Shenandoah National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Virginia

📘 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

Horse Trekking
Scenic Driving
Wildlife Watching
Park Film
Astronomy
Horseback Riding
Food
Shopping
Citizen Science
Hands-On
Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Bookstore and Park Store
Backcountry Camping
Birdwatching
Auto and ATV
Biking
Group Camping
Gathering and Foraging
Hunting and Gathering
Rock Climbing
Road Biking
Car or Front Country Camping
Camping
Fishing
Climbing
Hiking
Compass and GPS
RV Camping
Picnicking
Museum Exhibits
Geocaching
Stargazing
Junior Ranger Program
Dining

Topics

Arts
Fire
Roads, Routes and Highways
Animals
Mountains
Fish
Schools and Education
Forests and Woodlands
Rock Landscapes and Features
Endangered
Climate Change
Trails
Waterfalls
Unique Species
Grasslands
Birds
Scenic Views
Night Sky
Meadows
Wilderness
Watersheds
Geology
Great Depression
Presidents
Ancient Seas
Transportation

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

Wednesday, Aug 12

Sunny

High: 91.8°F | Low: 65.8°F

Humidity: 67%

Wind: 5.1 mph

Rain Chance: 57%

UV Index: 6.9

Sunrise: 06:25 AM

Sunset: 08:12 PM

Moon: New Moon (0%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 69.3°F

Cloud Cover: 57%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Aug 13

Partly Cloudy

High: 89.8°F | Low: 64.7°F

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 4 mph

Rain Chance: 70%

UV Index: 8.2

Sunrise: 06:26 AM

Sunset: 08:10 PM

Moon: New Moon (2%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 70.2°F

Cloud Cover: 70%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Aug 14

Sunny

High: 89.2°F | Low: 60.9°F

Humidity: 68%

Wind: 11 mph

Rain Chance: 18%

UV Index: 7.5

Sunrise: 06:27 AM

Sunset: 08:09 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (5%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 67.7°F

Cloud Cover: 18%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

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.

4/13/26 Fire ban in effect Caution

Due to high fire danger and dry conditions, Shenandoah National Park has issued a parkwide fire ban which prohibits all open-air fires. Only gas and or propane stoves are permitted at this time.

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.

Temporary Closure Order Public Notice Park Closure

Click "more" for details.

More Info

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 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

Lower Whiteoak Canyon Boundary Access Closed Due to Flooding Park Closure

As of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the lower Whiteoak Canyon parking area (accessed from Weakley Hollow Road) is closed and inaccessible due to a flooded roadway and unsafe conditions.

Power Outages Throughout the Park Caution

Due to recent storms, there may be power outages throughout Shenandoah National Park. Facilities are open and accessible, but some services could be impacted.

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

Extreme heat during holiday weekend Caution

Extreme heat and possible thunderstorms have been issued in the park and surrounding areas from July 1-6, 2026. Temperatures are expected to reach dangerous levels. Visitors should take precautions against extreme heat—hydrate often, plan activities for early morning or late evening, check the weather forecast, and know the signs of heat-related illness.

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.

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 Moved to Fully Cashless Fee Collection 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

Prescribed Burn in Big Meadows Caution

Weather permitting, fire personnel plan to conduct a prescribed fire Wednesday, April 1, in Big Meadows (mile 51). Visitors should slow their speeds and turn their headlights on when driving through smoke. Access to Rapidan Road and areas of Big Meadows west of Rapidan Road will be restricted during the prescribed fire. Areas of Big Meadows west of Rapidan Road will be closed during the operation through Thursday, April 2.

Infrastructure Improvements to Old Rag Trailhead Information

Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.

Park Events

Shenandoah National Park Junior Ranger Day

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6)

Fire: Shenandoah National Park's fire management team will be stationed on the front lawn of the visitor center, talking about its role in the park service, prescribed fires, and fire ecology. In addition, they will be handing out Jr. Ranger fire booklets.

Fox Hollow Self-Guided Hike: A Park Ranger will be waiting for you at the Fox Hollow trailhead (across Skyline Drive from the visitor center) handing out activity guides. The Ranger will share tips on how to find salamanders and provide a wildflower guide to help visitors identify wildflowers along the trail.

Photo Booth: Grab a prop and smile! A photo op is available at the lower patio of Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.

Art: Join an art activity that focuses on the Civilian Conservation Corps and the creation of Shenandoah National Park!

Date: Apr 25, 2026 12:00am to Apr 25, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Lewis Mountain to Slaughter Fire Road

Search for violets, trillium, and a variety of other wildflowers along this relatively flat section of the Appalachian Trail. 2 miles. Elevation change: about 200 ft. Meet at Lewis Mountain Picnic Grounds (mile 57.5). David Stapleton, Guest Naturalist