Shenandoah National Park gives adventurers endless options for hours of exploration. Visitors can sightsee at picturesque overlooks, spot adorable animals grazing in the meadows, learn about local history, hike to gorgeous waterfalls, and so much more. All of these options can make planning a trip to the park a little overwhelming. Ease that stress by focusing on one of the region’s top attractions. This fall, see the best of Shenandoah at Old Rag Mountain.
Old Rag Mountain is for everyone from hikers and climbers to photographers and drivers. Several trails weave through the ridges, and a scenic drive nearby offers excellent views of the mountain. Discover even more about Old Rag with this list of travel tips and trail info.
Prepare your pockets for posies, because wildflower season is still going strong. In May, Shenandoah National Park will celebrate its 37th annual Wildflower Weekend. This year, on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, park guests can participate in free events highlighting the region’s seasonal blooms. Here’s what visitors can expect from the festivities.
People of all ages and backgrounds can join in art, hiking, journaling, and informational workshop activities during Wildflower Week. No reservations are required, and all of the programs are free. Visitors will still need to pay the park entrance fee, which costs $30 and allows unlimited entry for seven consecutive days.
Photo by Lara Ellis, via NPS
Guests joining the park for Wildflower Week can participate in tons of free events. Hikers can join naturalists like David Stapleton and Mitzi Fox as they lead hikes along flower-filled trails. At Shenandoah National Park’s Byrd Visitor Center, visitors can show their creative side during the Botanical Art Workshop. Even animal lovers will find fun activities like the Spring Amphibians walk led by park rangers or the Spring Birds of Pocosin hike led by park ecologist Alan Williams.
The Byrd Visitor Center auditorium will also serve as a hotspot for artwork commemorating wildflower season. On May 6, a recognition ceremony will congratulate artists who won the park’s “Youth Art in the Park” contest. Artsy folks can also join the Botanical Art Workshop events hosted on the meadow side of the center. The park will provide all art supplies, and local artists and naturalists will help guide activities.
Photo via NPS
Want to enjoy Shenandoah National Park’s spring wildflowers without getting involved in group activities? Hikers who prefer solitary adventures can find the best blooms on a few specific trails. Stroll along the Passamaquoddy Trail for trillium and moss phlox. Spot wild geranium on the trails near the South River Falls picnic area.
Keep the Shenandoah Wildflower Calendar handy to guide your journey. And whether you want to avoid crowds or get involved in the fun, the Wildflower Weekend schedule will be a helpful resource for guests visiting the park on May 6-7.
Forests, waterfalls, and mountains come together to form the outstanding landscapes at Shenandoah National Park. These natural wonders draw tons of tourists to the park every year. In fact, National Park Service statistics show that over 1.4 million guests explored Shenandoah on recreation visits in 2022.
If you’re one of the many people drawn to this national park’s beauty, you might wonder how to get the most out of a trip here. While there is no wrong way to enjoy nature (as long as you’re following Leave No Trace ethics), a Shenandoah trip can feel incomplete without stops at a few major landmarks. Get the full experience by visiting the six best sights at Shenandoah National Park.
