Whats Happening
–––––in Shenandoah National Park
ACTIVITIES
From seasonal Ranger-guided programs and NPS Special Events, to night skies programs, to hiking and rock climbing & rappelling, there is something for everyone at Shenandoah National Park. NOTE: There are no programs scheduled during the winter months. Check goshenandoah.com or nps.gov/shen websites for current information.
April
10apr9:00 am4:00 pmBasic Outdoor Survival Skills at Skyland
Event Details
Shenandoah National Park: Skyland (mile 41.7 and 42.5on Skyline Drive)Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This
Event Details
Shenandoah National Park: Skyland (mile 41.7 and 42.5on Skyline Drive)
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation.
- Reservations required.
- Led by the Shenandoah Mountain Guides.
- $175 per person includes $20.00 meal voucher.
- Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
Time
April 10, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
May
08may9:00 am4:00 pmBasic Outdoor Survival Skills in Shenandoah
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges. Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.
- $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
- Minimum age: 12 years.
- Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
- No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
- Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
- Meet Andy in front of the Big Meadows Main Lodge Building 15 minutes prior to departing.
- Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
- 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
- No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.
more
Time
May 8, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
08may8:30 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
Held at the Big Meadows Area (mile 51, outside the Rapidan Camp Gate).
-
-
- Venus, Jupiter
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on status.
-
Photo by Larry Brown
more
Time
May 8, 2026 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
22may8:45 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
Held at the Big Meadows Area (mile 51, outside the Rapidan Camp Gate).
- Venus, Jupiter, 45% Moon
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on status.
Photo by Larry Brown
more
Time
May 22, 2026 8:45 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
June
05jun9:00 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
Held at the Big Meadows Area (mile 51, outside the Rapidan Camp Gate).
- Mercury? Venus, Jupiter
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on status.
Photo by Larry Brown
more
Time
June 5, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
12jun9:00 am4:00 pmBasic Outdoor Survival Skills in Shenandoah
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges. Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.
- $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
- Minimum age: 12 years.
- Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
- No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
- Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
- Meet Andy in front of the Big Meadows Lodge Spottswood Dining Room Building 15 minutes prior to departing.
- Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
- 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
- No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.
more
Time
June 12, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
13jun4:00 pm5:00 pmA Walk For Sunshine in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and
Event Details
Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and adventure in a story telling format. His presentations involve music, slides, and personal narration. Alt, an expert hiker, has been featured on Discovery Channel.com and many more. Alt’s books, The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Shenandoah National Park and Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun, are inspiring families to literally, take a hike.
more
Time
June 13, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-11:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
19jun9:00 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
Held at the Big Meadows Area (mile 51, outside the Rapidan Camp Gate).
- Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, 30% Moon
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on status.
Photo by Larry Brown
more
Time
June 19, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
July
03jul8:00 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point
Event Details
National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join Amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
Held at the Big Meadows Area (mile 51, outside the Rapidan Camp Gate).
-
-
- Jupiter, Venus, Moon @ midnight
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on status.
-
Photo by Larry Brown
more
Time
July 3, 2026 8:00 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
10jul9:00 am4:00 pmBasic Outdoor Survival Skills in Shenandoah
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges. Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.
- $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
- Minimum age: 12 years.
- Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
- No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
- Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
- Meet Andy in front of the Big Meadows Lodge 15 minutes prior to departing.
- Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
- 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
- No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.
more
Time
July 10, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
17jul9:00 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
- Featuring Venus, 17% Moon, Milky Way
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes will be provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on its status.
- Held at the Rapidan Gate access road.
more
Time
July 17, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
18jul4:00 pm5:00 pmA Walk For Sunshine in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and
Event Details
Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and adventure in a story telling format. His presentations involve music, slides, and personal narration. Alt, an expert hiker, has been featured on Discovery Channel.com and many more. Alt’s books, The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Shenandoah National Park and Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun, are inspiring families to literally, take a hike.
more
Time
July 18, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-11:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
31jul8:45 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
- Featuring Venus, Milky Way, 94% Moon @ 10pm
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes will be provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on its status.
- Held at the Rapidan Gate access road.
more
Time
July 31, 2026 8:45 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
August
12aug10:00 pm1:00 amNight Skies in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
- Featuring Perseid Meteor Shower
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes will be provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on its status.
- Held at the Rapidan Gate access road.
more
Time
August 12, 2026 10:00 pm - 1:00 am(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
14aug9:00 am4:00 pmBasic Outdoor Survival Skills in Shenandoah
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges. Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.
