Shenandoah National Park Custom Search Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The Shenandoah River flows through the valley to the west, with Massanutten Mountain, 40 miles long, standing between the river's north and south forks. The rolling Piedmont country lies to the east of the park. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Trails may follow a ridge crest, or they may lead to high places with panoramic views or to waterfalls in deep canyons. Many animals, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory forest. In season, bushes and wildflowers bloom along the Drive and trails and fill the open spaces. Apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries are reminders of the families who once called this place home. Shenandoah National Park has many stories waiting to be told, and a world of beauty that can renew and bring peace to the spirit.     CONTACTS Email - SHEN_Superintendent@nps.gov Fax- 540-999-3601 Write to 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835-9036 Phone Visitor Information Recorded Message - 540-999-3500 Headquarters - 540-999-3500 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons The park itself is always open, but some portions of the Skyline Drive, the only road through Shenandoah National Park, are closed from dusk to early morning during hunting season. This road also closes in inclement weather for safety reasons. Visitor facilities and services begin operating between early April and Memorial Day and close down by late November. Getting There PLANE - The closest airports are in Washington, DC, Weyers Cave, VA, and Charlottesville, VA. CAR - The four entrances to the park are at I-66 and Route 340 to the north entrance at Front Royal, Route 211 to the central entrance at Thornton Gap, Route 33 to Swift Run Gap, and I-64 to the Rockfish Gap entrance at the southern end of the park and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speed limit for the Skyline Drive is 35mph. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - There are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park. Weather & Climate The mountains in Shenandoah National Park are usually 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. Winters can be severe with snow and ice, and summer showers may be sudden. Layered clothing is always suggested. Accessibility Most facilities and services in the park are accessible or accessible with assistance. Detailed information is provided in the expanded park web pages and through the connection to the concessioner web pages under each facility or service. Limberlost Trail is the park's first accessible trail for wheelchairs; it is also very popular for parents with strollers and anyone looking for a special experience and leisurely stroll rather than a hike. Getting Around Since there are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park, a car is needed. Speed limit is 35mph. Bicycles are permitted in the park on paved roads only. The speed limit for bicycles is also 35mph on the Skyline Drive and 10mph in the campgrounds. FEES/PERMITS Entrance Fee 1. DAILY FEE (INDIVIDUALS) Per-person fee for persons 17 years of age or older when entering by means other than a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. Examples include walk-in entries at high-use areas such as Old Rag, Berry Hollow, Weakley Hollow, Lower Whiteoak Canyon, and Little Devils Stairs; bicycles; motorcycles with one person; taxis and limousines providing transportation only; buses carrying passengers not on a pre-packaged tour such as school groups visiting for recreational purposes; and buses or vans registered to a non-profit organization such as a church or school. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days. 2. DAILY FEE (VEHICLES) Valid for single, private, non-commercial vehicles such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles with two or more occupants, RVs, vans, and converted busses. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days. 3. SHENANDOAH ANNUAL PASS An annual pass for entrance into Shenandoah National Park for persons entering in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle or alternately the pass owner, spouse, children, and parents when a per-person fee is charged. Valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. Pass is non-transferrable and valid for one vehicle only. 4. COMMERCIAL TOUR FEES A commercial tour is defined as consisting of 'one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service.' Entrance fees are based upon the total capacity of the vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers. Possession of a national park passport or the age of the passengers does not affect the price charged. Entrance fees are valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. CAMPING 1. Mathews Arm Campground Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering the park from the north. It is next to a nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. (179 sites; open spring through October) 2. Big Meadows Campground Make Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP Big Meadows (mile 51.3), though secluded, is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are walking distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, lies directly across the Drive. Reservations are required mid-May through November; call 1-800-365-CAMP. (217 sites; open spring through November) 3. Lewis Mountain Campground Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the backcountry. Yet it is within seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area. (32 sites; open spring through October) 4. Loft Mountain Campground Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. (219 sites; open spring through October) 5. Dundo Group Campground Dundo Group Campground (mile 83.7) is a primitive campground open only to bona fide educational groups. It has seven large group sites, pit toilets, and water. Reservations are required; call 1-540-298-9625, or write Shenandoah National Park, Swift Run Entrance Station, Rt. 3, Box 311, Elkton, VA 22827. (open spring through November) LODGING 1. Skyland Skyland (mile 41.7) has 177 guest rooms, rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites. American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards are accepted. