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Shenandoah National Park

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Overview

Located within easy traveling distance from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows are just a few of the natural features that entice visitors from near and far. Take a ride, meander along Skyline Drive, or picnic with the family in the quiet scenery of the park. The 200,000 acres of protected lands are a haven for deer, songbirds, bear, and night sky enthusiasts/astrophotographers. Take leave of the every day, and get back to your wild side in Shenandoah.

To learn more about Shenandoah National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Please Note: There are no singletrack trails within Shenandoah National Park that are open to mountain bikes. This page serves as a general overview of the area. If you're visiting the park and looking for places to ride, check out the following areas:

Visiting Tips

Shenandoah National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While the park is open year round, much of Skyline Drive is subject to seasonal hours. Even when the road is closed, visitors can still enter the park on foot. For more information on operating hours, seasonal closures, and road conditions, click here.

Fees and Passes:
For more information on park fees, click here. For more information on park passes, click here.

Camping & Lodging

Extending your visit in Shenandoah is encouraged, and there are multiple options for every comfort level. Whether you prefer to stay in a comfortable resort or choose to get back to your roots in a backcountry campsite, there are many options available.

Camping:
Shenandoah hosts four campgrounds, scattered throughout the park. The campgrounds are open in the spring, summer, and fall. Camping reservations can be made online, or phone reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777.
  • Mattews Arm: Dates subject to seasonality
  • Big Meadows: Dates subject to seasonality
  • Lewis Mountain: First-come, first-served, dates subject to seasonality
  • Loft Mountain: Dates subject to seasonality

Backcountry campsites are available through a free permit attained at a visitor's center during regular business hours. More information about backcountry campsites can be found here.

Lodging:
Shenandoah has four lodging options available, click here for more information. Reservations can be made through online through Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park, or by calling (877) 247-9261.

Food & Drink

Shenandoah National Park offers a variety of dining experiences for visitors, and you won't be disappointed by any of the choices.

  • Elkwallow Wayside: A variety of breakfast selections, sandwiches, and grilled lunch and dinner items are available. Seating options include an outside patio and picnic tables.
  • Skyland: A full-service dining room with a varied menu of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts.
  • Big Meadows Wayside: This wayside features both carry-out and table-service options, with a varied menu of regional and contemporary favorites.
  • Big Meadows Lodge: The lodge features contemporary dining in a rustic setting.
  • Loft Mountain Wayside: This wayside offers counter service, a dining room, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu offers a variety of breakfast items, grilled items, and sandwiches.

Other Activities

Visitors to Shenandoah have a myriad of activities open to them. While driving on Skyline Drive is a perennial favorite, getting out of the car and off the beaten path is recommended. Explore hundreds of miles of backcountry trail, enjoy a quiet afternoon of bird or wildlife watching, or unwind at any one of many spectacular natural features.

If thrill seeking is more your style, rock climbing, cycling and fly fishing are also permitted within the park. Seasoned adventurers are welcome, or there are a host of approved guides who can teach you the basics of any activity. More information on approved guiding services can be found here. Visit the park's website for more information on the park's other activities.

Recommended Routes in Shenandoah National Park - 1

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Recommended Routes

Favorite Brand new section of trail on Little Yellow Mountain Loop.
Very Difficult Very Difficult

Patricia Ann Byrom Full Pull

6.6 mi 10.6 km 1,912' Up 582.7 m Up 1,910' Down 582.28 m Down

Crozet, VA
Explore in 3D

Shenandoah National Park Biking

  • 6 Miles 10 Kilometers of Trail
  • 1 Recommended Route
  • 0 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 1 Intermediate Trail Intermediate Trails
  • 5 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
MTB Project is built by riders like you. Share what you know about this area!

Areas Within Shenandoah National Park

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Trails in Shenandoah National Park - 5

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Trails

1.1 mi 1.7 km #1Crooked Tree Trail
Difficult Difficult
Grottoes, VA
Difficult Difficult
Grottoes, VA
0.7 mi 1.2 km #2Great Mountains Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Grottoes, VA
Intermediate Intermediate
Grottoes, VA
0.4 mi 0.6 km #3Blue Ledge Trail
Difficult Difficult
Grottoes, VA
Difficult Difficult
Grottoes, VA
1.0 mi 1.5 km #4Blackwell's Trail
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Crozet, VA
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Crozet, VA
3.0 mi 4.8 km #5Little Flat Mountain Loop
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Crozet, VA
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Crozet, VA

Photos of Shenandoah National Park - 8

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Photos

Overlook from the highest point in Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve
Sep 30, 2017 near Grottoes, VA
The bears love using trail markers as a scratching post.
Sep 30, 2017 near Crozet, VA
Small piece of a long rocky trail.
Sep 30, 2017 near Grottoes, VA
Brand new section of trail on Little Yellow Mountain Loop.
Sep 30, 2017 near Grottoes, VA
Sign that reads "Mt. Jennifer"
Sep 30, 2017 near Grottoes, VA
Trail side on Crooked Tree
Jun 27, 2020 near Grottoes, VA
Junction with Crooked Tree Trail coming up the trail ... it is better to not go up this section and actually ride down Crooked Tree
Jun 27, 2020 near Grottoes, VA
The invincible tree - tight spot to navigate
Jun 27, 2020 near Grottoes, VA

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