Shenandoah National Park

Current alerts

• CautionActive wildfire in the park

  U.S. Wildland Fire Service and Virginia Department of Forestry are responding to an approximately 1.26-acre fire near Stull Run Trail in the south district of Shenandoah National Park. The fire is not currently threatening any structures, and all park trails and facilities remain open at this time.

• InformationInfrastructure Improvements to Old Rag Trailhead

  Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.

• InformationShenandoah National Park Moved to Fully Cashless Fee Collection

  On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.

• CautionParking at Boundary Access Areas

  Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.

• InformationGet Skyline Drive Status Updates

  Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.

  More information

• InformationTicket Required to Hike Old Rag

  March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.

  More information

Location

38.4924, -78.4691

Key trails & viewpoints

• Old Rag Circuit

  <p>The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.</p>

  PARK BOUNDARY | Visitors must obtain an Old Rag day-use ticket in advance of this hike. Pets are not allowed. Old Rag is a popular, very strenuous hike with sweeping views and several scrambles across large rocks. This route starts from the Old Rag parking area on the boundary of the Park.

• Stony Man

  <p>The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.</p>

  MILE 41.7 | Pets are not allowed on this hike. This enjoyable hike brings you to an outstanding view of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Mountain, and beyond.

• Whiteoak Falls (Lower)

  The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.

  PARK BOUNDARY | An easier hike to the base of the lower falls in Whiteoak Canyon. Note that a Park entrance fee is still required.

• Turk Mountain

  <p>The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.</p>

  MILE 94.1 | A hike to the 2,981’ summit of Turk Mountain, located in the Shenandoah Wilderness, that provides a wonderful view to the west.

• Riprap - Wildcat Ridge

  <p>The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.</p>

  MILE 90 or 92.1 | This loop can be hiked from Riprap Parking or Wildcat Ridge Parking. It takes you through the forests of the Shenandoah Wilderness and over several stream crossings, while offering beautiful views of the hollows and valley to the west and north.

• Nicholson Hollow

  <p>The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.</p>

  PARK BOUNDARY | An alternate option for visitors with pets who still wish to hike from the Old Rag parking area. This hike takes you through the Shenandoah Wilderness to Corbin Cabin, an old homesite built by a former resident, and features several stream crossings along the way.

• Knob Mountain - Jeremys Run

  <p>The average hike duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.</p>

  Elkwallow Wayside (mile 24) | This hike goes around a beautiful area of the Park featuring one of the most picturesque streams in Shenandoah. The majority of this hike is in the Shenandoah Wilderness.

• Hazel River Falls

  <p>The average hike duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.</p>

  Meadow Spring Parking Area (mile 33.5) | A trail that leads you into the Shenandoah Wilderness to an exceptional waterfall.

Hours & fees

• Entrance - Private Vehicle — $30.00

  Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle.

• Entrance - Motorcycle — $25.00

  Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

• Entrance - Per Person — $15.00

  Entry for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Includes entering the Park by all means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee.

• Commercial Entrance - Sedan — $25.00

  The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger.

• Commercial Entrance - Per Person — $10.00

  This fee is for commercial use between 1-6 passengers (sedan). The total cost is calculated: $25 for the vehicle + $10 per passenger.

• Commercial Entrance - Van — $75.00

  Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.

• Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $100.00

  Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.

• Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $200.00

  Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.

• Entrance - Education/Academic Groups — $0.00

  National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance fees, provided that visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use, support those purposes. Request an academic fee waiver through the education section of our website.

• Entrance - Non-commercial Groups — $15.00

  Fee is calculated per person for anyone 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Groups will not be charged more than the equivalent commercial group fee.

Activities

• Auto and ATV
• Scenic Driving
• Astronomy
• Stargazing
• Biking
• Road Biking
• Camping
• Backcountry Camping
• Car or Front Country Camping
• Group Camping
• RV Camping
• Climbing
• Rock Climbing
• Compass and GPS
• Geocaching
• Fishing
• Food
• Dining
• Picnicking
• Hands-On
• Citizen Science
• Hiking
• Horse Trekking
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting and Gathering
• Gathering and Foraging
• Junior Ranger Program
• Wildlife Watching
• Birdwatching
• Park Film
• Museum Exhibits
• Shopping
• Bookstore and Park Store
• Gift Shop and Souvenirs