Shenandoah’s Magnificence
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
John Muir
Shenandoah National Park: majestic blue mountains, brilliant orange sunsets, roaring waterfalls, pastel wildflowers, fragrant forests and so much more. It is more than just a park to visit. The expansive views and wilderness trails provide opportunity for introspection and spending quality time with friends and loved ones.
Walking the Entire Shenandoah National Park
In 2016, my husband, dogs and I hiked the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park. At that time, we completed a few side trails, but stuck mostly to our plan of walking the 101 miles northbound on the white blazed trail. I have fond memories of those days, therefore we have returned annually for weekend adventures. In 2021, we completed a southbound hike of the 250 mile Tuscarora Trail, finishing at the terminus in the Matthew’s Arm region of the SNP.
Shenandoah’s magic pulled us in and in 2022, we committed to hiking all of the 500+ miles of the park. We were relentless, section hiking most weekends of 2022 and 2023, completing many of the trails. I stepped away from this special challenge in 2024 and 2025 to focus on international thru-hikes and adventures.
As of 2026, we’ve walked more than 600 miles there — some paths repeated as connectors to reach other trails. But now, I’m excited to return to SNP, though not necessarily eager to finish it. A part of my heart lives in the lovely mountains and valleys of western Virginia. And honestly, I wonder if I’ll ever truly want to “check it off” my list.
About the SNP
Shenandoah National Park (SNP) is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It was established in 1935 and encompasses close to 200,000 acres, with 80,000 designated as protected wilderness. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile byway, winds through the park and hosts 75 overlooks and access to hiking trails, campgrounds and lodging facilities. The National Park is home to more than 300 animal species and thousands of plant varieties. There are more than 90 streams, many with lovely cascades and booming waterfalls.
The park has 4 entrance points. Click the links below for directions:
- Front Royal (North) – Route 340 in Front Royal
- Thornton Gap – Route 211 east of Luray, west of Sperryville
- Swift Run Gap – Route 33 east of Elkton
- Rockfish Gap (South) – Route 64 east of Waynesboro
The park is divided into 3 sections: North, Central and South. The northern section includes trails between the Front Royal and Thornton Gap entrances, Skyline Drive mile markers 0 to 31.5. The central section includes the region between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, miles 31.5 to 65.5. And the southern section consists of trails south of Swift Run Gap, ending at Rockfish Gap, miles 65.5 to 105.
There is an entrance fee. You can choose from the Shenandoah fee options or purchase the National Park Service pass for year-long access to more than 2,000 parks and wildlife refuges. There are also 8 free days in 2026:
- February 16: Presidents Day /Washington’s Birthday
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
- July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
- August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17: Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
Learn From Our Adventures
Looking for inspiration for your own adventure in Shenandoah National Park? Explore some of our favorite hikes, overlooks, waterfalls, and trail experiences through the Shenandoah posts below. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer hiking journey, I hope these stories help you discover a little of the park’s magic for yourself. More adventures are coming soon!
Here’s an up-to-date look at our progress through Shenandoah National Park. Thanks for following along on this adventure with us!
Are you ready for a story? Read about my first hitch hiking experience!
A Trail Story: Hitching a Ride in Shenandoah National Park
Hitchhiking, picking up strangers and making new friends. It is all part of the Appalachian Trail backpacking experience!