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Shenandoah National Park itself is always open, but the Skyline Drive which is the only road through Shenandoah National Park closes some portions during hunting season from dusk to early morning. This road also closes in inclement weather for safety reasons. The highest visitation is during the fall color season and the summer months. Traffic can be heavy on Skyline Drive during these weekends.
Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge, which forms the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. In the valley to the west is the Shenandoah River, from which some feel the Park gets its name, and between the north and south forks of the river is Massanutten, a 40 mile long mountain. To the east is the rolling Piedmont country. Providing vistas of the spectacular landscape is Skyline Drive, a winding road that runs along the crest of this portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the length of the Park.
Some of the activities to help you enjoy Shenandoah National Park are but not limited to: camping in a regular campground or backcountry camping with a permit (available at visitor centers, entrance stations or Park Headquarters), hiking (over 500 miles of hiking trails), picnicking, participating in conducted activities, watching the audiovisual programs and viewing the exhibits in the visitor centers, fishing in one of 30 legal Park streams, or just plain relaxing in the peaceful surroundings. For children ages seven and older, there are activities just for them. Check the bulletin boards and at visitor centers for a current listing of children's programs as well as other ranger activities.
As in other National Parks, Shenandoah has a Junior Ranger Program for youth, in which they have specific ranger led activities. The Junior Ranger Program really helps youth get the most out of their visit to a National Park and to become involved as an official Junior Ranger and earn their patch.
The three visitor centers, one in each district of the park, are open spring through late fall, with exhibits and information. Rangers offer orientation and assistance; many ranger led programs and hikes begin here.
| Visitor Center | Location | Open | Days |
| Dickey Ridge - Park HQ | Mile 4.6 | Spring - Fall | Daily |
| Harry F. Byrd | Milepost 51 (Big Meadows) | Spring - Fall | Daily |
| Loft Mountain | Mile 79.5 | Spring - Fall | Daily |
Loft Mountain Information Center has exhibits, sales items, audiovisual programs, information and conducted activities schedules.
The following opening dates are approved opening dates, and the closing dates are proposed closing dates for these facilities. You may want to call the park for more information.
| Facility | Opening Dates | Closing Dates |
| Big Meadow Campground | mid-May | Nov |
| Big Meadow Wayside | mid-May | Nov |
| Dundo Campground | mid-May | Nov |
| Elkwallow | mid-May | Oct |
| Skyland Lodge | mid-May | Nov |
| Loft Mountain Wayside | mid-May | Oct |
| Panorama | mid-May | Oct |
| Big Meadows Lodge | mid-May | Oct |
| Lewis Mountain Cabins | mid-May | Oct |
| Lewis Mountain Campground | mid-May | Oct |
| Lewis Mountain Wayside | mid-May | Oct |
| Loft Mountain Campground | mid-May | Oct |
| Loft Mountain Campstore | mid-May | Oct |
| Loft Mountain Shower / Laundry | mid-May | Oct |
| Mathews Arm Campground | mid-May | Oct |
For information about any event, call park information at (540) 999-3500 near the time of the activity.
Wildflower Weekend - activities about wildflowers, usually second weekend in May. Special walks, talks, workshops and slide programs focusing on Shenandoah National Park's native woodland wildflowers. May is the best time to see the greatest variety of native plants in bloom at various elevations in the park. Reservations not necessary. Free programs. To be added to mailing list for brochure, call: 5401999-3397.
North American Butterfly Association Annual Count - Volunteers count butterflies in the same 15 mile diameter circle as the bird count, Page County. The count helps identify population trends, habitat preferences, and movement of different butterfly species. $3:00 fee per person. Please register at least two weeks in advance. Contact Mara Meisel, park ranger and count compiler, at: 540-999-3282.
Hoover Days - scheduled on the weekend closest to Pres Hoover's 10 Aug birthday.
Anniversary of National Park Service - free entry into Shenandoah on 25 Aug.
CCC Reunion - the last weekend in September.
Annual Bird Count - usually third Sunday in December.Volunteers spend the day searching for birds in a section of the 15 mile diameter count circle in Page County. The count provides information about trends in bird behavior, populations, and migration. $5.00 fee per person. Please register at least two weeks in advance. Contact Mara Meisel, park ranger and count compiler, at: 540-999-3282.
