At the end of my sophomore year of college, my friends and I started planning our first weekend away together. Exhausted from work and finals, we wanted to get out of the city. The idea of visiting a national park came up, and we began planning our trip to Shenandoah.
Visiting the park was truly a life-changing experience for me, and it got me thinking about how powerful time in nature can be for a person, especially a young adult like myself. So, this is my first-hand traveler’s guide to visiting Shenandoah.
Why Visit A National Park?
National Parks are some of the most sacred, untouched places in America. Government rules and regulations protect the nature as they work to preserve the beauty of what is untouched by humans. This means that the land of national parks remains quite similar to how it was hundreds of years ago.
I talked to Rocio Mendoza, a Visual Information Specialist at Shenandoah National Park. She says one of the best parts of working at a national park is, “…teaching our generation of visitors the mission of the National Park Service, to preserve for the next generation and inspire the future”. This sentiment is what makes visiting so beautiful. Connecting with these timeless facets of nature can also allow us to connect with something deeper inside of ourselves. This is something that I experienced first-hand at the park, feeling surprisingly intense surges of emotion as I was immersed in the experiences.
Must-Sees In Shenandoah
Spanning across West Virginia and Virginia, Shenandoah showcases around 200,000 acres of beautiful mountains, rivers, and forests. Skyline Drive, a scenic byway, runs straight through the park, providing an easy way to connect overlooks, trails, and campgrounds. You really can’t go wrong when choosing which spots to visit, but there are definitely a few landmarks that you don’t want to miss out on.
- Hawksbill Summit- Hawksbill was my favorite hike that I did in Shenandoah. The uphill trail requires an intermediate skill level, and this part can be a little tiring. The 1.7 mile round trip leads to the highest point in the park, with some truly breathtaking views. My friends, along with some other hikers that we met, agreed that the views at Hawksbill caused them to feel almost religious. It’s a view that you don’t want to miss.
- Stony Man Trailhead– This hike is a little easier, with a clear trail and a round trip of 1.6 miles. It’s not the highest point, but it leads to another beautiful view of the mountains and is a light and fun hike.
- Dark Hollow Falls– This trail is a little less popular, but it’s one of the park’s hidden gems. You’ll have to be careful on the rocky, downhill climb. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll reach a beautiful waterfall with various different layers. This hike is perfect for the adventurous type. Will you be brave enough to swim in the ice-cold water?
- Big Meadows Campsite– Big Meadows is an amazing site if you’re interested in camping during your stay. It’s safe and well-monitored, as long as you follow the park’s food safety guidelines. Even if you’re not interested in camping, it’s one of the best places to stargaze in the park! Looking up at the wide, open sky full of bright stars at Big Meadows was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
- Old Rag and Stony Man Overlooks– Even if hiking’s not your forte, there are beautiful sites you can witness just off Skyline Drive. Shenandoah expert, Mendoza, says these are two must-sees in Shenandoah.
What To Pack
Packing for a hiking-heavy trip can feel daunting, especially if you’re not a nature connoisseur. I’m a city girl, and when I was planning my trip, I was honestly really worried about having the right footwear and protective gear. But, I am here to promise you that it’s not as scary as it seems. It will of course vary a bit based on the season, but these are some must-haves for your Shenandoah trip.
- Hiking shoes: Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction are the number one thing you’ll need for your trip.
- Water shoes: You should also invest in a good pair of water shoes to protect your feet on trails like Dark Hollow Falls!
- Portable Water Reservoir: This item alone made my trip ten times more enjoyable. Portable water reservoirs are refillable water sacks with an attached straw that can fit right in your hiking bag! They typically hold 1-3 liters of water, so you won’t have to worry about getting thirsty on your hike.
- Backpack: A small, lightweight backpack will come in handy to carry snacks, water, layers, and devices.
- Layers: Depending on the season you visit, the park can get pretty chilly, but you’re also going to sweat on your hikes. This is why multiple layers of clothing are necessary to keep you comfortable.
- Digital Camera: Phone service in the park usually isn’t the best, so it’s good to have another device to snap some photos!
- Protein Bars: Make sure to eat them in the proper, regulated places to avoid attention from bears, but protein bars are a great snack to have to fuel yourself throughout the hikes!
- Towels: You never know if you’re going to get wet or dirty on a hike, so it’s really nice to have the option to get cleaned off.
You can find all of these things, along with any other amateur hiking gear you might need, at a store like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Bass Pro Shops, or even the outdoor section at Walmart.
Connecting With The Culture
This one isn’t specific to just Shenandoah. One of the best ways to enhance your experience at any place you visit is to learn about the culture and history while you’re there. Shenandoah sits in the Appalachians, and there is a lot of rich and interesting history surrounding Appalachian folklore.
The Shenandoah Valley has a Native American History, and the name of the park means “Daughter of the Stars” in an old, Native American language. We know that before the territory was Virginia, Native Americans lived there in tribes, using the nature to enhance their spiritual practices.
Native American roots inspired a lot of Appalachian folklore. Ever heard of skinwalkers or wendigos? It was really fun for me to explore this kind of folklore while I was at the park. Me and my friends learned about some history at the visitor’s center, where they also have books about Appalachian myths and folklore!
Bonus Tips!
Here’s a few first-hand bonus tips to optimize your visit:
- Split your stay with camping and a few nights and at Air BnB. Camping can be really fun, but also a little tiring! It was the perfect balance to have a few nights in a tent and a few in a cozy bed!
- Mendoza says the, “Best time to visit Shenandoah always depends on what you’re looking for. In the fall, Shenandoah has amazing autumn colors”. I would advise taking your trip in either May or October.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife! Shenandoah is known for its various species of plants and animals, such as deer and black bear. But you can also find some smaller creatures like salamanders by flipping over a damp log.
Shenandoah offers so many sights and beauty. No matter where you are, it is worth the trip. Check out some other locations to travel here!
