Shenandoah National Park

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-20 to 2026-12-14; community-mapped.

About

This park's official page lists: Wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Picnic areas.

Before you go

Getting there

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, west of Washington, D.C. It stretches 105 miles and has four entrances: Front Royal (northern entrance), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (southern entrance to Shenandoah and the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The physical address listed is to the administrative offices, not the Park itself. GPS can be unreliable for navigating to the Park, so we encourage you to check out our website for more info.

Weather & when to go

Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The park spans roughly 100 miles, which means that weather can vary greatly depending on your location. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.

⚠ Park closure: Active Closure

Due to recent wildlife interactions and out of an abundance of caution, the Naked Creek backcountry zone is closed to all recreation until further notice. A camping closure remains in effect for the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Lewis Mountain to Big Meadows, including the Bearfence AT Hut. The AT is still accessible to hikers for day-use only.

Park alert: Get Skyline Drive Status Updates

Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.

⚠ Caution: Parking at Boundary Access Areas

Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.

Park alert: Shenandoah National Park Moved to Fully Cashless Fee Collection

On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.

Park alert: Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag

March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.

⚠ Caution: Emergency Phone Line Unavailable

Shenandoah National Park Emergency Phone number (1-800-732-0911) is currently unavailable. For all emergencies, Park visitors can dial 911.

Park alert: Infrastructure Improvements to Old Rag Trailhead

Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.

Facilities on the park map

4 bench, 9 changing table, 1 first aid kit, 14 picnic area, 20 restroom, 20 visitor information.

History

Opened

1935

• Park opened