a popular pastime in the park, can enhance any hike.
The park’s waters harbor about three dozen types of fish. Most famously, Shenandoah is a bastion for brook trout. Unlike the Smokies, this park has never had rainbow or brook trout intentionally introduced into its waters. “Brookies” are the only trout native to Shenandoah. Technically, the brook is not a true trout, but a char. Brooks prefer cold, clear waters and are found in more than 50 of the park’s 90 streams. Brown trout have been making their way into the lower reaches of Shenandoah’s streams, but biologists are trying to limit their numbers.
Rattlesnakes may be encountered on the trail—especially in sunny, rocky areas.
Spend some time hiking at Shenandoah, and you may be surprised by the variety of snakes in the area: 18 species in all. Most of those you encounter will be nonvenomous, but be aware that two kinds of poisonous snakes—the copperhead and the timber rattler—call the park home. Copperheads can be found near streams and on outcrops, whereas rattlers will primarily be seen sunning on rocks.
Shenandoah also harbors 14 types of salamanders, including the rare Shenandoah salamander, found only within the park. It’s just one more example of how the life in these mountains lives up to its national park status.
When to Go
Shenandoah has a somewhat undeserved reputation of being overcrowded. Yes, Skyline Drive and its overlooks and facilities can be crowded during summer, on warm season weekends, and on holidays. And it’s true that the roads can also be busy during the October leaf-viewing season. Get a quarter mile from a trailhead on 95% of the hiking trails, however, and you’ll experience solitude. Busy trails—and there are a number of them—are noted in the trail descriptions.
Shenandoah National Park is a four-season destination. Hikers with well-thought-out plans can easily execute their treks beyond the obvious busy times. Try to hike midweek and just before or after major holidays. Spring is a great time, with its renewing vibrancy exemplified by colorful wildflowers and budding trees, as the season of renewal climbs the mountains from low to high. Fall can be rewarding, too, but avoid October weekends. Solitude can be found anytime during winter. As far as busy trails go, try to hike them early in the morning or later in the evening. Iffy weather—that is, a 50% or more chance of rain—often keeps the crowds away. If you can, avoid busy trails on nice-weather weekends.
Weather and Seasons
Each of the four distinct seasons lays its hands on Shenandoah National Park, though elevation always factors into park weather patterns. While each season brings exciting changes in the flora and fauna, the changes can occur seemingly day to day rather than month to month.
Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions regardless of the season. As a rule of thumb, the temperature decreases about 3 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained. The approximately 50 inches of yearly precipitation on the Blue Ridge is about 15 inches more than the nearby Shenandoah Valley receives. This precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, though it arrives with slow-moving frontal systems in winter and with thunderstorms in summer.
The table below lists temperatures at Luray, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley just west of the park. Expect temperatures in the higher park elevations to be 10 degrees cooler.
Spring is the most variable season. During March, the first signs of rebirth appear in the lowlands, yet trees in the high country may not fully leaf out until June. Visitors can experience both winter- and summerlike weather in spring. As summer approaches, the strong fronts weaken, and thunderstorms and haze become more frequent. Summertime rainy days can be cool. In fall, continental fronts once again sweep through, clearing the air and bringing warm days and cool nights, though rain is always possible.
The first snows of winter usually arrive in November, and snow can intermittently fall through April, though no permanent snowpack exists. About 40–120 inches of snow can fall during this time. Expect to incur entire days of below-freezing weather, though temperatures can range from mild to bitterly cold, often depending on the elevation.
About the Trails
Trail Selection
Four criteria were used to select the trails for this guide. Only the premier day hikes and overnight backpacks are included, based upon the most beautiful scenery, unique Shenandoah features, ease of access, and diversity of experience. Some of the selected trails are very popular; others are used more infrequently.
Key Features
Top Trails books contain information about features for each trail, such as old-growth trees, waterfalls, great views, and more. Shenandoah National Park is blessed with an incredible diversity of terrain and associated flora and fauna—no matter what your interests, you’re sure to find a trail to match them. Hikes range throughout the vast variety of ecosystems, from the spruce–fir pockets to the great oak forests to the deep canyons where verdant streams house waterfalls tumbling still deeper into the back of beyond. Those who love a view will find plenty of rock outcrops, meadows, and other vista points where rewarding views can be had. Photographers will be glad that we live in the age of the digital camera and handy smartphone, since they can shoot limitless pictures of showy spring wildflowers and vibrant fall-color panoramas.
Campgrounds, cabins, and lodges throughout the park make for great base camps for hikers. Backcountry camping allows hikers to extend their trips beyond day hiking. Anglers can toss a line in more than 50 fishable waterways. Some Shenandoah streams also harbor swimming holes. Wildlife can be seen in the clearings of Big Meadows and other places between.
Multiple Uses
All of the trails described in this guide are suitable for hiking. Some of the trails can also be enjoyed by equestrians, though the number of horseback enthusiasts in Shenandoah is far outstripped by hikers. Very few trails see more than sporadic equestrian use, though the Skyland area offers guided rides during the warm season. Bicyclists are relegated to Skyline Drive and paved roads, except for a mile-long stretch of Rapidan Fire Road. Fishing is done primarily along backcountry streams.
Unlike most national parks, Shenandoah allows pets on the vast majority of its backcountry trails, provided they’re on a 6-foot leash. Certain paths that don’t allow pets are signed as such and are noted in the trails tables and elsewhere in the book.
On the Trail
Every outing should begin with proper preparation, which usually takes only a few minutes. Even the easiest trail can turn up unexpected surprises. People seldom think about getting lost or injured, but unexpected things can and do happen. Simple precautions can make the difference between a good story and a dangerous situation.
Have a Plan
Before You
