emergency lines, are out of service. In case of an emergency, please dial 911.
Parking at Boundary Access Areas Caution
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense.

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835

🏤 Mailing Address:
Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835

📞 Voice Phone: 5409993500

✉️ Email: shen_info@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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