Things You'll Need:
- Layered clothing Hiking boots Athletic shoes Rain poncho Small backpack
-
Step 1
Plan out what portion of the park you intend on visiting. The northern district, for example, is most easily accessible if you are coming from the Washington, D.C. area, while the central portion is best if you plan on staying overnight. The southern district is more rugged, less populated and believed by many to have some of the best hikes. There are four official entrances to the park, at Front Royal, Thorton Gap, Swift Run Gap and Rockfish Gap, a length that stretches from Front Royal to Waynesboro.
-
Step 2
Book accommodations in advance, unless you plan on camping, at Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge or Lewis Mountain Cabins. These overnight accommodations are all listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and located directly inside the park. At Skyland Resort and Big Meadows, you can book package trips that include guided hikes and horseback rides, and in some cases, food and drinks, with you accommodations. Dining facilities are available at Skyland and Big Meadows, while at Lewis Mountain you can enjoy cooking your own food over an open campfire.
-
Step 3
Purchase an entry pass to obtain admittance to the park. Passes are valid the day of purchase and the six days following, totaling a week. From March through November, the cost is $15 per vehicle, but less for pedestrians, bikers and motorists. An annual pass, at $30, allows unlimited entrance to the park for a full year. Costs can change, so be sure to check the National Park Service website for updated info.
-
Step 4
Stop by one of several visitor centers for hiking maps and advice. At mile 4.6, find the Dicky Ridge Visitor's Center, or the Harry F. Byrd center at mile 51. You can also pick up a copy of the Shenandoah Overlook, the park newspaper, for additional information, particularly seasonal tips. Wayside Stations are located directly off Skyline Drive throughout the park and provide goods, gas and information.
-
Step 5
Hike over 500 miles of hiking trails, either self-guided trails with the aid of a park map or attend a ranger led interpretative program. Some of these programs can be booked at either Skyland or Big Meadows. Others are available through the visitor's centers. There are also some mountain biking trails. If you aren't up for a hike or horseback ride, drive on Skyline Drive, the national scenic byway that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley with lookout points throughout
