The Summit of Escape

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

There’s something special about the fresh air in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Especially way up in Shenandoah National Park.

Here, you can take a hike on 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail. You can peer out over one of Shenandoah’s scenic overlooks for a view of the countryside that goes and goes. Hike along hidden waterfalls and drive alongside black bears foraging for berries. By staying right inside the park, you can fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. This is why people have been coming to Shenandoah for generations.

When it comes to a true escape, it’s hard to beat the charms of Shenandoah’s natural world. In these mountains, we all rise.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Top Attractions

There are no shortage of bucket list activities in Shenandoah National Park. From trekking along the world's longest hiking trail to summiting the park's highest peak, don't forget to explore the Appalachian Trail and Hawksbill Summit.

Must-Do Activity

The most unique (and possibly the coolest) way to see the park is by saddling up. Reserve a guided horseback ride across some of the most scenic areas in Shenandoah National Park, including Skyline Drive!

Off the Beaten Path

As the sun dips below the horizon, Shenandoah transforms into a haven for stargazing enthusiasts. While Big Meadows is a popular daytime attraction, the night offers a completely new experience. Pack your binoculars and headlamp, and simply look up for dazzling views of the Milky Way from the Big Meadows area.

Insider's Tip

Fall is one of the best, but also most crowded, times to visit, so a midweek trip will be your best bet for an autumn adventure. The first week of October is when fall foliage is at its peak at the park's highest elevations. Can't make it? The rest of the month is typically a prime time for reds, oranges and yellows at lower elevations.

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