195,000 acres in Virginia (US) maintained by the National Park Service
Must see
Scored from our data, not ads.
Weekdays · quietest around 8p
Weekends · quietest around 8p
Estimate from the type of place and how famous it is. Holidays run busier.
Due to recent wildlife interactions and out of an abundance of caution, the Appalachian Trail from Lewis Mountain to Big Meadows is closed to backcountry camping until further notice. The trail is still accessible to hikers. The Naked Creek backcountry zone remains closed for an ongoing investigation.
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.
Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.
DetailsMarch 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.
DetailsFrom the National Park Service, updated nightly.
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