The Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park
The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is hotly contested as each of the seasons offers up a unique perspective on this incredible park.
Shenandoah’s position within an easy drive of several major cities means that it’s a popular park for short visits and day trips. That also means that weekends throughout the year are when the crowds pick up—but you’ll find tips below on how to navigate even the busiest of months.
I’ve been going to Shenandoah National Park since I was a kid, and it still amazes me how different this park feels as the seasons change.
In this guide, you’ll find what to do at Shenandoah National Park in each season, as well as what to expect from the weather, crowd levels, and camping areas.
Whether you visit once or again and again, there’s always something new to discover among the beautiful Shenandoah mountains.
The mountain views from Skyline Drive are incredible year round!
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Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons of Each Season
Thanks to its position within the Appalachian Mountains—one of the oldest mountain chains in the world—Shenandoah National Park often feels filled with secrets and half-forgotten lore.
While some might argue that it’s just another mountain destination within the stretch of the Appalachians, and therefore, not all that unique on the East Coast, I’m here to convince you otherwise.
Shenandoah National Park is rich with the history of this area. Much like New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, you can still see many of the old home sites from the pre-park inhabitants on various trails.
And the Skyline Drive that cuts through the heart of the park is an engineering marvel, allowing visitors from 1934 onward to drive on the tops of the mountains with ease. You’ll definitely need to bring your own car or rent one as there is no public transportation throughout the park. Check rental car prices here.
Plus, there’s hiking, waterfalls a plenty, and camping within an easy drive of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other major cities. In fact, I think it’s one of the best national parks on the East Coast.
If you’ve never been to a national park, I’d recommend reading my national parks for beginners guide to help you plan your trip.
TIP: To save money, get an NPS annual pass! This will get you into any NPS site—including national parks, national battlefields, and national historic sites—for a year. And for even more savings, grab the national parks annual pass and AllTrails+ bundle!
Let’s dive into what you should expect in Shenandoah in each season.
Shenandoah National Park in the Winter
Marys Tunnel on Skyline Drive covered in icicles after a February storm
Shenandoah National Park remains open throughout the year, though services are parsed way back during the winter months.
The winter also sees the lightest crowds in the park, which is great if you’re looking for solitude in nature.
The weather this time of the year can vary wildly: one week, the park might be closed for an ice storm, while the next, temperatures might be steady in the 50s.
If you’re planning to go in the winter, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather, and then plan a last minute trip when there’s a window of warmer weather. This will maximize your hiking opportunities and chances of driving all of Skyline Drive.
Still, if you’re visiting between December and early March, plan for it to be chilly, if not down right cold at night.
Bring lots of layers to keep you comfortable during your hikes.
Snow and ice are always a possibility when the temperatures dip into the lower 30s.
As an upside to visiting during this time of the year, you’ll have the place nearly to yourself as this the park’s low season!
Shenandoah National Park Winter Avg. Temperatures
What to do here in December, January, and February
I love hiking when the weather is cooler, so this time of the year is excellent to try a longer trail like the park’s famed Old Rag trail, or a section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Shenandoah.
NOTE: You will NOT need a day use pass for Old Rag during the winter, which is another pro for going during this time.
And, if you’re visiting Shenandoah National Park with kids, there are plenty of shorter trails that are better in the winter.
The Fox Hollow Trail, arguably, is one of these.
My son looks for wildlife along the northern end of Skyline Drive in winter
When the greenery is dormant on the trail, you can see the many artifacts from the previous homestead much more easily.
Unless there is damage from a recent snow or ice storm, all of the park’s trails will be open.
Likewise, Skyline Drive is open year round, and I like visiting during this time of the year since there are so few cars on the road. You’ll be able to find parking at every overlook and generally be able to take the 105 mile road at your own pace.
If you are there during a snow storm, use caution when driving on Skyline Drive.
The park does close the sections of the road when conditions are very bad, so plan to earmark alternate places to explore if you’re visiting when that happens.
The rangers do an excellent job of getting the road re-opened as soon as possible after the storms have passed so that visitors can get back to exploring the park.
The picnic areas remain open during the winter, and most of the bathrooms along Skyline Drive are, too.
In the winter, the trails might be light on leaves, but they’re still big on fun!
If you’re okay with adventuring at your own pace, focusing on hiking rather than park programming or tours, the winter is the perfect time to go!
Keep in mind that there are several things you won’t be able to do in the winter.
Many of the ranger programs are paused between Thanksgiving and Easter as there isn’t a demand for multiple daily talks and guided hikes throughout the park.
Only one of the two visitors centers, the Harry F. Byrd Visitors Center near Big Meadows, will be open. This center is located roughly halfway along Skyline Drive, so you’ll need to commit to a 50 mile drive from the northern or southern entrances.
The Dickey Ridge Visitors Center near the northern entrance closes from late fall into mid-spring.
Nearly all of the shops are closed during the winter, so you can’t pick up a quick snack or drink near the picnic areas. You’ll need to bring in all of your own food, drink, and snacks.
Expected Winter Crowd Levels
The crowd levels are very low during this time of the year as most people get scared off by the potential inclement weather and cold temperatures.
Plus, most people are focused on the holidays in December, and then school and work in January and February, leaving the park open to those intrepid travelers who are willing to travel against the grain.
