How Much Is It To Hike At Shenandoah National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Shenandoah National Park’s entrance fee is normally

$30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per individual providing entry for seven consecutive days

. The Shenandoah Annual Pass is $55 providing unlimited entry for one year to the pass owner and passengers in the same vehicle.

Do I need a permit to hike in Shenandoah National Park?

Your Backcountry Permit


You are required to fill out the following form before any overnight camping trip in Shenandoah’s backcountry

. You will need to know your full trip itinerary prior to completing this permit, so take the time to plan your trip and review all Park regulations.

What is the best trail in Shenandoah National Park?

  • Dark Hollow Falls Trail. …
  • Stony Man Trail. …
  • Lewis Falls Trail. …
  • Old Rag Trail. …
  • Whiteoak Canyon Hiking Area. …
  • Rose River Loop Trail. …
  • South River Falls. South River Falls | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. …
  • Sugarloaf Loop Trail. Mountain laurel blossoms.

How much does it cost to park at Old Rag Mountain?

Trail Stats Fee

$30 per vehicle

(good for seven days)
Driving Directions Click Here

Is Skyline Drive free for military?


Veterans and Gold Star Families Granted Free Lifetime Access

– Visit Skyline Drive.

Is the Skyline Drive worth it?

The northern part of the drive is very twisting, less so as you drive south. Critical to keep to the speed limit, even though it seems to be low. Spectacular scenery along the way!

What is special about Shenandoah National Park?

Park Information


Five hundred miles of trails, consisting of 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, lead visitors to waterfalls, panoramic views, protected wilderness, and preserved human history in the Shenandoah valley

. A park full of recreational opportunities for the entire family, Shenandoah is worth a repeat visit.

How much does it cost to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway?

There is

no entrance fee

for traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway.

How long does the Old Rag trail take?

This route typically takes

seven or eight hours

to complete, and involves ascending to the summit on the Ridge Trail and utilizing the Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow Fire Road to return to the trailhead.

Do you need reservations to visit Shenandoah National Park?

Make Reservations

Rangers explain that since Shenandoah is so popular,

you’ll need to reserve campsites and lodging ahead of time

. If those accommodations are already full, you’ll need to find commercial cabins, campgrounds, hotels, or motels outside the park.

Does Shenandoah National Park need reservations?

New Reservations:


We are currently accepting reservations for upcoming dates

. You can book online or please call us at 877-847-1919 Monday-Friday from 9 AM – 9 PM EST, Saturday-Sunday 12 PM – 8:30 PM EST.

What is the hardest hike in Shenandoah?


Old Rag

. Old Rag is the toughest hike on this list but it is also our favorite.

How long is the Shenandoah National Park hike?

Check out this 115.5-mile point-to-point trail near Waynesboro, Virginia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of

54 h 19 min

to complete.

How many waterfalls are in Shenandoah National Park?

There are

more than a dozen

waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park that can be reached by way of hiking trails. The majority are accessible via Skyline Drive. Overall Run Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park, standing proud at 93 feet tall. However, Dark Hollow Falls is Shenandoah’s most visited waterfall.

Is there a fee to hike Old Rag?

Although Old Rag Mountain is within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, most people approach it from the Park’s eastern boundary, instead of from Skyline Drive.

You are still required to pay an entrance fee

, but parking at the lots operated by the National Park Service is free.

How hard is hiking Old Rag?

The Old Rag hike is

strenuous

, with lots of switchback trails and rock scrambling. The reward from the top of Old Rag is a 360° view of the Shenandoah Mountains. It’s a fun, challenging hike that is great for adults and very adventurous kids.

What is a rock scramble in hiking?

Rock scrambling is

a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges

. It’s not rock climbing, but it’s not walking either. Rock scrambles are typically associated with trails that offer ‘non-technical’ summits as a destination.

Is there a military discount for Shenandoah National Park?


Veterans and active members of the US armed forces now receive FREE entry to Shenandoah National Park

and most other federal recreation sites! Active military members can receive a free Military pass by presenting your current US military ID at the entrance. There is not a pass specifically for Veterans.

Does Shenandoah National Park close?

Shenandoah National Park

never closes

, it’s open all of the time, every hour of the day and every day of the year.

Can you drive through Shenandoah National Park?


The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park

. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. Skyline Drive is generally open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Which is better Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive?


Blue ridge parkway

goes through wilder terrain but is a bit more like a normal road than skyline drive (and toll free). It’s also much longer at about 450 miles to the 100 or so of Skyline drive. And it skirts closer to civilization at times than skyline.

How many miles is Skyline Drive?

105.5 mi

Can you turn around on Skyline Drive?

Yes…it’s a long beautiful drive. So

turn around and go back if ya miss an exit

. It IS a two way drive.

What is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park?

The best times to visit Shenandoah National Park are

September through November and March through May

, when the park is at its prettiest. Fall welcomes warm shades throughout the park, putting an autumnal twist on Shenandoah’s panoramic views.

What can I bring to Shenandoah National Park?
  1. Ultralight day pack. Like this, so you don’t have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
  2. Binoculars. Like these.
  3. Good hiking shoes. These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet. …
  4. Small portable cooler.

Are there showers at Shenandoah National Park?

There are picnic tables, water spigots and restrooms, but

now showers or camp store

. For sundries, the closest camp store is Loft Mountain Wayside at milepost 79.5. The Appalachian Trail rubs up against the south side of this campground.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.