Things To Do Around Shenandoah National Park

Nestled deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a wonderland of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Lush with scenic hiking trails, breathtaking vistas, and an abundance of wildlife, this park offers something for everyone. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking to tackle challenging terrain or a family seeking a peaceful getaway, Shenandoah National Park is the perfect destination. And with a variety of RV campgrounds and other amenities available, you can immerse yourself in the park’s splendor while still enjoying modern conveniences. 

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the park’s top hiking trails, things to do, and RV campgrounds, so you can plan the ultimate adventure in Shenandoah National Park. And don’t forget to secure your RV rental today!

Best Hiking Trails In Shenandoah National Park

What better things to do around Shenandoah National Park than to explore its many incredible hiking trails! Below, we’ve put together a handful of trails in the park for every level of experience.

Old Rag Mountain

Distance Round Trip: 8 Miles

Challenge Level: Difficult

As you embark on the Old Rag Mountain trail in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a setting of paradoxical beauty and ruggedness. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through a serene forest, with trees looming tall and lush on either side of the path. But as you continue, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and uneven, presenting an entirely new challenge. The rocks are jagged, seemingly stacked on top of one another with no rhyme or reason. 

The difficulty of the trail is a topic of much discussion among hikers, and it’s easy to see why. At times, it feels like a near-impossible feat, with steep drops and dizzying heights that can make even the bravest souls quiver. But just when you’re about to give up, you’ll find yourself at the peak of the summit.

And what a reward it is. The views from the top of Old Rag Mountain are nothing short of breathtaking. The landscape spreads out before you like a patchwork quilt, with shades of green and brown stretching as far as the eye can see. The blue sky above seems impossibly vast, and the fresh mountain air fills your lungs with a sense of pure exhilaration. It’s a view that defies description.

Dark Hollow Falls

Distance Round Trip: 1.4 Miles

Challenge Level: Moderate

The Dark Hollow Falls trail in Shenandoah National Park offers a setting of serene beauty, where the sounds of rushing water and chirping birds blend together into a soothing symphony. The trail meanders through a lush forest, with tall trees casting a dappled light on the path below. The air is cool, crisp, and invigorating. Although the trail begins with an easy walk in the woods, be prepared for the trek to become more challenging as time goes on.

The trail itself seems to have a life of its own, as if it’s constantly changing and adapting to the hiker’s every move. One moment, you’re walking on a narrow ledge, with a steep drop on either side. The next, you’re clambering up a rocky outcropping, using every muscle in your body to push forward. It’s a trail that keeps you on your toes, with new obstacles and surprises around every bend.

Despite the challenges, the terrain is also abu. As you navigate the rocky path, you’re treated to stunning views of the surrounding forest, with tall trees stretching up toward the sky.

Hawksbill Summit

Distance Round Trip: 2.9 Miles

Challenge Level: Moderate

The Hawksbill Summit trail in Shenandoah National Park is a challenging and exhilarating hiking experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can expect a moderate to difficult level of difficulty, with steep inclines and rocky terrain that demands physical fitness and stamina.

Like the Dark Hollow Falls trail, Hawksbill begins with a gentle ascent through a forest, gradually becoming steeper as it winds its way up the mountain. As hikers ascend, the path becomes more rugged and rocky, with occasional boulders and obstacles that require careful navigation.

The final section of the trail is the most challenging, with a steep climb to the summit that requires hikers to scramble over rocks and boulders. But the reward for the effort is the stunning view from the top, which includes a panoramic vista of the Shenandoah Valley, with the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching out in the distance.

Throughout the trail, hikers can expect to encounter a variety of plant and animal life, including wildflowers, birds, and small mammals. The trail is well-marked and maintained. But despite this, hikers should come prepared with sturdy footwear, adequate water and snacks, and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.

Stony Man Trail

Distance Round Trip: 1.6 Miles

Challenge Level: Moderate

The Stony Man trail ranges from easy to moderate in difficulty, with steep inclines and rocky terrain that can challenge even experienced hikers. As hikers make their way along the trail, they’ll be immersed in a sea of vibrant colors and textures, with dense forests and wildflowers lining the path. The trail features a range of habitats, from rocky outcroppings to meandering streams, that offer a healthy mix of terrain that keeps hikers on their toes.

One of the highlights of the Stony Man Trail is the summit, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys that is simply breathtaking. But getting to the summit is no easy feat, and hikers will need to navigate a series of switchbacks and rocky sections that demand physical strength and endurance. 

Overall, the Stony Man Trail is a hiking experience that offers a mix of terrain for amateur hikers to challenge themselves with. It’s a hike that is well worth the effort, offering stunning views and a sense of wonder that will stay with hikers long after they’ve completed the hike.

Limberlost Trail

Distance Round Trip: 1.3 Miles

Challenge Level: Easy

The Limberlost trail is perfect for hikers of all skill levels, including beginners, and offers a gentle, easy-to-navigate terrain that is mostly flat and well-maintained.

