Top Things to do in Shenandoah National Park
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Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Shenandoah National Park, Shenandoah National Park
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1. Bootens Gap - Jones Mountain/Staunton River - Laurel Prong Springs Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Old Rag Mountain Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 366 reviews
Reviewed By 352remil - Virginia, United States
Just got back from hiking this bad boy and would recommend it. I always wondered if it would be as hard as people say. While I wouldn't say only certain people should do it...you gotta be prepared for what you are getting into. Today being election Tuesday I figured there wouldn't be too many issues with overcrowding. I arrived at 10:30 am and the two main lots were full. I was one of the first cars in the 3rd overflow but while I was gathering my gear at least 10 more cars full of people arrived. There are portopotty's in the lower overflow lot but actual restrooms in the main parking area. While the ranger station at the lower overflow lot is closed be prepared to bring your wallet/pass with you because the ranger station is open in the main lot at the head of the trail. I did not read the signs that warn of this in the lower overflow lot so unfortunately had to return to my car adding another mile to the overall hike. People say plan the day to do the hike and they are right. I set out from the ranger station at 11 am and was done by 4:30 pm but the sun was disappearing rapidly and I speed walked the last several miles once getting to the Weakley Hollow Fire Road. I also didn't spend a ton of time at the overlooks nor the summit. So what is there to be cautious about? The rocks...oohh the rocks. Slippery when wet is not just a Bon Jovi album. If you've done any research you know about the rock scramble but the rocks along the way are not to be taken lightly either. I was behind a family and watched the father slip on a small rock. He went down hard about 2 miles into the trail hitting his head on some other larger rocks. The family decided to turn back at that time. The boulders are what everyone comes for though. When I bought my trail ticket ($15) the ranger warned of the mile long rock scramble at the top but I truly didn't appreciate what she meant until I got there. Once off the beaten path, it took a minute to orient on how to navigate the trail but once I figured out to look for the blue blazes, it made it slightly easier. I was able to traverse most of the scramble alone but did have to bite the bullet and ask for a hand in a some places mainly because the scramble forced an awkward body position making leverage impossible. Even though it was 61 degrees and a sunny day there was ice in several spots once leaving the tree line and there was some strong winds. Once slipping into an icy puddle, getting a grip on the boulders with the wet shoe was nigh impossible. That's why people recommend good hiking shoes with grip. Going down from the summit using the Saddle Trail to the Fire Road was a nice respite after all the bouldering. Be prepared for 5 more hiking miles after you summit if you do this route. Weakely Hollow Fire Road was well marked after getting off the saddle trail. There's now a new Ridge access trail back to the parking area but the sucker is mostly uphill and feels like torture at the end of a long day of traversing Old Rag.
3. Shenandoah Mountain Guides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
With a family history in the region going back 250 years, the knowledge of SMG is very complete. Andy, the director of programs, started guiding here in 1992 after returning from Operation Desert Storm and working all over the world in the Navy. SMG pioneered many of the adventures they now guide and in fact, Andy and his guides, as young men in early 70s thru today, were some of the first climbers on many of the rock outcrops...and continue to set new standards in both rock and ice climbing in the region. The SMG team not only serves on Shenandoah’s technical rescue team, but all of the lead guides serve as instructors for high angle rescue for the greater National Park Service. In 2011, SMG was selected by Southern Living Magazine as provider of the BEST Summer Adventure in the South (cascading). Additionally, Andy has been recognized by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine as one of the top mountain guides in the Blue Ridge, and in 2017, he was honored as an ”Outdoor Legend”
4. WILD GUYde Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Since 2004, WILD GUYde Adventures has been providing outdoor adventure guiding (rock climbing and rappelling, wild caving, and canoeing) in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia's Blue Ridge, and the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. We serve individuals and families, scout troops, camps, and youth groups with recreational, instructional, and leadership development outdoor experiences. In addition, our Adventure, Leadership, and Learning INstitute (ALL IN) provides team-building, leadership learning, and action consulting for groups, corporations, and non-profits, on-site, or in the wilds of Virginia and West Virginia. WILD GUYde Adventures has commercial use permits with Shenandoah Ntl. Park, George Washington Ntl. Forest, and Monongahela Ntl. Forest, and is an equal opportunity provider. WGA is a member of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, the Access Fund, and the Christian Adventure Association.
5. Skyline Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,668 reviews
105-mile Scenic Drive Built In The 1930's Goes Through The Entire Length Of The Park.
Reviewed By ITRT
We entered Shenandoah National Park at the Front Royal Entrance and departed via the Thornton Gap Entrance, a distance of about 32 miles of the 105-mile Skyline Drive that runs through the park. Shenandoah offers many scenic overlooks, camp grounds, trailheads for the beginner as well as the experienced hiker, visitor centers, restrooms and souvenir shops near the entrances, and the Appalachian Trail runs through the park. Scenic overlooks line the Skyline Drive. The Park is mostly forest-covered hills and mountains with wide valleys and some waterfalls. The flowers add to the beauty of the Skyline Drive. The speed limit is 35 mph on the two-lane road that is also shared with bicyclists. We arrived mid-morning and were glad we did as there was a back-up of cars waiting to enter via the Thornton Gap Entrance. It was a beautiful and enjoyable day.
6. Dickey Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Scenic trail in Shenandoah.
Reviewed By Bob19512014 - Gulfport, United States
This trail can be started even without entering the National park. The grade is easy and shady. Not a place for a wheelchair. Even the youngest or oldest can handle this trail.
7. Appalachian Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, United States
We walked only a tiny section of the AT, but even stepping foot on this iconic trail was a thrill. Left me dreaming of future hiking adventures still to come! Must do, whatever you are able.
8. Mary's Rock Summit Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By Mashuganah - Springfield, United States
A hike of moderate difficulty with a beautiful, panoramic view at the end. A lovely, cool breeze was coming up from the valley when I was there. Those wanting more adventure can climb the rocks to the very peak. Take lots of water (one bottle mayn't be enough) and a snack for the top. Can be completed in a couple hours if you're in reasonable shape. The trail is very rocky so have some good shock absorbing hiking shoes.
9. Shenandoah River Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By EdinboroBob
My 2 teenage daughters and I floated down the Shenandoah River for an hour and a half. No electronics to distract us, just relax and talk:) And for $20 per person, you can go twice... great deal! They picked us up in a short school bus at the end. While the ride back was cramped (some people had to stand), everyone was in a great mood from the float, and it was fun meeting other vacationers.
10. Jones Run Falls Trailhead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Hadrian6
We recommend starting at the Jones Run Trailhead and extending your hike to a portion of the Doyles River Trail to see both the upper and lower falls there. Return to Skyline Drive using the Brown's Gap Road trail (a very gentle climb compared to the Jones Run trail) and connect back to the Jones Run Trailhead using a portion of the AT. This loop is a little over 6 miles. This is one of the best hikes we have done in a long time. There were very few people on the trail (we passed 5 in 5 hours) and the recent heavy rains had made all of the falls spectacular. We even saw a bear (very close!) on the Brown's Gap Road/Trail. Not too buggy.
