While planning a trip, people worry about what things they will do there. No matter where we go for traveling, whether adventurous places or National Parks, everyone properly researches it before going.
Shenandoah National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Virginia, USA. With its stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, there’s no doubt this Park is a popular destination for visitors worldwide. A travel agency in Alabama is available that helps plan adventures to the World’s National Parks.
Keep reading this blog; here, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park to assist you in planning your visit and making the most of your time in this beautiful natural oasis.
12 Amazing Shenandoah National Park Activities
If you’re looking for a great way to experience the beauty of Shenandoah National Park, there are many unique activities. So, without ado, let’s have a look at the below activities.
Scenic Driving
Imagine driving along a long and memorable road called Skyline Drive. This road goes through the whole Park and is about 105 miles long. As you move on this road, you get to see some absolutely incredible views of the mountains, valleys, and forests all around you. It looks like a beautiful painting of nature!
Now, along this road, there are many places where you can pull over and stop for a little while. These stopping spots are called “overlooks.” They’re like little rest areas where you can Park your car and take a break. But the coolest part is that you can see the most incredible sights when you stop at these overlooks.
You can see how tall the mountains are, how deep the valleys are, and how vast the forests are.
Camping
Shenandoah National Park activities offer to stay overnight in special camping spots. It’s like having a sleepover in nature! There are different camping types, but you’ll enjoy the most backcountry camping.
Backcountry Camping
If you’re feeling more adventurous and want a real nature challenge, there’s backcountry camping. This is like camping in the wilder parts of the Park. You won’t be able to drive your car to these spots – you’ll need to hike a bit to get there. It’s like going on a mini-expedition to find your camping spot. You’ll need to bring all your camping gear, like a true outdoor explorer.
Go to Dickey Ridge Center
In Shenandoah National Park, there’s really one of the cool things to see in Shenandoah National Park going to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. It’s up at the top part of the Park. This place is like a helpful hub for visitors like you.
Inside the center, you’ll find important things like maps so you will stay aware of, exciting displays to learn from, a shop where you can get books and stuff, and bathrooms for when you need them. But the most incredible thing is the Park Rangers who work there.
These Park rangers are like nature experts. They know a lot about the Park and can help you plan your visit. They can suggest the best hikes or activities you’ll enjoy based on what you like. So chat with these friendly rangers if you need help figuring out where to go or what to do.
Rose River Falls
For people who love nature and want the unique thing to see in Shenandoah National Park, visit the Rose River Falls. It’s a fantastic spot! There’s a trail that makes a loop and is about 3.8 miles long. That’s like going for a nice walk in nature. Along this trail, you’ll get to see many beautiful waterfalls.
These waterfalls are like mini water shows along the Rose River.
But the most special waterfall is the big one called Rose River Falls. It’s really tall – about 67 feet high! You’ll find it towards the end of the trail, and it’s quite impressive!
Enjoy Hawksbill Mountain
Hawksbill Mountain is the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park, at 4,049 feet.
If you want to go there, you must take different paths, but the Upper Hawksbill Trail is the easiest. Start at the Upper Hawksbill parking lot. It’s a 2.2-mile roundtrip walk and a bit uphill, with 500 feet of climbing.
Another way is the Lower Hawksbill Trail. It’s shorter, just 1.5 miles round trip, but tougher because it goes uphill a lot.
Fall Foliage
When it comes to Shenandoah National Park things to do, this Park becomes incredibly beautiful in the fall. The land has many hills that keep going up and down, and there are valleys and places full of trees. You can also find some really pretty waterfalls here.
As autumn comes, the leaves on the trees start to change colors. It begins at the highest parts and then gradually moves down the hillsides. This makes the whole place look glowing with yellow, orange, and red colors.
Moreover, if you want to go for a short hike in the fall, some really nice trails show off this colorful scenery. It’s like walking through a painting of nature’s most vibrant colors!
Take a Chill at Marys Rock
If you’re looking for the best things to do Shenandoah National Park, there is no better than Marys Rock views. The Mary’s Rock Trail leads you to the top of Mary’s Rock Mountain.
You can see amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain from there. But watch out – the rocky ground has delicate plants, so be careful as you hike up.
You can select between two trails to reach the summit of Mary’s Rock. If you want a shorter and easier hike, go for the Mary’s Rock South trail.
It’s about 3.1 miles round trip and goes up 800 feet. But if you’re feeling more adventurous and want a more challenging hike, take the Mary’s Rock North trail. It’s around 3.4 miles round trip and goes up 1210 feet.
Set Up A Tent
You can benefit from a cozy adventure in Shenandoah National Park by sleeping outside under the stars and waking up to singing birds as the sun rises. Set up a tent or park your RV (a camper) in one of the Park’s five camping areas. But remember, this Park is home to black bears. In fact, it has one of the highest numbers of black bears in the country!
So, whether you’re camping out in the wild, staying in a tent at a camping area, or sleeping in an RV, you need to be careful with your food. Following safety rules for storing your food is essential to keep bears away. When you visit Shenandoah, make sure you’re aware of bears and how to keep yourself and the bears safe.
Must See Basalt Columns
Regarding what to do in Shenandoah National Park, you can see something really cool – basalt columns. These are like nature’s special rock formations, like what you might see in famous places like Giant’s Causeway in Ireland or Stuolagil Canyon in Iceland.
To see these columns, start at the Compton Gap parking lot, around mile 10.4 on Skyline Drive. Then, hike up to Compton Peak Summit on the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, you’ll find another trail that crosses the one you’re on.
If you go to the west, you’ll reach a summit with amazing mountain views. But if you go to the east, you’ll discover the basalt columns themselves.
The hike is about 2.4 miles round trip, usually taking 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It’s a great way to see something unique and beautiful in Shenandoah National Park!
Hike the Limberlost Trail
One of the really fun Shenandoah National Park activities is walking on the Limberlost Trail. It’s an excellent choice for families with little kids or anyone who wants an easy and pretty hike.
This trail is only 1.3 miles long, and it’s very easy to walk on because it’s covered with smooth crushed greenstone. It’s like walking on a nice path. Also, you won’t have to go up a big hill – just a little bit, about 130 feet. You can finish the whole walk in about an hour.
It’s a simple and enjoyable way to explore the Park and see beautiful sights!
Watch Wild Life
When you drive on the curvy Skyline Road and pause to admire the views, watch for the animals in Shenandoah. As you’re considering the Shenandoah National Park things to do, you should see mammals like deer, squirrels, and chipmunks.
You might even glimpse animals like woodchucks, beavers, or black bears if you’re lucky. Just keep your eyes open as you explore – there’s a lot of nature to discover!
Don’t Miss Sunrises and Sunsets
Shenandoah National Park is a wonderful place to watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It has 75 spots where you can see amazing views and many mountains that are relatively easy to climb.
Imagine seeing the sunrise from behind the Blue Ridge Mountains in the morning or watching it go down behind the hills in the evening. It’s an extraordinary experience that you can have at this Park.
Sum Up!
Overall, Shenandoah National Park offers abundant activities and experiences for visitors. From hiking to scenic drives, camping to wildlife viewing, there is something for everyone in this beautiful Park.
With its breathtaking views and natural wonders, Shenandoah National Park is definitely a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
So, if you’re looking for an escape into the great outdoors, add Shenandoah National Park to your travel wish list and start planning your trip today!
Moreover, most people ask why use a travel agent?. Travel guides have so many years of experience and knowledge about destinations, transportation options, and vendors. They guide travelers properly about every essential information. So, what are you thinking? Just plan a hassle-free trip!
