Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

Established in 1935, Shenandoah National Park is a breathtaking escape filled with sweeping vistas, cascading waterfalls, and over 500 miles of hiking trails just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re cruising along the scenic Skyline Drive, chasing waterfalls through lush forests, or watching deer graze at sunset, Shenandoah offers something for every type of nature lover. 

Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., this Virginia gem is perfect for weekend getaways, family adventures, or a peaceful solo retreat. In this guide, we’ll cover the very best things to do in Shenandoah National Park — from iconic hikes and hidden overlooks to cozy campsites and wildlife encounters you won’t forget.

The park’s main road, Skyline Drive, is a 105-mile road winding along the ridgeline and offering breathtaking views at nearly every turn. It’s a two-lane journey that welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually, inviting them to slow down and soak in the beauty of Virginia’s highlands.

Covering 195,000 acres, Shenandoah is home to an incredible array of wildlife. More than 200 species of birds can be spotted throughout the park, along with white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and one of the densest populations of black bears in the eastern U.S. Whether you’re hiking through its dense forests or simply enjoying a quiet picnic, there’s always a chance for a magical wildlife encounter in Shenandoah.

Park Entrances

Front Royale

• northernmost entrance to the park
• Milemarker begins here at zero
• Enter from US340, 5 miles from the town of Front Royal
• Known as the canoe capital of Virginia
• Front Royal is known for its breweries, being the home to 3 of the 49 establishments along the Shenandoah Spirit Trail

Thornton Gap

• Enters from US211
• The closest town is Luray, 15 minutes away
• Enter at mile marker 31.5
• Luray is the home of Luray Caverns, many wineries and breweries and the famous Shenandoah River
• This is the entrance closest to both lodges in the park when coming from the north

Swift Run Gap

• Enters at mile 65.7
• Accessible via US33
• Near the town of Stanardsville, VA
• This is the entrance for both lodges when coming from the south.

Rockfish Gap

• Southern Entrance at mile marker 105.6
• Enter from US250 close by to Interstate 64
• You can continue on the road, which becomes the Blue Ridge Parkway at this point
• The town of Waynesboro is only 4 miles away, with the South River nearby known for its fly-fishing and kayaking

Mary’s Rock Tunnel

NOTE: IMPORTANT RV INFORMATION

Mary’s Tunnel is at mile marker 32.2 on Skyline Drive. It’s the only tunnel on the 105-mile stretch. I mention it here mostly for the recreational vehicles that travel this road because the maximum height of the tunnel is 12 feet 8 inches. The tunnel is 670 feet long. So, please check your height before entering.

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive

Drive the Scenic Skyline Drive

No trip to Shenandoah National Park is complete without a drive along Skyline Drive, the park’s signature attraction. Stretching 105 miles from Front Royal in the north to Rockfish Gap in the south, this two-lane road winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and easy access to hiking trails and overlooks.

With 75 scenic pull-offs, Skyline Drive invites you to slow down and take in the natural beauty. Some of the most breathtaking overlooks include:

• Thornton Hollow Overlook (mile 27.5) – A peaceful view of the valley with great morning light.
  
• Stony Man Overlook (mile 38.6) – Offers a preview of the Stony Man cliffs and surrounding forest.
  
• Crescent Rock Overlook (mile 44.4) – Stunning sunset views and access to a short hike.
  
• Baldface Mountain Overlook (mile 61.2) – A lesser-known gem with wide open vistas.
  

If you’re visiting in fall, Skyline Drive transforms into one of the best leaf-peeping routes in the eastern U.S.. From late September through October, the mountains are ablaze with reds, oranges, and golds. Weekends can get crowded, so plan your drive for early mornings or weekdays for a more peaceful experience.

Keep your eyes peeled while driving—wildlife is often visible from the road. It’s not uncommon to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, or even black bears foraging near the tree line. Drive slowly, especially in the early morning or late evening when animals are most active.

