Activities

Skyline Drive: Activities | Wilderness | Nature | Forest | Animals Plants | Map 1 | Map 2 | Map 3 | Map 4 | Map 5 | Map 6 | Map 7 Map 8

Campgrounds

The four major campgrounds of the park all have roomy sites with picnic table and grill. All are near a section of the Appalachian Trail. All have some accessible sites. All except Mathews Arm have showers, laundry, and a camp store.

No campground has hookups for water, electricity, or sewage, but Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, and Loft Mountain have dump stations. All except Big Meadows and Dundo are first-come, first-served. All are accessed from Skyline Drive.

Fishing

The mountain streams of Shenandoah National Park are populated by a variety of species of fishes and these pristine waters provide some of the best protected strongholds for native eastern brook trout. Recreational fishing regulations have changed significantly in order to ensure effective protection and management of fisheries resources in the park.

These recent changes eliminate many of the differences that have existed between Virginia fish regulations and park regulations. In order to provide protection for game-fish populations and enhance angling opportunities, Park Rangers strictly enforce regulations. Thank you and happy fishing!

Hiking

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Many trails are accessed from Skyline Drive. Some short trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint; longer and more difficult trails penetrate deep into the forest and wilderness.

Milepost 43: Limberlost Trail

It is ADA accessible, with a crushed green walkway on a gentle grade. This circuit hike of 1.3 miles is for people of all ages. The trail passes through forest and a stand of mountain laurel - stunningly beautiful when it blooms in June. The forest is ever-changing!

Once tall hemlocks and oaks shaded this trail, but most have been killed by insect invaders: the wooly adelgid and the gypsy moth. Recent storms have felled many of the dead trees.

Today, notice what lives, including birches, maples, white pines. Look for wildflowers, from the bluets and violets of April to the yarrow, yellow hawkweed, and wild columbine of summer; discover ferns and mushrooms; listen for birds. And contemplate the resilience of nature.

Horseback Riding

There are more than 150 miles of horse trails in the park. Visitors may bring their own horses, or sign up for a guided trail ride from the Skyland Stables (May through October).

Lodging

Skyland

Skyland (Milepost 41.7) has 177 guest rooms, rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites.

Big Meadows

Big Meadows (Milepost 51) has 25 rooms in the main lodge, 72 additional rooms in rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites.

Lewis Mountain

Lewis Mountain (Milepost 57.5) has several rustic, furnished cabins with private baths and outdoor grill areas.

All three lodging sites accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra fee is charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA accessible rooms. To make reservations at Skyland, Big Meadows, and Lewis Mountain, or for additional information, visit www.visitshenandoah.com or write to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108.

PATC Cabins

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (an authorized park concession), maintains six locked, primitive cabins in the park. The cabins are equipped with mattresses, blankets, and cookware. A pit toilet and spring water are nearby. To get information or to make reservations, call PATC at (703) 242-0693 or (703) 242-0315; or write to PATC, 118 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180.

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