Shenandoah National Park

Everything You Need to Know

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Your Ultimate Guide to Virginia’s National Treasure: Shenandoah National Park

Welcome to the breathtaking Shenandoah National Park, a natural gem nestled right at the foot of Charlottesville, Virginia. With its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you are a hiker, a photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this park should be not be missed. From cascading waterfalls to panoramic mountain views, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore and discover in this pristine wilderness.

Here you can take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains by booking your stay at one of Shenandoah National Park’s nearby campsites, which include Big Meadows, Loft Mountain, and Dundo.  Camping in Shenandoah National Park offers the perfect chance for an adventurous outdoor experience where you can get back to nature, sleep under the stars, and watch the sunrise. Spend time in the mountains amidst the flora and fauna and take a moment to savor a fresh cup of coffee over morning birdsong, and to commune with nature. 

Additionally Shenandoah National Park boasts over 500 miles of trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the park’s natural beauty. Here hikers can enjoy breathtaking scenery, vistas, and waterfalls up close. The trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes that require some level of fitness and experience. The park spans over 200,000 acres in Virginia and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and birds.  

In this complete guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to plan your visit, including the best trails, camping areas, and hidden gems of Shenandoah National Park. So, grab your gear and get ready to experience the wonder and magic of this national treasure.

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The mileposts are listed in ascending order with the highest number being the closest proximity to Charlottesville.

Milepost 105.5  SNP ACCESS POINT  US RT 64

Milepost 104.9 Rockfish Gap Entrance Station

Milepost 102.5 McCormick Gap Overlook 

Milepost 100 Beagle Gap Overlook 

Milepost 99.5  

 

Milepost 96.8 Jarman Gap Loop: An easy 3.8-mile out-and-back trail to Sawmill Overlook. 

Milepost 93.5  

  • Turk Mountain Overlook 
  • Turk Mountain Trail: Here you will find a moderate out and back 2.5 mile dog friendly hike. 
  • Turk Gap Parking Area

 

Milepost 92.5 Crimora Lake Overlook 

Milepost 92 Moorman’s River Overlook 

Milepost 91.5 Riprap Overlook 

Milepost 90 or 92.1 Wild Cat Ridge Trail: You can enter this hike from two locations. This is a very strenous 9.8 mile long hike. 

Milepost 90:

 

Milepost 85

  • Dundo Picnic Grounds 
  •  Riprap Loop: This is a strenuous 9.8 mile loop hike consisting of mostly rock and dirt trails. 

 

Milepost 84.4 Blackrock Parking Area 

Milepost 84.1 Jones Run Falls: This moderate 3.2 mile roundtrip hike will take you across a mountain stream to a 42-foot waterfall. 

 Milepost 83.7 Dundo Campground: This is a small campground that is for group camping only, all of which come with fire rings and picnic tables. 

 Milepost 83 Browns Gap Parking Area 

Milepost 81.1 

  • Doyles River Parking Area 
  • Doyles River Falls / Trail: This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging and will take you to two stunning waterfalls. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

 

Milepost 80  

  • Loft Mountain Campground: This campground sits atop Big Flat Mountain sporting spectacular views. It is the largest of the Shenandoah National Park campgrounds 
  • Loft Mountain Wayside/Information Center: Food, Hiking and Camping Supplies Gift Shop 
  • Loft Mountain Loop: This is a 2.7 mile easy loop trail situated near Loft Mountain campground.  
  • Frazier Discovery Trail: This is an easy 2.1 mile circuit hike. No dogs are allowed on this trail. 
  • Deadening Nature Trail: Once you have reached the top of this moderate 1.4-mile circuit  trail you will have a wonderful view of Big Run watershed to the west. 

 

Milepost 78 Rockytop Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 76.9  

 

Milepost 76.2 Rocky Mount Summit/Gap Run Trail: Come explore this moderately challenging 9.5-mile loop trail. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.  

Milepost 72.8 Simmons Gap Ranger Station

Milepost 68.6 & 66.7 Hightop Mountain: Explore this moderately challenging 2.8-mile out-and-back trail. 

