SHENANDOAH TRIP FOR THE FAMILY

Welcome to Shenandoah National Park, where families can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains and discover the beauty of Virginia’s wilderness. With its scenic drives, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, Shenandoah offers families a chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories together. Here are eight points of interest to see in Shenandoah National Park:

Skyline Drive: Begin your journey on Skyline Drive, a scenic highway that winds for 105 miles through the heart of the park. Enjoy panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains as you drive along this iconic route.

Marys Rock Tunnel: Stop at Marys Rock Tunnel for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take a short hike to the nearby Marys Rock Summit for even more stunning vistas of the Shenandoah landscape.

Dark Hollow Falls: Hike to Dark Hollow Falls, one of the park’s most popular waterfalls. Follow the trail through lush forest and along a rushing stream to reach the base of the falls, where you can cool off in the mist and enjoy the serene beauty of the cascading water.

Stony Man Summit: Summit Stony Man Mountain for panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and neighboring peaks. Hike the gentle trail to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Limberlost Trail: Explore the Limberlost Trail, a wheelchair-accessible loop trail that winds through a beautiful forest of hemlock and white pine. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species along the way.

Big Meadows: Relax and picnic in Big Meadows, a scenic meadow surrounded by forests and mountain views. Explore the visitor center and learn about the park’s natural and cultural history, or take a leisurely stroll along the nearby trails.

Old Rag Mountain: Challenge yourself with a hike to the summit of Old Rag Mountain, one of the park’s most strenuous trails. Follow the rocky trail to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Junior Ranger Program: Engage the whole family in Shenandoah’s Junior Ranger Program, where kids can learn about forest ecology, wildlife conservation, and outdoor ethics through fun and interactive activities. Upon completion, they’ll receive a badge and a sense of pride in protecting this beautiful wilderness area.

With its scenic drives, breathtaking vistas, and opportunities for adventure and exploration, Shenandoah National Park offers families a chance to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your sense of adventure, hiking boots, and camera, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.