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra fee is charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA accessible rooms. To make reservations at Skyland, write to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108. 2. Big Meadows Big Meadows (milepost 51) has 25 rooms in the main lodge, 72 additional rooms in rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites. American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards are accepted. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra fee is charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA accessible rooms. To make reservations at Big Meadows, write to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108. 3. Lewis Mountain Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5) has several rustic, furnished cabins with private baths and outdoor grill areas. American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards are accepted. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra fee is charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA accessible rooms. To make reservations at Lewis Mountain, write to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108. 4. PATC Cabins The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (an authorized park concessioner), maintains six locked, primitive cabins in the park. The cabins are equipped with mattresses, blankets, and cookware. A pit toilet and spring water are nearby. To get information or to make reservations, call PATC at (703) 242-0693 or (703) 242-0315; or write to PATC, 118 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180. FACILITIES 1. DICKEY RIDGE VISITOR CENTER Location - Mile 4.6 on Skyline Drive Available Facilities - Restrooms, information desk, exhibits, videos, sales, publications, maps, backcountry permits, and first aid. Many ranger-led programs and hikes begin here. 2. HARRY F. BYRD, SR. VISITOR CENTER Location - Milepost 51 on Skyline Drive Available Facilities - Restrooms,information desk, exhibits, videos, sales, publications, maps, backcountry permits, and first aid. Many ranger-led programs and hikes begin here. 3. LOFT MOUNTAIN INFORMATION CENTER Location - Mile 79.5 on Skyline Drive. Closures - Wednesdays and Thursdays Available Facilities - Restrooms, information desk, sales, publications, maps, backcountry permits, and first aid. Many ranger-led programs and hikes begin here.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Shenandoah National Park.   Campgrounds Near Shenandoah National Park: Country waye RV Resort, Luray, 2 miles away Camp OutBack, Luray, 5 miles away The Country Place Campground, Luray, 5 miles away Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp, Luray, 6 miles away Fort Valley Stable's Horse and Mule Campground, Fort Valley, 7 miles away Riverside Camping and Canoeing, Shenandoah, 11 miles away Creekside Campground, Edinburg, 12 miles away   Hotels Near Shenandoah National Park: Cardinal Inn By Silver Star, Luray , 1 miles away Best Western Intown Of Luray, Luray , 1 miles away Big Meadows Lodge, Luray , 1 miles away Skyland Resort, Luray , 1 miles away Days Inn Luray Shenandoah, Luray , 2 miles away Budget Host Inn Woodstock, Woodstock , 12 miles away HAMPTON INN AND SUITES WOODSTOCK, Woodstock , 12 miles away   Trails Near Shenandoah National Park: Timber Hollow Trail, Page County , 6 miles away Crusher Ridge Trail, Page County , 6 miles away Keyser Path, Page County , 6 miles away White Oak Canyon Trail, Madison County , 6 miles away Duncan Hollow Trail, Page County , 7 miles away   Ski Areas Near Shenandoah National Park: Bryce Resort, Virginia , 23 miles away, 500 foot drop, 5 lifts, 8 runs Massanutten, Virginia , 25 miles away, 1110 foot drop, 8 lifts, 14 runs Wintergreen, Virginia , 53 miles away, 1003 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Timberline, West Virginia , 69 miles away, 1000 foot drop, 4 lifts, 37 runs Canaan Valley, West Virginia , 70 miles away, 850 foot drop, 4 lifts, 34 runs Wisp, Maryland , 79 miles away, 700 foot drop, 12 lifts, 32 runs Blue Knob, Pennsylvania , 89 miles away, 1072 foot drop, 7 lifts, 34 runs Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania , 94 miles away, 610 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs Seven Springs, Pennsylvania , 94 miles away, 754 foot drop, 15 lifts, 31 runs The Springs at Laurel Mountain, Pennsylvania , 95 miles away, 940 foot drop, 5 lifts, 21 runs   Whitewater Near Shenandoah National Park: Shenandoah River - South Fork, Page / Warren County , 4 miles away, Class I-II - 27.5 miles long (Route 675 to Bentonville) Passage Creek, Warren County , 7 miles away, Class I-II - 21 miles long (Kings Crossing Road to Elizabeth Furnace) Rose River, Madison County , 10 miles away, Class III - 2 miles long (Two miles to Robinson River) Robinson River, Madison County , 13 miles away, Class II+ - 19 miles long (Syria to Locust Dale) Rapidan River, Greene / Madison County , 13 miles away, Class II-IV - 15 miles long (Shenandoah National Park to Route 29)   Public Lands Near Shenandoah National Park: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Harpers Ferry - WV , 59 miles away Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, McLean - VA , 59 miles away Shenandoah River Andy Guest State Park, Virginia , 14 miles away Lost River State Park, West Virginia , 34 miles away Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia , 38 miles away   Golf Courses Near Shenandoah National Park: Caverns Golf Course, Luray , 1 miles away   Lakes Near Shenandoah National Park Lake Arrowhead, Page County , 4 miles away Woodstock Reservoir, Shenandoah County , 10 miles away