Milepost 67 Swiftrun Overlook

 Milepost 66.7: Hightop Mountain Parking Area 

Milepost 65.5   SNP ACCESS POINT  RT 33

Milepost 63 South River Picnic Grounds 

 Milepost 62.8 South River Falls / Trail: Check out this moderate 4 mile circuit hike which leads to a picturesque waterfall. 

 Milepost 59.5 Pocosin Trail: Check out this easy 4.7-mile out-and-back trail. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 57.5  

  • Lewis Mountain Campground and Cabins: This is a smaller, more private campground that is on a first come, first served basis only. 
  • Lewis Mountain Gift Shop 

 

Milepost 56.4 Bearfence Rock Scramble: Explore this 1.4 mile moderate hike which culminates into an exciting Rock Scramble. No Dogs are allowed on this hike. 

 Milepost 52.8  

 

Milepost 51.4  Lewis Falls Trail: Discover this invigorating and moderately challenging 1.7 mile out-and-back trail which leads to a spectacular 81-foot-tall waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 51  

  • Big Meadows Lodge Visitor/Byrd Visitor Center 
  • Big Meadows Craft Shop 
  • Big Meadows Wayside: Food, Gas, Hiking and Camping Supplies Gift Shop 
  • Big Meadows Lodge: Accommodations range from lodge rooms, suites, to individual cabins. Some rooms come with fireplaces and satellite television.  
  • Big Meadow Campground: All campsites come with a fire ring, picnic table, and a place for a tent or RV. This is a Reservations only campground after May 3. 
  • Big Meadows Spottswood Dining Room: Try the seasonal specialties while enjoying the beautiful views. This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  
  • Big Meadows New Market Taproom: This quaint taproom offers personal pizzas, salad, beer, and specialty cocktails. 
  • Big Meadows Lodge Tasting Events 
  • Big Meadows Trail: This is a peaceful and quiet easy 1.9-mile loop trail.   
  • Story of the Forest Nature Trail: This is an easy, quiet 1.8 mile loop hike. No Dogs allowed on this trail. 

 

Milepost 50.7 Dark Hollow Falls/Trail: Discover this moderate downhill 1.6-mile out-and-back hike which leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall. No dogs allowed on this trail. 

Milepost 49.5 Rose River Falls/Trail: Discover this moderately challenging 3.8 mile loop trail which leads to a 67-foot waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 45.6  

 

Mileposts 45.5, 46.7 Hawksbill Summit: Follow this moderately challenging 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to a beautiful summit. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 43  

  • Old Rag Fire Road to Robertson Mountain: Discover this challenging mostly downhill 10 mile loop trail.  
  • Limberlost Trail: This is an easy 1.3 mile loop trail which allows for strollers and wheelchair access and eventually intersects with Crescent Rock Trail. 
  • Crescent Rock Trail: Take this easy 3.3 out and back hike to a lovely overlook.  
  • Limberlost Parking Area 

 

Milepost 42.5

  • South Entrance to Skyland
  • Skyland Stables Horse Back Riding 
  • Skyland Resort Lodging: Accommodations range from lodge rooms, suites, to individual cabins. Some rooms come with fireplaces and satellite television. 
  • Skyland Resort Pollock Dining Room: This restaurant offers farm to table food with local flare. Here you can luxate in stunning views both from the inside and outside of the restaurant. 
  • Skyland Gift Shop  
  • Skyland Tasting Events 
  • Shenandoah National Park Astronomy Events
  • White Oak Canyon/Falls: Take this 2.7-mile moderately challenging out-and-back trail which leads to a stunning waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 
  • Millers Head Trail: Enjoy an easy quiet escape on this 1.5 mile out and back trail. 

 

Milepost 41.7 

  • North Entance to Skyland
  • Stony Man Nature Trail: Discover this 1.5-mile easy loop trail which leads to a summit with stunning views. No dogs allowed on this trail.  
  • Passamaquoddy Loop: Come explore this easy yet somewhat rocky 2.7-mile out-and-back trail displaying beautiful scenic views. 

 

 Milepost 39.1 Little Stony Man Cliffs: Get an early start and avoid crowds on this 3.3-mile challenging loop trail where you can enjoy amazing views. No dogs are allowed on this trail. 

