FAQs
–––––in Shenandoah National Park
FAQ’s
When is the park open?
Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, the only public road through the park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors can generally still enter the park on foot to hike even when the Drive is closed. Most park facilities are open from late-March through November. All park facilities, with the exception of a few picnic grounds and restrooms, are closed during the winter. Click here for current facility operating hours.
How long does it take to get through the park?
Skyline Drive’s maximum speed limit is 35 miles per hour. Speed limits are reduced in developed areas such as campgrounds and picnic grounds. With over 75 scenic overlooks along the way, most people allow three-four hours to drive the 105-mile length of Skyline Drive.
What are the park entrance fees?
Shenandoah National Park is one of about 150 park service units that charge an entry fee. 80% of the fees collected at Shenandoah are returned to the park for specific projects. More…
What outdoor activities can I do in the park?
Hiking, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, photography, bird watching, backpacking, wildlife observation, ranger programs— just to name a few! More…
Where can I hike?
Shenandoah offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Trails range from short, easy walks to long, rugged rock scrambles. Click here for more information.
Where can I fish?
All park streams are open to catch-and-release fishing; additionally, some designated streams are open to harvest. Special regulations are in place and a Virginia state fishing license is required. Some hiking is required to reach fishing streams. More…
Where can I go horseback riding?
Skyland Stables at mile 42.5 offers guided horseback rides in the spring, summer, and fall. If you’d like to bring your own horse, Shenandoah offers over 180 miles of horse trails. Special regulations are in place for your safety and to help protect park resources. More…
Where can I ride my bike?
Bicycling is permitted along Skyline Drive and on paved areas in the park. Bicycling (road and mountain bikes) is not permitted on trails, unpaved roads, or in grassy areas. Be very careful if you decide to bike on the Skyline Drive. Drivers of cars, RVs, and motorcycles are often paying more attention to the scenery than to the roadway. Dense fog is possible any day of the year at any time of the day. Bicyclists must have headlights and taillights during foggy conditions. Be prepared for steep uphill climbs and unforgiving road shoulders lined by rock walls.
Where can I see a waterfall?
There are a number of waterfalls in the park. None are visible from Skyline Drive. The shortest hike to a waterfall is 1.4 miles roundtrip to Dark Hollow Falls near milepost 51. It is a very popular hike that is steep and rocky in places.