Skyline Drive isn’t just a road—it’s an experience. Whether you’re stopping at every overlook or simply enjoying the winding ride, this scenic drive captures the very essence of Shenandoah.

I have to admit that I’ve been going to Shenandoah for over 45 years, and over the years, the overlooks have become overgrown. It’s a bit disappointing, but I’ve noticed this in all the national parks.

Visitor Centers

Stopping by a visitor center is one of the best ways to kick off your Shenandoah adventure. Knowledgeable rangers can help you choose the perfect hike, provide updates on weather or trail conditions, and share tips for spotting wildlife. Plus, it’s a great place to get your National Park Passport stamped and learn more about the park’s fascinating history.

And if you have kids, don’t forget to pick up your Junior Ranger activity book so your kids can become Junior Rangers during their visit.

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center

Location: Mile 4.6, just south of the Front Royal (north) entrance
Open: Mid-March through late November, daily
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (subject to change seasonally)
Amenities:

• Orientation film about the park
  
• Educational exhibits
  
• Large topographic map of the park
  
• Gift shop
  
• Restrooms
  
• Ranger-staffed information desk
  

Whether you’re entering the park for a day trip or a weekend stay, this is a great place to grab a map, ask questions, and enjoy the exhibits before heading deeper into the mountains.

Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center

Location: Mile 51, in the Big Meadows area
Open: Year-round, though hours may vary in winter
Hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM during peak season
Amenities:

• Extensive exhibits on the creation of the park and CCC history
  
• Park film
  
• Hiking trail information and maps
  
• Bookstore/gift shop
  
• Restrooms
  
• Ranger programs (seasonal)
  

This visitor center is ideal for mid-park exploration. Situated near several popular trails and picnic areas, it’s a central hub for hikers, history lovers, and families alike.

Ranger Programs & Junior Ranger Adventures

One of the best ways to deepen your experience is by participating in a ranger-led program or letting young explorers dive into the Junior Ranger Program. These engaging activities help bring the park’s natural and cultural stories to life.

Ranger Programs

Offered spring through fall, Shenandoah’s ranger programs are led by knowledgeable and passionate interpreters who love sharing the wonders of the park. These programs are free and open to all visitors.

What to Expect

• Campfire talks under the stars
  
• Guided nature walks on easy trails
  
• Evening slide shows at amphitheaters
  
• Wildlife and stargazing programs
  
• History walks exploring early settlements, CCC work, or geology
  

Where to Find Them

Programs are typically held at Skyland, Big Meadows, and Loft Mountain amphitheaters or nearby trailheads and visitor centers. Schedules vary seasonally and are posted at visitor centers, campgrounds, and online.

Tip

Check with the visitors center upon arrival to the park and get the schedule of programs available during your stay.

Arrive early for popular evening programs—benches can fill up quickly, especially in summer and fall!

Junior Ranger Program

Perfect for kids ages 4–13 (though fun for all ages), the Junior Ranger Program encourages young visitors to learn, protect, and explore the park in a hands-on way.

How It Works:

• Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Booklet at any visitor center.
  
• Complete fun and educational activities—like nature bingo, wildlife sketching, and hiking logs.
  
• Attend a ranger program or hike a trail as part of the requirements.
  
• Return the completed booklet( or what is required for your age group) to a ranger station or visitor center to be “sworn in” as an official Shenandoah Junior Ranger and receive a badge!
  

Shenandoah National Park Hiking

With over 500 miles of hiking trails, Shenandoah National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From short scenic walks to all-day climbs, there’s a trail for every skill level—and every view chaser. Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall, climbing to a summit, or wandering through quiet forests, each path offers a chance to connect with the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Appalachian Trail

Did you know that Shenandoah National Park is home to nearly 95 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail? The park sits roughly at the midpoint of the 2,200-mile journey that stretches from Georgia to Maine, making it a favorite stop for thru-hikers and day hikers alike.

