United States | Washington, D.C.
Just about an hour and a half from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a great way to escape the bustle of the city for some natural beauty. It’s great to visit any time of year, but the fall is probably our favorite; the cool weather is great for hiking, and the color of the trees means you’ll see the park at its most beautiful.
Admission
Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle. However, many of the activities in and around the park do not require you to pay the entrance fee; the fee is only required if you drive onto Skyline Drive through a park entrance station.
Skyline Drive
Spanning 105 miles along the spine of Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive winds along the hill crest, offering spectacular views. Regular turnouts offer places to stop and enjoy the view or go hiking. The road can close during inclement weather, so be sure to check in with the Park Service before your drive if it’s been stormy lately.
Hiking
Shenandoah is full of great hikes. The National Park Service has a big list of some of the best ones. Here are some of our favorites:
| Trail | Length | Difficulty |
| Old Rag | 9.2 miles | Strenuous |
| Big Schloss | 4.3 miles | Moderate |
| Mary’s Rock (from Panorama) | 3.7 miles | Moderate |
| Whiteoak Canyon | 2-7.3 miles | Easy – Strenuous |
| Stony Man | 1.6 miles | Easy |
| Hawksbill Mountain | 1.5 miles | Easy |
Floating the River
If the weather is warm, floating the river is an excellent way to spend half a day. There are numerous companies that will rent you a kayak, canoe, or tube (consider taking a picnic lunch with you). Options for rentals include Shenandoah River Adventures, Shenandoah River Outfitters, and Massanutten Adventures.