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12 Must-See Attractions In Shenandoah National Park

12 Must-See Attractions In Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is found in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, United States. It has an area of 806 km² and was established on December 26, 1935. A wide network of pathways, including a piece of the Appalachian Trail, traverses the length of the park. With swamps, rivers, and rugged summits like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains, the park is largely forested. The Shenandoah Valley is home to a variety of bird species, as well as deer, squirrels, and the elusive black bear.

Over 1.4 million tourists visited Shenandoah National Park in 2019. It also ranks 20th out of 63 national parks.

Here is everything you need to learn in this guide:

  • What are the attractions in Shenandoah National Park?
  • What is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park?
  • What should we expect in Shenandoah National Park?

What are the attractions in Shenandoah National Park?

Imagine the breathtaking vistas from the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, which traverses the length of the sanctuary’s 300-square-mile area.There was another past Skyline Drive, where bears prowl the hollows and brook trout swim in cascading rivers.

The park has a broad mix of flora and animals, with elevations ranging from 550 ft at its lowest level to over 4,049 feet atop Hawksbill.

Shenandoah National Park, which substitutes roaring waterfalls with cascading fountains and blue-tinted peaks with stone monuments, provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital.

You can also visit the two visitor centers that are separated by 25 miles of breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. The Byrd Visitor Center is 2 miles south of Big Meadows Lodge, and the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is 4 miles west of the Thornton Gap gateway. Both facilities have helpful rangers, first-aid stations, educational exhibits, and short films that provide excellent overviews of the area.

There seem to be over a dozen recognized waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park alone, with dozens more running through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains; you must explore their falls while out on a tour in Shenandoah National Park.
Deep hollow falls, whiteoak falls, south river falls, apple orchard falls, flowing spring falls, and falling water cascading are just a few of their stunning waterfalls.

Along Skyline Drive, there are quite a total of 75 overlooks. You may see some of their views from here: Range view overlook, buck hollow overlook, hazel mountain, and the point overlook.

If you love trail walking or hiking Shenandoah National Park has the best mountains for that: Bearfence mountain, Stony man, hawksbill mountain, Mary’s rock, old rag, and Appalachian trail.

If you want more you can visit their Luray caverns, humpback rocks, natural bridge, and McAfee knob. Aside from these marvelous places Shenandoah National Park also protects wildlife.

What is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park?

The greatest months to visit Shenandoah National Park are September through November and March through May, when the park is most gorgeous. Autumn brings warm colors to the park, giving Shenandoah’s panoramic views an autumnal twist.

From late September to mid-November, the most popular time to visit Skyline Drive is during the fall foliage season. However, spring brings the most vibrant wildflowers to the drive, as well as blooming azaleas and mountain laurel.

You definitely put Shenandoah National Park’s spectacular scenery on your wishlist if you haven’t already. The trees are adorned with red, orange, and yellow leaves that will dazzle your eyes. You will see incredible sights if you visit during the autumn months of September, October, and November.

What should we expect in Shenandoah National Park?

Shenandoah National Park is a historic mountain setting with limitless mountain ranges, lush woods, enormous swaths of wilderness, stunning waterfalls, and abundant animals.A diversity of wildlife, as well as deer, squirrels, and the elusive black bear, call the Shenandoah Valley home.

Expect their beautiful Skyline drive, diverse range of flora and fauna, thundering waterfalls with flowing fountains and blue-tinted mountains with granite monuments, dickey ridge visitor center, byrd visitor center, dozen named waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park, 75 overlooks along Skyline drive, and their marvelous mountains.

Precautions:

Just like some other places and parks you should always follow the rules. Never touch wildlife unless given the permission, always bring your trash with you and never throw them anywhere. If going for a trail walk or hiking you must never forget to bring your water.

Conclusions

Shenandoah National Park has everything that a visitor must expect. From it’s marvelous mountain views, enjoyable trail walking and/or hiking, to it’s calm and beautiful waterfalls, and their protected wildlife.

When you’re planning to visit Shenandoah National Park you must pack the things you only need, don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic view of Shenandoah National Park. Must bring extra money.

Sources:

https://championtraveler.com/price/cost-of-a-trip-to-shenandoah-national-park-us/
https://blackburn-inn.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-shenandoah-national-park-for-fall-colors/

9 Amazing Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park


https://visitshenandoah.org/whats-new/accessible-waterfalls-shenandoah-valley/
https://www.travelawaits.com/2552252/things-to-do-in-shenandoah-national-park/

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