Thanks to the trail’s frequent crossings of Skyline Drive, it’s easy to hop on for a short hike or a longer trek. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs or experience a small slice of this iconic route, the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah offers peaceful forest paths, scenic overlooks, and a true sense of adventure. If you’re lucky, you might even meet a thru-hiker and get to hear firsthand stories from the trail—they’re often happy to share tales of their incredible journey!

Top Trails to Explore

• Old Rag Mountain (Strenuous)
  This is the bucket-list hike in Shenandoah. With rock scrambles, steep climbs, and a nearly 9-mile circuit, Old Rag is a serious workout, but the 360-degree panoramic views at the summit are absolutely worth it. You’ll need a day-use ticket (required March through November), sturdy footwear, and plenty of water.
• Dark Hollow Falls Trail (Moderate)
  Short, steep, and incredibly scenic, Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the park. The trail is just over 1.4 miles round-trip, but the return is all uphill. The payoff is a stunning 70-foot cascade tucked into a mossy ravine, especially beautiful in spring.
• Stony Man Trail (Easy)
  Perfect for families and beginner hikers, the Stony Man Trail is a 1.6-mile loop with a gentle climb and breathtaking views from the summit. It’s a quick win with big visual rewards and is accessible from the Skyland area.

Note: Tickets are needed to hike Old Rag Mountain. There are 800 tickets available each day, half released 30 days before, and the rest 5 days in advance. Cost is $2 per ticket, and you can purchase multiple tickets under the same account at recreation.gov. Tickets are needed from March 1 to November 30.

Hiking Tips:

• Pack essentials: water, snacks, a trail map, a rain jacket, and a basic first aid kit
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes—even short trails can be slippery or rocky
• Start early to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms
• Always stay on marked trails and carry out all trash

Chase Waterfalls

Shenandoah is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia, many of which can be reached via moderate day hikes. These cascades are especially dramatic in spring, when melting snow and seasonal rains feed the streams, but they’re still well worth the trek in summer and fall.

Top Waterfalls to Visit:

• Dark Hollow Falls – Just off Skyline Drive at mile 50.7, it’s the most accessible waterfall hike and a great introduction to Shenandoah’s natural beauty.
• Rose River Falls – This 4-mile loop combines shaded forest paths, creek crossings, and two sets of falls. It’s a wonderful spot to cool off on a hot day.
• South River Falls – One of the park’s tallest waterfalls at 83 feet. The 2.6-mile hike (one way) leads to a peaceful overlook, with the option to continue down to the base for a better view.

Best Time to Go:

• Spring (April–June) for the strongest water flow
• Early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photos
• Combine waterfall trails with loop hikes for a longer adventure and even more scenery

For details about hiking in the park, see our article Hiking Shenandoah National Park.

Fall Foliage in Shenandoah: A Spectacular Seasonal Show

Few places on the East Coast rival the beauty of Shenandoah National Park in autumn. From early October through late October, the park comes alive with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold as the forested slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains put on a breathtaking display.

The transformation typically begins in the higher elevations—like Skyland and Big Meadows—in early October and works its way down the mountainsides as the month progresses. The changing leaves are especially stunning along Skyline Drive, where 75 overlooks offer unmatched views of the rolling, fiery hills below.

Top Spots for Fall Color:

• Big Meadows (Mile 51) – Surrounded by maples, birches, and oaks, this open area offers 360-degree views of autumn’s full glory.
• Stony Man Overlook & Trail (Mile 41.7) – An easy hike to panoramic views, with brilliant foliage across the Shenandoah Valley.
• Loft Mountain (Mile 79.5) – Ideal for campers and hikers wanting colorful ridge-top vistas and wooded trails.
• Hawksbill Summit (Mile 46.5) – The park’s highest point delivers unbeatable views during peak foliage.

