Endless Holiday

Shenandoah National Park may have always been on your bucket list or maybe you’re from the Western US and you’re not even sure how to pronounce the name. Either way, there is a reason over a million people visit every year: it’s unbelievably beautiful. If you still need convincing, check out these 10 reasons why you should pack your bags and head to the Blue Ridge Mountains ASAP.

Four-Season Fun

Whether you want to cool off in a swimming hole during the summer or trek through the snow to watch the sunrise in the winter, Shenandoah is flexible enough to enjoy in any season. The park does a great job clearing roads after inclement weather and you can stay updated by using their 24/7 phone line. Even when the park isn’t accessible via Skyline Drive, there are still trailheads that provide access to much of the park. In the winter, I suggest hiking to a frozen, snow covered waterfall. During the summer, instead of going to see waterfalls, consider hiking up to a cool breezy mountain top to enjoy the view in a patch of shade.

Endless Number of Trails

With over 500 miles of trails leading to countless outlooks, mountain tops, waterfalls and swimming holes, the options are endless with regard to hiking in Shenandoah. The paths throughout the park are well kept, distinct, and most importantly, beautiful. The park is host to an astounding variety of hiking experiences. Travel through tunnels of mountain laurel, pad across soft pine needles, kick it up a notch with some rock scrambling, or hop rocks to cross a river. Whether you’re feeling an easy stroll coming on or craving an intense, but scenic 7+ mile hike, there’s something at SNP for everybody.

Dog Friendly Environment

Whether you’re just letting your best slobbery pal stick his head out of the window during a leisurely drive through the park or you’re going for a hike because your dog craves adventure more than you do, Shenandoah lets your furry friends enjoy themselves as much as you.

100 Miles of the Appalachian Trail

An impressive 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through Shenandoah National Park. Follow the white blazes to trace the trail through the entire park. There are many backcountry campsites throughout Shenandoah where hikers rest their feet after a long day. This section of the Appalachian Trail is ideal if you’re backpacking for the first time. The hiking is challenging but the views are rewarding and the park has multiple parking locations that make it easy to access different points of the trail.

At Shenandoah National Park, there truly is something for everyone. Relax, take a drive, and enjoy the amazing views or push yourself and hit one of the many trails for a hike. Go camping with friends and get familiar with the local wildlife, take some time to yourself and go for a quiet trail run, climb to the mountaintops, or wade through the rivers. No matter what you choose to do, you can be sure that, at Shenandoah, adventure awaits.