Milepost 38.4 Nicholson Hollow: Come try this moderately challenging 8.2-mile out-and-back trail which has several creek crossings. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 38.6 Stony Man Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 37.9 Corbin Cabin Trail: Attempt this challenging 2.8-mile down-and-up trail which leads to a cabin near a stream. 

Milepost 36.7 Pinnacles Picnic Grounds 

Milepost 35.1  

  • Hannah Run/Nicholson Hollow: Try this challenging yet steep 10.8-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views. 
  • Buck Hollow/Buck Ridge Trail: Enjoy this 3 mile somewhat challenging out and back trail which follows a stream throughout most of the trail. 
  • Meadow Spring Trail: This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail is moderately challenging and steep. 
  • Buck Hallow Trail: This is a strenuous 6.1-mile loop trail where you will cross back and forth along Buck Hallow stream a few times. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

 

Milepost 33.5 Hazel Falls/Hazel Mountain Trail: This moderate 5.2-miles out and back hike descends to Hazel falls (aka Cave Falls), a small but lovely fall surrounded by caverns. 

SNP ACCESS POINT  RT 211

Milepost 32 Mary’s Rock Tunnel 

Mileposts 31.6, 33.5 Mary’s Rock Trail: Attempt this 3.4 moderately challenging hike with incredible views of Shenandoah National Park.  

Milepost 80 Loft Mountain Wayside / Information Center: Food, Hiking and Camping Supplies Gift Shop 

Milepost 51 Big Meadows Lodge Visitor/Byrd Visitor Center: 

Milepost 51 Big Meadows Wayside: Food, Gas, Hiking and Camping Supplies Gift Shop 

 

Milepost 90: Riprap Parking Area  

Milepost 84.4: Blackrock Parking Area 

Milepost 83: Browns Gap Parking Area 

Milepost 81.1: Doyles River Parking Area 

Milepost 66.7: Hightop Mountain Parking Area

(Park Boundary) Berry Hollow Parking Area    

Milepost 45.6: Hawksbill Gap Parking Area 

Milepost 43: Limberlost Parking Area  

Milepost 83.7 Dundo Campground: This is a small campground that is for group camping only all of which come with fire rings and picnic tables. 

Milepost 80 Loft Mountain Campground: This campground sits atop Big Flat Mountain sporting spectacular views. It is the largest of the Shenandoah National Park campgrounds 

Milepost 57.5 Lewis Mountain Campground and Cabins: This is a smaller, more private campground that is on a first come, first served basis only. 

Milepost 51  

  • Big Meadows Lodge: Accommodations range from lodge rooms, suites, to individual cabins. Some rooms come with fireplaces and satellite television.  
  • Big Meadow Campground: All campsites come with a fire ring, picnic table, and a place for a tent or RV. This is a Reservations only campground after May 3. 

Milepost 42 Skyland Resort Lodging: Accommodations range from lodge rooms, suites, to individual cabins. Some rooms come with fireplaces and satellite television.  

Milepost 85 Dundo Picnic Grounds 

Milepost 79.5 Loft Mountain Wayside: Food, Hiking and Camping Supplies Gift Shop 

Milepost 63 South River Picnic Grounds 

Milepost 51  

  • Big Meadows Wayside: Food, Gas, Hiking and Camping Supplies Gift Shop 
  • Big Meadows Spottswood Dining Room: Try the seasonal specialties while enjoying the beautiful views. This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  
  • Big Meadows New Market Taproom: This quaint taproom offers personal pizzas, salad, beer, and specialty cocktails. 

Milepost 42 Skyland Resort Pollock Dining Room: This restaurant offers farm to table food with local flare. Here you can luxate in stunning views both from the inside and outside of the restaurant. 

Milepost 36.7 Pinnacles Picnic Grounds 

EASY

Milepost 99.5  

 

Milepost 96.8 Jarman Gap Loop: An easy 3.8-mile out-and-back trail to Sawmill Overlook. 

 Milepost 80  

 

Milepost 59.5 Pocosin Trail: Check out this easy 4.7-mile out-and-back trail. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Milepost 52.8 Appalachian Trail Tanners Ridge Road: This is an easy 2.1 mile hike which takes you through a former homestead via the Appalachian Trail. 