Shenandoah's award winning Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook provides children age 7 and older with the opportunity to have fun learning about the park as they work toward becoming Junior Rangers. The 15 activities in the book guide children as they explore forest trails, streams, plants, and animals. Children draw, record observations, and answer questions. After completing a certain number of activities, and attending two ranger programs, children earn a sticker, badge, or patch. Families may rent Junior Ranger backpacks containing field guides, binoculars, and other supplies. They purchase the Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook for a small fee.
| Activity | Length | Description |
| Junior Ranger Program | 1.0 hr | Enjoy the fun and excitement of discovering treasures in your national park. |
| Activity | Length | Description |
| Junior Ranger Program | 1.0 hr | Enjoy the fun and excitement of discovering treasures in your national park. |
| Activity | Length | Description |
| Junior Ranger Program | 1.5 hr | Enjoy the fun and excitement of discovering treasures in your national park. |
| Activity | Length | Description |
| Junior Ranger Program | 1.0 hr | Enjoy the fun and excitement of discovering treasures in your national park. |
The only way to make your Shenandoah experience complete is to join a park ranger for a hike, talk, or evening program, listed below. For a complete schedule of programs, dates, and times, see the park's newspaper, Shenandoah Overlook.
| Activity | Length | Description |
| Forest Links | 1.5 mi; 1.5 hr | Explore the changing forest and the link between forest health and you. |
| Campfire Traditions | 1.0 hr | An evening ranger program is a favorite activity in our national parks. Relax under the night sky and experience the significance of Shenandoah National Park through this delightful tradition. |
| Activity | Length | Description |
| Story of the Limberlost | 1.2 mi; 2.0 hr | There's beauty and there's hidden history in the ancient hemlock grove of the Limberlost. The tale of this incredible area continues to unfold. Can preservation ensure a never-ending story? Meet at the Limberlost Trailhead (mile 43). |
| Birds Of Prey | 1.0 hr | A live hawk and other birds of prey are the "stars" of this program. They've long been cast as "bad guys" because of their dining habits, but they are among our most exciting residents and play an important role in Shenandoah's ecosystem. |
| The Rustic Gem of the Blue Ridge Historic Skyland | 1.0 mi; 1.5 hr | A rowdy resort in the roaring 20s, Skyland became the centerpiece for the National Park movement in the Southern Appalachians. The figures and forces that helped shape Shenandoah National Park come to life during this stroll through historic Skyland. |
| Older Than Dirt | 1.7 mi; 2.0 hr | Shenandoah's rocks aren't getting any younger, but they're still creating a habitat for plants and wildlife. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water for this hike to a picturesque view. Meet at Millers Head trailhead, Skyland (mile 42.5). |
| The View from Here | 1.6 mi; 2.0 hr | Shenandoah National Park was created because of the spectacular vistas, but some of the most incredible sights are closer than you think. Meet at Stony Man Nature Trailhead (mile 41.6). |
| At Home in the Wild | 1.2 mi; 2.0 hr | A walk in the woods can be a wilderness experience. Come learn to be at home in Shenandoah under the towering trees of the Limberlost. Meet at the Limberlost Trailhead for this easy hike (mile 43) |
| Shenandoah Appetizer | 30 min | A short program about the rich history and the tantalizing nature of Shenandoah National Park will whet your appetite. Meet at the Skyland dining room terrace area. |
| Shenandoah Sunset | 1.6 mi; 2.0 hr | Twilight is a magical time. This pleasant evening hike explores the changes in Shenandoah as day turns into night. Sturdy boots and a flashlight are recommended. Meet at Stony Man Nature Trailhead (mile 41.6) |
| Campfire Traditions | 1.0 hr | An evening ranger program is a favorite activity in our national parks. Relax under the night sky and experience the significance of Shenandoah National Park through this delightful tradition. |
| Activity | Length | Description |
| Ranger Mornings | 30 min | Bring a cup of coffee and have an informal conversation with a ranger to learn what opportunities await you at Shenandoah National Park. Meet in the great room at Big Meadows Lodge. |
| Lasting Impressions | 20 min | Want something different? This short program prepares you for a daylong Shenandoah adventure. Create a memory to last a lifetime and really explore at your leisure the great places in the park. Meet in Byrd Visitor Center auditorium. |