Tips for Leaf Peepers:

• Peak foliage typically occurs mid to late October, but it can vary each year depending on the weather.
• Weekdays are less crowded—plan a midweek visit for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
• Bring layers! Fall weather can change quickly in the mountains, especially at higher elevations.
• Photographers: Sunrise and sunset are magical times for lighting and contrast against the colorful canopy.

Whether you’re driving Skyline Drive, hiking to a summit, or enjoying a picnic with a view, fall in Shenandoah is an unforgettable experience. The crisp air, golden light, and explosion of color make it one of the most enchanting times to visit the park.

Shenandoah National Park Lodges

There are two lodges and cabins in the park where you can stay and really enjoy your visit without driving into the park every day. There are also 4 campgrounds. To make reservations, visit this site. All concessions of this park are run by Delaware North Corporation.

During my many trips to Shenandoah, I’ve stayed many times at Skyland Lodge, Big Meadow Lodge, and Big Meadow Campground. Each one has its own experiences, but the Big Meadow area of the park is my favorite. With that said, I am not a fan of Big Meadow Campground because I feel it’s very noisy compared to other national park campgrounds.

Here is information on all the lodging within the park:

Skyland Lodge

As the largest lodging facility in Shenandoah National Park, Skyland boasts 179 rooms nestled at 3,680 feet, offering a perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. Located at mile marker 42 along Skyline Drive, this mountain retreat features a full-service restaurant, a ranger station with an amphitheater, and numerous opportunities to soak in the scenery during your stay.

Great for: Modern comforts with easy access to hiking and spectacular views.

• Rooms: Premium, Preferred, Traditional, Suites, Cabins; many now include air-conditioning and flat-screen TV.
  
• Amenities: Full-service restaurant (Pollock Dining Room & Mountain Taproom), ranger station, amphitheater, gift shop, EV charging, and pet-friendly rooms
  
• Pricing (Summer 2025): $199/night to $260/night
  
  

Big Meadow Lodge

Located at mile marker 51 along Skyline Drive, Big Meadows Lodge offers a cozy, rustic retreat right in the heart of Shenandoah National Park. Situated near one of the park’s most famous open meadows, the lodge features 97 rooms and cabins, including historic main lodge accommodations that highlight the park’s natural charm. Guests are surrounded by breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife, and direct access to some of the park’s best hiking trails, including the nearby Appalachian Trail.

Great for: Rustic charm and central access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and dark-sky stargazing.

Rooms: Lodge Rooms, Preferred Rooms, Traditional Rooms, Cabins; no air-conditioning in most rooms, but fans are provided.

Amenities: Spottswood Dining Room (full-service restaurant), New Market Taproom with live entertainment, cozy great room with stone fireplace, gift shop, ranger programs, pet-friendly options available.

Pricing (Summer 2025): $179/night to 240+/night

Lewis Mountain Cabins

Tucked away at mile marker 57.5 along Skyline Drive, Lewis Mountain Cabins provide a peaceful and private escape perfect for travelers seeking a more laid-back, self-catered experience. As the smallest lodging area in Shenandoah National Park, this quiet woodland spot features 15 historic cabins surrounded by towering trees and natural serenity. It’s ideal for couples, families, or hikers who want to unplug and immerse themselves in the park’s wilderness atmosphere.

Great for: Secluded stays with rustic charm and convenient trail access.

Rooms: One- and two-room cabins with private bathrooms, electric heating, picnic tables, and outdoor grills. No air-conditioning or TVs.

Amenities: On-site camp store, picnic area, firewood and ice sales, pet-friendly cabins, and close access to the Appalachian Trail. No restaurant—bring your own supplies or dine at nearby Big Meadows Lodge.

Pricing (Summer 2025): $129/night to $165/night

Dining in the Park

From hearty mountain breakfasts to blackberry-inspired desserts, dining in Shenandoah National Park is an experience in itself. With two full-service restaurants located at Skyland and Big Meadows, you’ll find delicious meals paired with unforgettable views and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.