As hikers make their way along the trail, they will be immersed in its vibrant colors and textures, with wildflowers, ferns, and moss-covered rocks lining the path. The forest canopy overhead provides a cool, shaded respite from the sun, adding to the overall sense of tranquility and relaxation.

But even with its gentle terrain, the Limberlost Trail still offers a sense of adventure and exploration, with unexpected twists and turns that keep hikers on their toes. The path meanders through a diverse range of habitats, including mixed hardwood and conifer forests, and features interpretive signs that offer insight into the area’s unique ecology.

Limberlost is a hike that offers something for everyone, from families with young children to seasoned hikers looking for a peaceful, easy-going experience in Shenandoah National Park.

RV Campgrounds In Shenandoah National Forest

Matthews Arm Campground

Matthews Arm Campground is a charming camping destination located in the heart of Shenandoah National Park. This campground is not only abundant in natural beauty, but also has a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable.

One of the most striking features of Matthews Arm Campground is its location, deep in the forests of Shenandoah National Park. The campground is surrounded by dense woodland and rolling hills, offering a mix of landscape to explore.

There are numerous campsites available, each with a picnic table and fire pit for coziness and comfort. Additionally, the campground features restrooms with hot showers.

For those who want to explore the surrounding area, Matthews Arm Campground is located close to a range of hiking trails and other natural attractions. This provides a good mix of outdoor activities for campers, ranging from gentle nature walks to challenging hikes that take hikers deep into the heart of the park.

Gooney Creek Campground

​​As you enter Gooney Creek Campground, you’re at once greeted by the sounds of the rushing creek that runs through the center of the site. The location of Gooney Creek is nothing short of breathtaking, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lush forest canopy. The sites themselves are varied, with some located in open meadows and others tucked away in secluded wooded areas.

The amenities at Gooney Creek Campground are plentiful and diverse, catering to the needs of all types of campers. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to cook up a delicious meal under the stars. Additionally, there are modern restroom facilities with hot showers, ensuring that you can stay clean and comfortable throughout your stay.

For those who enjoy hiking, there are numerous trails that lead from the campground to various points of interest within Shenandoah National Park. From easy, family-friendly hikes to challenging treks for experienced hikers, there’s something for everyone. You can also explore the nearby streams and rivers, which are perfect for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. There are so many things to do around Shenandoah National Park that you won’t even have to leave your campground to experience them!

Loft Mountain Campground

As one of the highest campgrounds in the park, Loft Mountain Campground offers a great amount of challenging terrain nearby that is perfect for adventure seekers. The surrounding area is filled with trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, stunning overlooks, and panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.

The campground itself has many amenities that make it a comfortable and convenient place to stay. For added privacy, the campsites are hidden among the trees. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit, providing an inviting space for families and friends to gather around and enjoy each other’s company.

Loft Mountain’s facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, and running water. Additionally, there is a camp store located nearby that offers a range of supplies and snacks, providing a burst of convenience for campers.

One of the most unique features of Loft Mountain Campground is its proximity to the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can access the trail from the campground and embark on a journey that stretches over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine.

Endless Caverns RV Resort

As its name suggests, Endless Caverns RV Resort is full of unique features and amenities that set it apart from other campgrounds. The resort is built around a labyrinth of underground caves to explore during your stay. It’s a great and exciting opportunity for visitors to discover the hidden wonders of the earth.

Located just a short drive from Shenandoah National Park, Endless Caverns RV Resort offers a prime location for visitors to access some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world. The resort is surrounded by towering mountains, deep forests, and winding rivers.

The resort also offers a wide range of amenities. There is a swimming pool for visitors to cool off on hot summer days, a playground for children to burn off some energy, and a game room for visitors to relax and unwind. Additionally, there is a camp store located on site that offers a range of supplies and snacks, providing a burst of convenience for visitors.

Graves Mountain Farm Campground

Graves Mountain Farm Campground can be found deep within the rolling hills and sprawling farmlands of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The campground has a range of features and amenities that cater to the needs of all visitors. From spacious campsites and modern facilities to exciting activities and events, Graves Mountain Farm Campground has everything that visitors need to enjoy a memorable and relaxing vacation.

The campsites at Graves Mountain Farm Campground are spacious and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and inviting space for families and friends to gather and relax. The campground offers a range of sites, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabin rentals, catering to the needs of all visitors.

One of the unique features of Graves Mountain Farm Campground is the range of activities and events that it offers. Visitors can explore the nearby trails and streams, go horseback riding, or participate in the annual apple harvest festival, which is a burst of autumnal charm and excitement.

The location of Graves Mountain Farm Campground is just a short drive from Shenandoah National Park and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the nearby trails, streams, and waterfalls.

 

With so many great campgrounds and things to do around Shenandoah National Park, your next trip there will be the adventure of a lifetime!