| A Walk on the Wild Side | 3.5 hr; 4.0 mi | The Rose River trail is a place with beautiful waterfalls, diverse plant life, and designated wilderness. Walk on the wild side of Shenandoah National Park. Strenuous hike! Bring drinking water. Meet at Fishers Gap Overlook (mile 49.4). |
| Birds Of Prey | 1.0 hr | A live hawk and other birds of prey are the "stars" of this program. They've long been cast as "bad guys" because of their dining habits, but they are among our most exciting residents and play an important role in Shenandoah's ecosystem. |
| Presidential Outing | 3.0 hr | More than a rural fishing camp, Rapidan Camp was the summer retreat of President Herbert and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Travel down by van to see restoration in progress at this National Historic Landmark on the Rapidan. 12 person limit. Advance reservations taken for the 9:00 a.m. tour 540-999-3283. Sign up for the 1:30 p.m. tour the day of the program at the Byrd Visitor Center. |
| Your Place Naturally | 1.5 mi; 2.0 hr | A mountain stream, a forest path, and a picturesque meadow-they all belong to you. Find a favorite place in Shenandoah National Park on this nature walk. |
| Fire on the Mountain | 2.0 mi; 2.0 hr | How did a 1,578-acre wildfire in November, 1999, affect Shenandoah National Park's ecosystem? Are the results dramatic or subtle? Will they change your understanding of the role of fire in our national parks? Meet at Bootens Gap parking area (mile 55.1). |
| For the Love of Bears | 30 min | We all protect what we love, and bears are no exception. Shenandoah's growing bear population "bears" talking about for their safety and yours. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center auditorium. |
| Would You Like Fries With That? | 30 min | No, thanks! This deer is on a diet. If you were a deer for a day, what would you like to eat and what bad habits would you avoid? Meet at Byrd Visitor Center auditorium. |
| Featuring Big Meadows | 1.0 mi; 1.5 hr | he features of the Big Meadows landscape reveal its past and present. Discover how research and planning help park officials manage the future of the Meadow. |
| Backyard Wilderness | .5 mi; 1.0 hr | Wilderness might be closer than you think. Determine your meaning of wilderness on this leisurely stroll to a marvelous vista. Meet at Big Meadows Lodge entrance. |
| Shenandoah Appetizer | 30 min | A short program about the rich history and the tantalizing nature of Shenandoah National Park will whet your appetite. Meet at the Big Meadows dining room patio area. |
| Twilight in Big Meadows | 1.0 mi; 1.5 hr | Twilight is a magical time. Take a pleasant evening hike in the meadow and see Shenandoah change as day turns into night. A flashlight is recommended. |
| Campfire Traditions | 1.0 hr | An evening ranger program is a favorite activity in our national parks. Relax under the night sky and experience the significance of Shenandoah National Park through this delightful tradition. |
| Activity | Length | Description |
| Fire on the Mountain | 3.0 mi; 3.0 hr | Fire changed the landscape here in the past two years. Are the results dramatic or subtle? Will they change your understanding of the role of fire in our national parks? Meet at Riprap Parking area (mile 90). |
| Blackrock | 1.0 mi; 1.5 hr | A Great Destination in Two Centuries - Blackrock, a magnificent pile of quartzite, has attracted people for at least two centuries. See what inspired the guests of the resorts that pre-dated Shenandoah National Park at nearby Blackrock Springs. Meet at Blackrock Parking (mile 84.8). |
| Shenandoah Deer | 45 min | Brown-eyed beauties with sharp hooves and a powerful kick: the park's deer are a treat to observe-at a distance. Join a Ranger to examine the life and times of the white-tailed deer. |
| Community Relations | 45 min | Many diverse families make up a community. Shenandoah National Park's wildlife community is no exception. Each animal, even the ones you rarely see, has a function in Shenandoah. Check at the Loft Mountain Information Center or Campground Registration Station to find out which animal family we'll highlight in the program. |
| An Evening Walk | 1.5 mi, 1.5 hr | Time of day, time of year, weather, and the people gathered make each of these hikes unique. Experience the changes in Shenandoah as day turns into night. Sturdy shoes or boots and a flashlight are recommended. |
| Campfire Traditions | 1.0 hr | An evening ranger program is a favorite activity in our national parks. Relax under the night sky and experience the significance of Shenandoah National Park through this delightful tradition |
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