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Shenandoah National Park Travel Guide: 163 reviews and 534 photos
It was a sunny and warm November morning, so we decided to make the 90-minute trip to Shenandoah National Park. While I had driven through the valley before, I'd never been to the park itself. The fall foliage was past peak, but still spectacular.
Skyline Drive is a 105-mile (about 170 km) mountain road that snakes its way along a ridge line, affording tremendous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River (hmm... why is a John Denver tune suddenly in my head? :). The road is entirely within Shenandoah National Park, which requires a fee to enter.
We entered on the north end, just outside of Front Royal, Virginia. After showing our National Parks Pass, we entered Skyline Drive and made our way southward. After a brief stop at the Shenandoah Valley Overlook (the northernmost of 75 "Overlooks," or places to get off the road and take in the views), we continued on to the Visitor Center just past Milepost 4.
We were just making a day trip, so we asked for advice on a good 3 hour hike. The ranger suggested we continue just past Milepost 21 and make a 5.2 mile loop hike along a part of the Appalachian trail and the Sugar Loaf trail.
At Milepost 21, the Hogback Overlook, the highest altitude overlook in the northern part of the park, offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. We stopped briefly and then took our hike.
As we returned to our car and headed back towards Front Royal, we pulled over several times at various overlooks and took in some more views.
Reviews (20)
Trail Markers
Local Customs
(1)
In addition to the rectangles of various colors you will see on trees and rocks, you will also see posts at... more travel advice
Rattlesnake Point Overlook
Things to Do
(13)
Rattlesnake Point Overlook provides a tremendous view to the south with an array of mountains spread in front of you.... more travel advice
Hogback Overlook
Things to Do
(13)
This is the highest and most scenic overlook in the northern portion of the park. Hogback Overlook is at an elevation of... more travel advice
Little Devil's Staircase Overlook
Things to Do
(13)
This small overlook has an interesting view of a series of hills, presumably the Little Devil's Staircase. This overlook... more travel advice
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Comments (12)
Love this part of the US. A few years now since we were here but the autumn colour is unforgettable.
Great photos - takes me on a nostalgic trek down memory lane - God's country for sure! Grazie for great tour.....
A lot of information for hikers. Oh snakes !!! Dr Indiana Jones doesn't like snakes too :o)
Beautiful pictures and helpful information. Thanks!!
We really enjoyed your photos of the various overlooks. Thanks for sharing them.
Virginia and especially shenandoah is on my mind for summer. it was pleasant coming over these pages. good tips. i liked warnings!
I'd love to go hiking there once! Beautiful pictures again!!
What a beautiful place! Glad to read you didn't trip over any snakes whilst hiking!
Enjoyed a virtual tour of the summit drive. Shenandoah River reminds me of the song "Country Roads". Thanks for sharing this scenic region. Cheers, SL
Thank you for the birthday wishes! I absolutely loved Skyline Drive. I love how you identified all the good overlooks for my next trip! Thank you!