Shenandoah National Park
add photosTwo types of annual passes are available to the public. These are good one full year from month of purchase. The Shenandoah Annual Pass for Shenandoah National Park entry is available for $30.00. An America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass - Annual Pass provides access and use of National Parks and National Recreation Areas is available for $80.00. Pick up either of these passes at park entrance stations.
4 Reviews for Shenandoah National Park
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'10, '11, '12
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"Lace up the hiking boots"
This is a wonderful destination for hiking. There are many scenic trails to choose from at all skill levels. However, even the easy skilled hikes can be quite steep.
Skyline Drive offers amazing scenic views with many places to pull over along the way for pictures and to soak it all in. It is a slow go most of the time though, you won't be getting from Point A to any other point in a zippy manner.
There are many stops throughout the park for picnicing and bathroom breaks and even food. Look for the Visitors centers and camp stores.
Be sure to check the schedule for the Park Ranger Programs. I've always found them to be worth it!
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0 families found this helpful
"Amazing views"
Beautiful park! The Skyline drive is slow and long and you want it to be to enjoy the amazing scenery. There are frequently RVs and such that keep the speed low. Don't expect to get anywhere fast. Enjoy one of the numerous hikes and take tons of pictures.
1 family found this helpful
"good hiking"
We have been twice to Shenandoah. Both time we visited the Big Meadow. The deer here are tame and the kids love to get close upon them. We walked the trail andt here are different floweres blooming depending on the time of year. Also this time we saw many different types of butterfly. The hikes we have done have been easy although I am sure there are more difficult ones around. Both time we went we saw bear on the drive, this time a small cub. We also ran into some people who saw a bobcat. Further on up the road is a good restaurant. Also we stopped at the visitors center this time and it was interesting for the kids to learn about the creation of the park. There are also ranger programs given at the visitors center and you can stay in a cabin overnight to fully immerse yourselves, but call ahead for availability.
1 family found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
Most facilities in the park are open mid-May through late October, and some areas are also open April, May, and November. From December through late March, it’s best to call ahead to find out what’s available: (540) 999-3500. Count on getting food, gas, and lodging outside the park during the winter months.
The famous scenic two-lane route, Skyline Drive, stretching 105 miles from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap, cuts through the park and can be accessed from all four park entrances. Once on this road, use the mile markers on the west side of the drive to find your locale, as well as the nearest facilities, services, and areas of interest.
The countdown for the mile markers starts after the Front Royal Entrance Station in the north, at milepost 1, and ends at the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station in the south just after milepost 105. The norhtern park entrancec is easily reached; it's just south of Front Royal, close the junction of Interstates 81 and 66, and accessible via U.S. Highways 340 and 55. Other entrances to Skyline Drive are at Thornton Gap (mile 31.5, accessible via US 211), and at Swift Run Gap (mile 65.5, accessible via U.S. Highway 33). In this section the mile markers are listed along with the sites and trails to make them easy to find when you are traveling along Skyline Drive.
Ranger programs, hikes, ,and walks explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the park. Most kids' programs are designed for ages 7 and older. In summer at the visitor cecnters and gift shops, pick up a Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook. After kids complete the activities (two of which may include attending a ranger-led program), the kids receive an official Junior Ranger badge or patch, which makes a nice reward and a worthwhile keepsake.
Shenandoah National Park offers families wonders literally as big as all outdoors plus various ways to enjoy them. Remember that Skyline Drive comes with many curves and a 35-mile-per-hour speed limit, as well as crowds and many cars in leaf-peeping season. As a result, plan ahead and allow more time than usual when calculating driving distances. If you only have one day to spend in the park, officials recommend driving along Skyline Drive, admiring the sceenery, and scouting for animals (maybe even a bear). But be sure to get out of your car to stroll a trail or two. Check the park brochures to see which of the short trails are nearby. You can also try a segment of the Appalachian Trail, 101 miles of which cut through the park. Along the park's trail you can rest awhile at one of the five shelters for day use. These come with a table, fireplace, and pit toilet.
If swimming is what your family loves to do, be aware that while it is permitted in all the park streams, it is also done at your own risk.
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