Milepost 51  

 

Milepost 43  

  • Limberlost Trail: This is an easy 1.3 mile loop trail which allows for strollers and wheelchair access and eventually intersects with Crescent Rock Trail. 
  • Crescent Rock Trail: Take this easy 3.3 out and back hike to a lovely overlook.

 

Milepost 42.5 Millers Head Trail: Enjoy an easy quiet escape on this 1.5 mile out and back trail. 

Milepost 41.7  

  • Stony Man Nature Trail: Discover this 1.5-mile easy loop trail which leads to a summit with stunning views. No dogs allowed on this trail.  
  • Passamaquoddy Loop: Come explore this easy yet somewhat rocky 2.7-mile out-and-back trail displaying beautiful scenic views.

 

Milepost 39.1 Little Stony Man Cliffs: Get an early start and avoid crowds on this 3.3-mile challenging loop trail where you can enjoy amazing views. No dogs are allowed on this trail. 

MODERATE

Milepost 93.5 Turk Mountain Trail: Here you will find a moderate out and back 2.5 mile dog friendly hike. 

Milepost 90: Calvary & Chimney Rocks: This is a  3.2-mile moderately challenging out-and-back trail 

Milepost 84.1 Jones Run Falls: This moderate 3.2 mile roundtrip hike will take you across a mountain stream to a 42-foot waterfall. 

Milepost 81.1  Doyles River Falls / Trail: This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging and will take you to two stunning waterfalls. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 80 Deadening Nature Trail: Once you have reached the top of this moderate 1.4-mile circuit  trail you will have a wonderful view of Big Run watershed to the west. 

 Milepost 76.9 Rocky Mountain Saddle: Discover this moderately challenging 3.2 mile hike sporting spectacular views.   

Milepost 76.2 Rocky Mount Summit/Gap Run Trail: Come explore this moderately challenging 9.5-mile loop trail. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.  

 Milepost 68.6 & 66.7 Hightop Mountain: Explore this moderately challenging 2.8-mile out-and-back trail. 

 Milepost 62.8 South River Falls / Trail: Check out this moderate 4 mile circuit hike which leads to a picturesque waterfall. 

Milepost 56.4 Bearfence Rock Scramble: Explore this 1.4 mile moderate hike which culminates into an exciting Rock Scramble. No Dogs are allowed on this hike.  

Milepost 52.8  Mill Prong Trail Rapidan Camp: Come check out this moderate 3.7-mile out-and-back hike. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.  

Milepost 51.4  Lewis Falls Trail: Discover this invigorating and moderately challenging 1.7 mile out-and-back trail which leads to a spectacular 81-foot-tall waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 50.7 Dark Hollow Falls/Trail: Discover this moderate downhill 1.6-mile out-and-back hike which leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall. No dogs allowed on this trail. 

Milepost 49.5 Rose River Falls/Trail: Discover this moderately challenging 3.8 mile loop trail which leads to a 67-foot waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Mileposts 45.5, 46.7 Hawksbill Summit: Follow this moderately challenging 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to a beautiful summit. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 42.5 White Oak Canyon/Falls: Take this 2.7-mile moderately challenging out-and-back trail which leads to a stunning waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 38.4 Nicholson Hollow: Come try this moderately challenging 8.2-mile out-and-back trail which has several creek crossings. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 37.9 Corbin Cabin Trail: Attempt this challenging 2.8-mile down-and-up trail which leads to a cabin near a stream. 

Milepost 35.1  

Milepost 33.5 Hazel Falls/Hazel Mountain Trail: This moderate 5.2-miles out and back hike descends to Hazel falls (aka Cave Falls), a small but lovely fall surrounded by caverns. 

Mileposts 31.6, 33.5 Mary’s Rock Trail: Attempt this 3.4 moderately challenging hike with incredible views of Shenandoah National Park.

 STRENUOUS

Milepost 90 or 92.1 Wild Cat Ridge Trail: You can enter this hike from two different locations. This is a very strenuous 9.8 mile long hike. 

Milepost 85 Riprap Loop: This is a strenuous 9.8 mile loop hike consisting of mostly rock and dirt trails.

