Top 10 Nature & Parks in Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Valley

May 13, 2022 Kaleigh Reichenbach

Discover the best top things to do in Shenandoah Valley, United States including Stony Man Mountain Hike, Birdsong Pleasure Garden, Luray Caverns, Hidden Valley Trail, Endless Caverns, Skyline Caverns, Douthat State Park, Jackson River, Mill Mountain Star & Park, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
Restaurants in Shenandoah Valley

1. Stony Man Mountain Hike

At Mile Marker 41.7 Turn off Skyline Drive To Skyland Upper Loop Inside Shenandoah National Park Stony Man Parking, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA +1 877-313-2586 http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/StonyMan/
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 448 reviews

Stony Man Mountain Hike

Reviewed By MarkUSNA1998 - Odessa, United States

After a much longer hike the day before, we wanted a shorter, easier one for our last day. Since this one is right next to Skyland where we we're staying, it was perfect. In short, it is easy to find the trail head, there was ample parking (at 10am), and it was a pretty easy hike up to the best view I have seen yet in the park. All in all I think it took is about an hour round trip, with about 15 minutes standing at the top. Highly recommended!

2. Birdsong Pleasure Garden

Long Fort Road, Luray, VA 22835 +1 540-743-9389 [email protected] http://www.birdsongpleasuregarden.info/
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Birdsong Pleasure Garden

Birdsong Pleasure Garden allows visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of life while offering them a variety of picturesque gardens, mountain vistas, strolling paths, water features, and al fresco dining. It is a garden of pleasure and learning, relaxing yet filled with ideas to take home. PLEASE call ahead to schedule a time, as we are a Private Garden, 540-743-9389, thank-you.

3. Luray Caverns

970 US Highway 211 W, Luray, VA 22835-5260 +1 888-443-6551 [email protected] http://www.LurayCaverns.com
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,625 reviews

Luray Caverns

Discover Eastern America’s largest and most popular caverns. 4,000,000 centuries in the making, this “must see” U.S. Natural Landmark is noted for the profuse variety of formations and unsurpassed natural color. One hour tours from well-lighted, paved walkways lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. Enormous chambers are filled with towering stone columns, shimmering draperies and crystal-clear pools. Also in this subterranean wonderland, “hear rocks sing” as you experience the haunting sounds of the world’s largest musical instrument, The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Completely unique are the beautiful tones created by this one-of-a-kind instrument, which makes music of concert quality from the surrounding stalactite formations covering more than three acres.

Reviewed By drcrawford240 - Tuckerton, United States

My best friend was there 30 years ago with her parents and couldn't wait to bring her son and me and my daughter there to see it and as soon as we went down the steps into the cavern, I was in awe of the beauty that this natural wonder is. Our tour guide, Phillip, was a very knowledgeable and friendly young man that answered every question we asked and even have us some great ideas for where to hike in Shenandoah Valley when we asked him. The food concessions were very reasonably priced and tasty and the prices in the gift shop were surprisingly reasonable as well. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.

4. Hidden Valley Trail

Hot Springs, VA
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Hidden Valley Trail

5. Endless Caverns

1800 Endless Caverns Rd, New Market, VA 22844-4059 +1 540-896-2283 http://www.endlesscaverns.com/
Excellent
57%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

Endless Caverns

A cave complex that is still being explored and offers more than five miles of mapped areas.

Reviewed By G631PLchristophers

If you are looking for a quiet, well maintained, relaxing RV Park nestled at the foot of a mountain range in the Shenandoah Valley, this park is for you. YES, this park is everything the advertisements say it is and more. My wife and I were impressed by how quiet and in touch with nature the experience was. The staff is friendly and helpful. Frank and Sheri, the camp hosts expecially. Frank is constantly insuring everyone is having the best experience possible. They are both friendly and helpful. Of course, the experience is not complete without a tour of the Endless Caverns. Highly recommend this RV park.

6. Skyline Caverns

US Highway 340 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630 +1 800-296-4545 http://www.skylinecaverns.com
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 473 reviews

Skyline Caverns

Caves in the Shenandoah Valley that feature anthodites, rare rock formations.

Reviewed By T88DZpeggyh - Beaver, United States

Compared to Luray these caverns are much more real! Small spaces at times, beautiful lighting, only a mile walk! Our tour guide Christina was excellent! She was well informed, funny, and had a beautiful singing voice( you’ll find that out in one section of the cave) We learned so much about the history of the caverns, the rare formations that are here and only a few in the world! Everyone in our group respected each other’s space and there was no problem with social distancing! The tour guides are allowed to accept tips and Christina deserves a big one! The gift shop has great clothing, glassware, rocks, etc. to choose from and things are packaged nicely for safe transport in your car. These caverns are a must see, and don’t forget to ask for tour guide Christina!

7. Douthat State Park

Route 629 N, Clifton Forge, VA 24460-2864 +1 540-862-8100 http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/douthat
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 195 reviews

Douthat State Park

Visitors to this colorful state park will view rolling hills, birds and a beautiful lake.

Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States

We stopped at Douthat State Park for a hike with our dog while driving north to West Virginia. We did a loop hike including Blue Suck Falls, Tuscarora Overlook and Stony Run Falls, about 9 miles total. I was warned the waterfalls weren't much to get excited about, but the water level was high and I thought they were pretty nice. There were a lot of beautiful wildflowers blooming along the trail. The highlight was Tuscarora Overlook with fantastic views looking down over the park. There is also an historic old CCC cabin at the overlook. The loop had a decent amount of uphill but with switchbacks, it wasn't too bad. Overall, a great park for hiking and would like to return to explore more of the trails.

8. Jackson River

Hot Springs, VA +1 540-248-9360 https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/waterbody/jackson-river/
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Jackson River

9. Mill Mountain Star & Park

2000 J B Fishburn Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24013 +1 540-853-2236 https://www.playroanoke.com/parks-facilities/mill-mountain-park/
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,263 reviews

Mill Mountain Star & Park

A "must see" on most visitors list, an 88-foot manmade star (the largest in the world) sits on majestic Mill Mountain along with a beautifully landscaped city park, that boasts hiking and biking trails, and a zoo.

Reviewed By schultzrebecca - New Bern, United States

This is such a beautiful place -- has been in existence since I was a little girl, The star is a Roanoke landmark and the overlook gives a breathtaking view of the beautiful Roanoke Valley. I strongly recommend the visit -- free and you can take as little or as long as you'd like!

10. Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

780 University Blvd Msc 3705 At James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807-1020 +1 540-568-3194 http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum/
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 270 reviews

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Reviewed By 351michellei

My whole family enjoyed our time there looking at the beautiful flowers, the different fish in the pond, & watching the ducks and turtles swim. We enjoyed the trails and listening to the birds. Great place to get close to nature.

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