Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah rewards visitors who mix driving with hiking — Skyline Drive's overlooks make the park accessible even on a tight schedule, while its waterfall and summit trails give the payoff for those with more time.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Shenandoah are hiking Old Rag Mountain, driving Skyline Drive's overlooks, walking to Dark Hollow Falls, summiting Stony Man or Hawksbill Peak, and watching for white-tailed deer at Big Meadows.
Old Rag Mountain
Old Rag is Shenandoah's most famous and most strenuous hike, an 8.4-mile loop that includes a mile-long rock scramble near the summit. It requires a day-use ticket during peak season and is best started early to beat both crowds and afternoon storms.
- 8.4-mile loop
- Rock scramble section
- Day-use ticket required in peak season
Skyline Drive Overlooks
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles along the Blue Ridge crest with 75 marked overlooks, making it possible to see sweeping Shenandoah Valley views without leaving your car — ideal for a rainy day or a shorter visit.
Waterfall And Summit Hikes
Dark Hollow Falls is the closest waterfall to Skyline Drive, an easy 1.4-mile round trip. Stony Man and Hawksbill Peak — the park's highest point at 4,051 feet — both offer shorter hikes to panoramic summit views.
Big Meadows And Whiteoak Canyon
Big Meadows is a wide subalpine clearing known for deer sightings, wildflowers, and stargazing away from city light pollution. Whiteoak Canyon offers a series of cascading waterfalls for hikers willing to commit to a longer, steeper trail.
Plan And Track This Park
Add Shenandoah to your TravelCharted checklist so you can track it with the rest of your national parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular hike in Shenandoah National Park?
Old Rag Mountain is by far the most popular and most strenuous hike, known for its rock scramble and 360-degree summit views.
What is the closest waterfall to Skyline Drive?
Dark Hollow Falls, an easy 1.4-mile round trip, is the closest and most accessible waterfall hike in the park.
Can you see wildlife in Shenandoah National Park?
Yes, white-tailed deer are common, especially at Big Meadows, and black bears are regularly spotted throughout the park, particularly in summer and fall.
More National Park Guides
Itinerary
Shenandoah National Park Itinerary
Plan a Shenandoah National Park itinerary with Skyline Drive overlooks, Old Rag Mountain, and peak fall foliage timing.
Where to stay
Where to Stay Near Shenandoah National Park
Compare where to stay near Shenandoah National Park, including Front Royal, Luray, and Waynesboro along Skyline Drive.