 Milepost 76.9  Big Run Portal/Brown Mountain: This is a Strenuous 9.4-mile loop trail. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 45.6  Cedar Run White Oak Circuit Hawksbill Gap Parking Area: This is a rewarding but strenuous 12.8 trail which leads through a few water crossings and a waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 43  Old Rag Fire Road to Robertson Mountain: Discover this challenging mostly downhill 10 mile loop trail.    

Milepost 35.1  

  • Hannah Run/Nicholson Hollow: Try this challenging yet steep 10.8-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views.
  • Buck Hallow Trail: This is a strenuous 6.1-mile loop trail where you will cross back and forth along Buck Hallow stream a few times. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 84.1 Jones Run Falls: This moderate 3.2 mile roundtrip hike will take you across a mountain stream to a 42-foot waterfall.

Milepost 81.1 Doyles River Falls / Trail: This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging and will take you to two stunning waterfalls. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 62.8 South River Falls / Trail: Check out this moderate 4 mile circuit hike which leads to a picturesque waterfall. 

Milepost 51.4  Lewis Falls Trail: Discover this invigorating and moderately challenging 1.7 mile out-and-back trail which leads to a spectacular 81-foot-tall waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 50.7 Dark Hollow Falls/Trail: Discover this moderate downhill 1.6-mile out-and-back hike which leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall. No dogs allowed on this trail. 

Milepost 49.5 Rose River Falls/Trail: Discover this moderately challenging 3.8 mile loop trail which leads to a 67-foot waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 42.5 White Oak Canyon/Falls: Take this 2.7-mile moderately challenging out-and-back trail which leads to a stunning waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Milepost 33.5 Hazel Falls/Hazel Mountain Trail: This moderate 5.2-miles out and back hike descends to Hazel falls (aka Cave Falls), a small but lovely fall surrounded by caverns. 

Milepost 102.5 McCormick Gap Overlook 

Milepost 100 Beagle Gap Overlook 

Milepost 99 Calf Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 95.5 Sawmill Ridge Overlook 

Milepost 93.5 Turk Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 92.5 Crimora Lake Overlook 

Milepost 92 Moorman’s River Overlook 

Milepost 91.5 Riprap Overlook 

Milepost 88.5 Horsehead Overlook 

Milepost 87 Trayfoot Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 83.5 Dundo Overlook 

Milepost 82 Doyles River Overlook 

Milepost 81 Big Run Overlook 

Milepost 78 Rockytop Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 77.5 Ivy Creek Overlook 

Milepost 77 Brown Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 76 Two Mile Run Overlook 

Milepost 74.5 Loft Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 72 Beldore Overlook 

Milepost 71.1 Rocky Mount Overlook 

Milepost 70.5 Eaton Hollow Overlook 

Milepost 69 Bacon Hollow Overlook 

Milepost 67.5 Sandy Bottom Overlook 

Milepost 67 Swiftrun Overlook 

Milepost 63.5 Hensley Hollow Overlook 

Milepost 61 Baldface Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 59 The Oaks Overlook 

Milepost 55.5 The Point Overlook 

Milepost 54.5 Hazeltop Ridge Overlook 

Milepost 53 Naked Creek Overlook 

Milepost 51.5 Tanners Ridge Overlook 

Milepost 49.5 Fishers Gap Overlook 

Milepost 49 Franklin Cliffs Overlook 

Milepost 48 Spitler Knoll Overlook 

Milepost 46.5 Old Rag View Overlook 

Milepost 44 Crescent Rock Overlook 

Milepost 43 Timber Hollow Overlook 

Milepost 40.5 Thorofare Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 38.6 Stony Man Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 36.5 Jewell Hollow Overlook 

Milepost 35 Pinnacles Overlook 

Milepost 33 Hazel Mountain Overlook 

Milepost 32.8 Buck Hollow Overlook 

Milepost 32.5 Tunnel Parking Overlook 

Milepost 79.5 Loft Mountain Wayside: Food, Hiking and Camping Supplies Gift Shop 

Milepost 57.5 Lewis Mountain Gift Shop 

Milepost 51 Big Meadows Craft Shop 

Milepost 42.5 Skyland Stables Horse Back Riding 

Milepost 41 & 52 Shenandoah National Park Astronomy Events   

Milepost 41.7 & 42.5