Skyland

Perched on a ridge with sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley, the Skyland restaurant is the largest dining facility in the park. It offers full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a full bar and nightly entertainment during peak season. The dining room’s large windows frame the landscape beautifully, making every meal feel special. For a quick bite, guests can stop by the Grab ’N Go counter for sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee to go.

Highlights: Blackberry ice cream pie, seasonal specials, and live music in the Mountain Taproom.

Big Meadow

Offering a warm, rustic setting complete with a large stone fireplace, Big Meadows’ dining room is more intimate but equally charming. It features full-service dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the cozy New Market Taproom serves light meals and drinks in a casual setting. Large windows provide views of the surrounding meadow, and sometimes, you can spot deer or other wildlife while you dine. Evening entertainment in the taproom is family-friendly and adds to the relaxed, welcoming vibe.

Highlights: Blackberry cobbler, hearty comfort food, and the occasional wildlife sighting while you eat.

Don’t Miss the Blackberry Delights

Both Skyland and Big Meadows are famous for their blackberry ice cream pie—a must-try dessert that perfectly captures the flavor of Shenandoah. But that’s just the beginning. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed blackberry martinis, cobbler, pancakes, and more. If you’re a blackberry fan like me, you’ll find something to love at every meal. You can also get blackberry wine at dinner and at the gift shops to take home.

Waysides

If you’re looking for a casual meal, trail snacks, or essential camping supplies, Shenandoah’s Waysides are convenient one-stop spots scattered along Skyline Drive. Open seasonally from mid-April to early November, each wayside offers its own mix of grab-and-go food, groceries, gear, and gifts.

Elkwallow Wayside mile 24.1

A great stop for a quick bite and park essentials, Elkwallow Wayside offers a camp store stocked with groceries, snacks, and hiking supplies. You’ll also find a carry-out counter serving sandwiches, salads, and other light fare. The attached gift shop features Shenandoah-branded souvenirs, apparel, and locally themed items.

Best for: Quick food, souvenirs, and stocking up before heading north or south on Skyline Drive.

Big meadow Wayside mile 51

The largest wayside in the park, Big Meadows offers the most extensive range of services. Enjoy grab-and-go food, takeout, or opt for casual sit-down dining inside. The camp store is fully stocked with groceries, camping gear, hiking essentials, and even firewood. The large gift shop has a great selection of souvenirs, and it’s also the only wayside with a gas station—now including diesel fuel.

Best for: Full-service resupply, gifts, and a hearty meal in the middle of the park.

Loft Mountain Wayside Mile 79

Located in the southern portion of the park, Loft Mountain Wayside is a convenient resource for campers and thru-hikers. The camp store includes groceries, basic camping and hiking supplies, and a good selection of souvenirs. This is also the only wayside with laundry and shower facilities, making it a popular stop for Appalachian Trail hikers.

Best for: Showers, laundry, and picking up supplies in the southern district of the park.

Park Campgrounds

As is typical of all national parks, the campgrounds in Shenandoah have no hookups. Below is a description of all the campgrounds within the park.

Matthew Arms

Mathews Arm is the northernmost campground in Shenandoah National Park, offering a quiet and wooded retreat just off Skyline Drive at milepost 22. With 178 campsites, including three group sites, this campground is well-suited for both tent campers and RV travelers. While some sites are reservable, most are first-come, first-served, making it a flexible option for spontaneous trips.

Campsites are spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food storage box—a necessity, as black bears are commonly seen in the area.

Facilities:

• Flush toilets and sinks are available, though there are no showers or hot water. Campers needing shower facilities can access them at Big Meadows, about 30 miles south.
• A camp store is located 2 miles away at Elkwallow Wayside, where you can purchase groceries, snacks, firewood, and camping essentials.

Season & Pricing (2025):

• Open May through October
• Standard campsites: $15/night
• Group sites: $45/night (for 7 to 25 people)

Why Camp Here:
Mathews Arm is a peaceful base for exploring the northern district of the park, with nearby access to hikes like Overall Run Falls Trail—home to the park’s tallest waterfall.

