THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park, VA - Shenandoah National Park Attractions

Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

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Top Attractions in Shenandoah National Park

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Waterfalls
Steep, scenic hike winding through vibrant fall foliage to a serene waterfall, ideal for family outings. Early arrival recommended for a tranquil experience and stream crossings add to the adventure.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Hiking Trails
Challenging hike with steep inclines and a rewarding rock scramble. Features spacious parking, beautiful vistas, and a reservation-enforced trail, ideal for fit adventurers.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

What travelers are saying

  • workingfamilytravels
    Jacksonville, FL43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Skyline Drive has tons of overlooks and is amazing at sunset! And it's the perfect time to see deer and other wildlife in the park. Take your time and enjoy the drive!
    Written April 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • workingfamilytravels
    Jacksonville, FL43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you're up for it, do the Bearfence Rock Scramble! It's not a long hike, but the rock scramble was challenging for 4 guys in the winter. It may be easier without any snow, but there is a lot more climbing than we expected which made for a fun experience. Continue past to the viewpoint, and come back on the AT.
    Written April 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LisaMNUSA
    Saint Paul, MN990 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had no problem finding a parking spot in the parking lot around noon. Along the way to the water falls, there is beautiful fall colors. We really enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and the falls zt the end.
    Written October 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Colette K
    Hillsdale, NJ135 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great moderate hike. Rocky most of the way. Quite a bit of tree cover, which was helpful during the sporadic rain. The peak was well worth it, but it can be quite windy, so be prepared. Took about 3.25 hours, and we stopped at the top to take in the views and have lunch.
    Written November 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • phvi2617
    Anaheim, CA562 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great hike to the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. There are a few ways to get to the summit, but I did the loop, which starts out steep but ends with an easy jaunt on part of the Appalachian Trail. The views from the summit are terrific, and there weren't a whole lot of people on the trail, making it a quiet and peaceful walk through nature.
    Written July 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura F
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have wanted to do this hike for some time. We timed it at the end of October so we could see all of the leaves changing colors. It did not disappoint. I am a little slower hiker due to some foot issues but made it just fine. The rock scrambles were fun! The view was so beautiful. I wanted to stay up there for some time before we hiked back down. Highly recommend.
    Written December 4, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sue L
    Myrtle Beach, SC807 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We aren't "through" hikers, but just doing very short segments, primarily in the SNP to enjoy and experience what those determined hikers do. It is peaceful and sometimes you'll come across one of these hikers (you generally can smell them coming) that will talk for a minute about their adventures. Wishing them all safe travels.
    Written August 28, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeremy C
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an extremely beautiful hike that is also a good workout. My wife and I had a great time and saw so many little waterfalls in conjunction with the big one. Per the advise of an online reviewer, we parked at Fisher's Gap and hiked the loop in a clockwise direction (start on the Rose River loop trail and come back on the fire road). We are so glad we did, and we very much recommend the same. The fire road is much easier to walk, so it was an relaxing conclusion to a moderately difficult hike. We also went down to the Dark Hollow Falls and that was a worthwhile investment! It took us about four hours to hike. Be sure to bring some water and snacks.
    Written June 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dbinhou7511
    Houston, TX1,657 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice view to the west from the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center itself is rather small. Separate bathrooms next to parking lot.
    Written January 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles
    PROS
    * Scenic overlook
    * Massive green hilly and forested view out to the horizon
    * Easy access- it's on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
    * Good area for picnic

    CONS
    * There are many scenic outlooks on Skyline Drive
    * It could be crowded

    "I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
    ... during my driving to hikes within Shenandoah National Park. It was OK.

    ADVICES
    Yes, you can stop here; you can stop there. You can stop anywhere.
    Written July 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NatParkLove
    Peoria, IL1,861 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This trail is very easy, mostly flat, and about 1.3 miles long. We had done some harder hikes in the park and asked a ranger at Big Meadows for just a really easy hike/walk we could do on our last afternoon and he recommended Limberlost. It was just what we wanted to stretch out our sore legs! This is a great trail for anyone of any ability. Although there aren't mountain views or waterfalls, in early Oct., we actually had a lot of beautiful fall color on this trail and lots of birds.

    It was super peaceful and we just passed a handful of other individuals. Many benches for resting if needed too. I will say, the parking lot gets packed. It is also a starting point for the White Oak Trail. We had to park in the grass mid-afternoon on a Thurs and it was even busier when we finished our walk.
    Written October 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • podrozniczka60
    New Jersey14,846 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You can get the information on how to access the trail at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. It is a relatively easy hike for the whole family, at least parts of it.
    Picnic spots and nice views.
    Written November 26, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shenandoah National Park




The most popular things to do in Shenandoah National Park with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in Shenandoah National Park on Tripadvisor

The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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