- $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
- Minimum age: 12 years.
- Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
- No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
- Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
- Meet Andy in front of the Big Meadows Main Lodge Building 15 minutes prior to departing.
- Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
- 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
- No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.
more
Time
August 14, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
28aug8:15 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
- Featuring Venus, Full Moon, Saturn @ 11pm
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes will be provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on its status.
- Held at the Rapidan Gate access road.
more
Time
August 28, 2026 8:15 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
September
11sep9:00 am4:00 pmBasic Outdoor Survival Skills in Shenandoah
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges. Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.
- $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
- Minimum age: 12 years.
- Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
- No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
- Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
- Meet Andy in front of the Big Meadows Main Lodge 15 minutes prior to departing.
- Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
- 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
- No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.
more
Time
September 11, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
11sep7:45 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
- Featuring Venus, Saturn @ 10pm, Milky Way
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes will be provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on its status.
- Held at the Rapidan Gate access road.
more
Time
September 11, 2026 7:45 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
25sep7:30 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
- Featuring Venus ?, Mercury? Full Moon, Saturn @ 9pm
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes will be provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on its status.
- Held at the Rapidan Gate access road.
more
Time
September 25, 2026 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
October
09oct9:00 am4:00 pmBasic Outdoor Survival Skills in Shenandoah
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on
Event Details
Learn what to do when the “what ifs” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “now whats”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how to best use them in a survival situation. This course is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on key elements for not simply surviving, but thriving when outdoor adventures turn into challenges. Led by Shenandoah Mountain Guide Andy Nichols.
- $175 per person includes a $20 meal voucher.
- Minimum age: 12 years.
- Reservations required and full payment due at booking.
- No refunds if guest arrives late for the event.
- Event will take place in all weather conditions excluding thunderstorms.
- Meet Andy in front of the Big Meadows Main Lodge building 15 minutes prior to departing.
- Minimum of 4 paying for program to operate.
- 7-day hour cancellation notice provided if program cancelled due to minimum not met. Deposit fully refunded.
- No refund if less than 7 days’ notice received by participants.
more
Time
October 9, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
09oct7:00 pm11:30 pmNight Skies in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative
Event Details
Big Meadows area (mile 51 on Skyline Drive). National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars.
- Featuring Mercury, Saturn @ 8pm, Milky Way
- Free to all park visitors.
- Telescopes will be provided, but participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars as well.
- A blanket, chair, and flashlight are also recommended.
- Outdoor presentation is canceled if there is inclement weather. Indoor PP presentation held at Big Meadows Lodge.
- Call 540-999-2222 the day of the event to check on its status.
- Held at the Rapidan Gate access road.
more
Time
October 9, 2026 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
17oct4:00 pm5:00 pmA Walk For Sunshine in Shenandoah National Park
Event Details
Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and
Event Details
Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and adventure in a story telling format. His presentations involve music, slides, and personal narration. Alt, an expert hiker, has been featured on Discovery Channel.com and many more. Alt’s books, The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Shenandoah National Park and Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun, are inspiring families to literally, take a hike.
more
Time
October 17, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-11:00)
Location
Big Meadows Lodge
SEASONS
From seasonal Ranger-guided programs and NPS Special Events, to night skies programs, to hiking and rock climbing & rappelling, there is something for everyone at Shenandoah National Park. Check goshenandoah.com or nps.gov/shen websites for current information.
Seasons
Four distinct seasons make Shenandoah National Park a new and exciting place to be each and every month.
Although best known for its vibrant fall foliage, the park is no less spectacular (and a lot less crowded) in spring when the wildflowers and trees are in full bloom. Summer brings lush greens and welcome relief from the valley temperatures. The park’s elevation encourages as much as a 10 degree difference. That same difference can bring dramatic changes in winter. When surrounding lowlands are experiencing rain, the park can be blanketed in snow and ice. But the clear skies and bare trees of winter make the park’s vistas magnificent and wildlife tracking and viewing particularly rewarding.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for changing weather if you’re planning to visit Shenandoah. Wear layers in the winter and remember that facilities are closed. In summer, check the weather forecast for lightning before heading out and always bring plenty of water.
The weather is different up here. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast. The best source for weather in the Park is https://www.srh.noaa.gov/
You can see what things are like in real time by connecting to one of our webcams, especially the one at Byrd Visitor Center.