Big Meadow Campground

Located in the heart of Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows Campground is a favorite for good reason. Set at mile marker 51.2 along Skyline Drive, it offers convenient access to some of the park’s best features—open meadows, scenic trails, and wildlife viewing—all within walking distance.

With over 200 sites for tents and RVs, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you prefer wooded seclusion or proximity to facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, as this campground fills quickly. A limited number of first-come, first-served sites may be available in the spring and fall, but it’s best to book ahead through Recreation.gov.

While there are no hookups for RVs, don’t let that discourage you—the campground is well-maintained, and the bathrooms and hot showers are consistently clean and cared for.

Facilities & Amenities:

• Flush toilets and hot showers
• Drinking water stations are throughout the campground
• Dump station available for RVs
• Picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage boxes at each site
• Camp store and gas station located nearby at Big Meadows Wayside (open seasonally)
• Easy access to trails like Dark Hollow Falls, Story of the Forest, and the Appalachian Trail

Season & Pricing (2025):

• Open March through November
• Standard sites: $20 per night
• Group camping available: Check Recreation.gov for details and pricing

Why Camp Here:
If you’re looking for a central base with spectacular views, wildlife sightings, and amenities nearby, Big Meadows is ideal. On one of our visits, we spotted deer right from the campground—it’s not unusual to see them wandering through in the early evening.

Lewis Mountain Campground

Tucked into the forest at milepost 57.5, Lewis Mountain Campground is the smallest and most peaceful of Shenandoah’s front-country campgrounds. With just 31 sites, it offers a more intimate, quiet camping experience—perfect for tent campers and those looking to unplug in a serene setting.

Sites are available only on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot, especially on weekends. This campground is best suited for tent camping and can accommodate small RVs (typically under 25 feet), but no hookups are available.

Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food storage box to help keep both campers and wildlife safe.

Facilities & Amenities:

• Flush toilets and hot water
• Pay showers and coin-operated laundry
• Camp store with groceries, snacks, firewood, and basic camping supplies
• Drinking water is available on site
• Close proximity to hiking trails and Skyline Drive overlooks

Season & Pricing (2025):

• Open: Mid-spring through late fall (dates vary)
• Fee: $15 per night
• No reservations – all sites are first-come, first-served

Why Camp Here:
Lewis Mountain is perfect for campers seeking a quieter, more rustic experience without sacrificing basic comforts. With a well-stocked camp store and convenient access to trails and nearby lodges, it strikes the perfect balance between solitude and accessibility.

Loft Mountain Campground

As the largest campground in Shenandoah National Park, Loft Mountain offers more than 200 campsites perched atop Big Flat Mountain at mile marker 79.5. Campers are treated to sweeping valley views, peaceful wooded surroundings, and convenient access to popular trails like the Frazier Discovery Trail and Loft Mountain Loop.

Sites are available for both tent camping and RVs, though it’s important to note that many are uneven, which can be challenging for RVers. The campground operates on a mixed system—some sites are reservable, while most are first-come, first-served.

A unique aspect to keep in mind: Most of the reservable sites are located in the generator-free zone, meaning generator use is not allowed, even for RVs. This can be inconvenient for RV travelers, especially since larger, level sites are in high demand and often more practical to reserve in advance.

Facilities & Amenities:

• Flush toilets and hot water
• Coin-operated showers and laundry
• Fully stocked camp store with groceries, firewood, snacks, and camping gear
• RV dump station
• Picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage boxes at every site
• Drinking water is available throughout the campground

Season & Pricing (2025):

• Open: May through late October (weather dependent)
• Fee: $15 per night
• Reservations: Available for select sites via Recreation.gov; the majority remain first-come, first-served
• Generator Use: Not permitted in most reservable sites due to the generator-free zone designation

Why Camp Here:
With breathtaking views, great hiking access, and ample amenities, Loft Mountain is a top pick for visitors wanting a true Shenandoah experience. Just be sure to arrive early or reserve in advance—and double-check site details if you’re traveling with an RV.

Wildlife

One of the most memorable parts of any Shenandoah visit is the opportunity to observe the park’s incredible wildlife. From deer grazing in open meadows to black bears wandering through the woods, nature is always close by—sometimes closer than you expect.

What You Might See

Shenandoah is home to a variety of animals, and deer sightings are almost guaranteed. The white-tailed deer population is large and often spotted throughout the park, especially around Big Meadows, the lodges, and campgrounds. On one visit to Big Meadows Campground, we watched a doe with four fawns quietly grazing near our site. Rangers had tagged the fawns with collars and were monitoring them closely as part of a wildlife research effort.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of Shenandoah’s most iconic residents: the black bear. While they tend to avoid people, they are active, especially in the early morning and evening hours. On one of our trips, we saw 11 bears, including several near Skyland Lodge. I’ll never forget making a quick run to the Big Meadows Wayside and coming back to find a mother bear and her cubs blocking the entrance to our room. We waited in the car with the kids until it was safe to go inside—an unforgettable reminder that in Shenandoah, you’re truly in wild country.

You may also encounter wild turkeys crossing Skyline Drive or catch sight of a red fox, bobcat, or even a barred owl. Birdwatchers will find plenty to enjoy, especially during spring and fall migrations. Warblers, vireos, and hawks are frequent visitors to the wooded ridges.

Best Times and Places for Wildlife Viewing

• Early morning and evening are the best times to spot animals when they’re most active.
• Big Meadows, Skyland, and Loft Mountain are top areas for deer and bird activity.
• Skyline Drive can offer surprise encounters, but always observe from your vehicle and drive cautiously.
• Quiet trails like Limberlost or Dark Hollow Falls are good for spotting wildlife at a distance.

Wildlife Safety Tips

• Never approach or feed animals, especially bears or deer with fawns.
• Keep a safe distance—use binoculars or a zoom lens to observe.
• Store food securely in bear-proof containers or park-provided lockers.
• Hike in groups and make noise to avoid surprising animals.
• If you encounter a bear, do not run. Stay calm, back away slowly, and give the bear plenty of space.

Bonus Tip: Always have your camera ready—but remember, no photo is worth risking your safety or disturbing wildlife.

Picnic with a View: Best Picnic Spots in Shenandoah National Park

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal surrounded by the sweeping vistas and peaceful forests of Shenandoah. Whether you’re stopping for a mid-hike break or planning a relaxing lunch with the family, the park has several designated picnic areas that combine natural beauty with convenience.

Top Picnic Areas in the Park

Big Meadows Picnic Area (Mile 51.2)
One of the largest and most popular picnic spots in the park, Big Meadows offers ample tables, grills, restrooms, and a wide-open setting near the meadow itself. It’s close to hiking trails, the visitor center, and the Big Meadows Wayside—so you can grab a sandwich or ice cream if you didn’t pack lunch.

Pinnacles Picnic Area (Mile 36.7)
A peaceful and shady spot with lots of tables and space to spread out. It’s located near the trailhead for the Stony Man and Little Stony Man hikes, making it perfect for a pre- or post-hike meal. You’ll also find restrooms and grills here.

Dundo Picnic Area (Mile 83.7)
Tucked away in the southern section of the park, Dundo is less crowded and ideal for a quiet escape. This picnic area offers tables and fire grates, along with beautiful wooded surroundings. It’s a great place to stop if you’re exploring Loft Mountain or hiking nearby trails like Jones Run.

Conclusion

There are so many things to do and see in Shenandoah National Park. Come for the day and stay for the weekend. Camping and beautiful park lodges await you. Come and explore this beautiful park, nature at its best, and maybe, just maybe, you will get your chance to see that big black bear in the wild!

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