That being said, expect to see some other people even when visiting in the dead of winter. During one of our visits during February, we lucked up with a couple of days of beautiful weather in the upper 40s and lower 50s, and there were a good number of cars on Skyline Drive with us.
The trails, though, were still empty, so perhaps people were content to stay inside their warm cars!
Winter Camping: What to Be Aware Of
Unfortunately, all of the front country overnight accommodations, including the park campgrounds, are closed during the winter.
NOTE: You can still get a backcountry camping permit in the winter, but I do not recommend this unless you’re a more experienced cold weather camper.
This means that you’ll need to seek out hotels and campgrounds just outside of the park. Many of the accommodations in the small towns near Shenandoah National Park stay open year round, so you’ll have options.
Front Royal, Virginia, is just a few miles from the park’s northern entrance, and it is a great place to stay when the park campgrounds and hotels are closed. (And perhaps even when they are open!)
Here, you’ll find big box stores to top up your groceries, multiple gas stations, and a cute downtown area.
We’ve stayed in the Shenandoah River State Park campground near Front Royal during the winter months, and it is an excellent alternative when the National Park campgrounds are closed or filled up.
Read my complete review of camping at Shenandoah River State Park here.
Shenandoah National Park in the Spring
So many pretty spring flowers!
During the spring, the weather is warmer in the day and cooler at night, which is perfect for hanging out around the campfire.
As you hike, you’ll be treated to the explosion of colors in the park’s wildflowers, as everything from pink azaleas to purple violets blanket the hillsides.
Springtime in Shenandoah is such a gorgeous time, but so many people head to the beach rather than the mountains for spring break!
You’ll definitely want to pack a rain coat, as this is when the park sees the majority of its precipitation. On average, each month will have rain 8-10 days.
Usually, these spring showers pass through, but it’s good to keep a lightweight raincoat in your day pack so you’re prepared.
Shenandoah National Park Spring Avg. Temperatures
What to do here in March, April, and May
The park slowly begins opening back up in the spring with more ranger talks and programs being offered.
Ask at the visitor centers about what programs are available during your visit.
The Dickey Ridge Visitors Center that was closed over the winter reopens typically in mid-April, though the exact dates change each year. If visiting both of the visitors centers is important during your spring visit, be sure to research the opening dates before you arrive.
All of the trails remain open, so you can continue to hike your favorite trails. If you’re interested in the waterfall trails, like the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, the water flow picks up as the spring rains cascade down the mountains.
Find a short, easy hike in Shenandoah in my family friendly hiking guide.
If you’re planning to do Old Rag, the daily use pass system kicks into place in mid-March usually. Check the Recreation.gov site for exact dates and to purchase your pass.
Skyline Drive is particularly picturesque during the spring months as the colorful wildflowers and blooming plants come to life. Don’t forget to turn on your GuideAlong audio tour while you cruise along the scenic highway!
Dive more deeply into what you’re seeing and doing in the park with the highly recommended Shenandoah National Park tour on the GuideAlong App.
This app is our go-to when visiting national parks as the guide plays automatically based on your GPS location and doesn’t require a cell signal once the tour is downloaded to your phone.
You’ll get information on the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and more.
Since we can start and stop the tour as much as we’d like, it’s great for traveling with kids.
It’s like having a tour guide in your car with you—but at an extremely reasonable price.
Expected Spring Crowd Levels
The spring generally has lower crowd numbers as many families are still committed to school schedules at this point.
The weekends during the late spring do start to pick up as the weather gets nicer and people from the nearby large cities look to get back out into nature.
Still, the crowds are much lower during the spring—even on weekends—than they are in the summer, so if you can manage a trip during the late spring, you’ll get much of the benefits of the summer months without all of the traffic.
Spring Camping Pros and Cons
As the park begins to wake back up, the campgrounds also re-open for the warmer months.
Each of the park’s 4 campgrounds has a different opening date that changes from year to year. Usually, though, the campgrounds begin to open at the end of March and are fully open by the end of April.
I like spring camping since the temperatures lend themselves well to both tent and RV camping within needing a generator.
Since all of the front country campgrounds are essentially boondocking without any hook-ups, you’ll need to come prepared to stay warm at night.
Opt for a sleeping bag with a temperature rating lower than the average nighttime temperatures to ensure you’ll stay warm. For example, overnight temperatures in March often dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, so I’d recommend a bag rated for 0 or 20 degrees for a comfortable sleeping experience.
I have the Nemo Tempo sleeping bag for 20 degrees, and it has kept me comfortable in temperatures hovering around freezing. I will add on a Rumpl blanket and a sleeping pad to further insulate me when I’m tent camping.
Explore more of the Southeast!
Shenandoah National Park in the Summer
As the spring turns into summer, the crowd levels build.
Dark Hollow Falls in the summer
The crowds peak in late summer as families take advantage of school breaks, and hikers enjoy the warm temperatures.
Compared to locations elsewhere in Virginia during the summer, the mountains in Shenandoah provide a welcome relief from the hot weather.
Even at the peak of the summer, the weather usually feels fantastic, thanks to the fact that the entire national park is located along the mountain ridges.
Yet, this is a great time to visit as you’ll have the widest access to ranger stations, visitor center hours, and guided talks.
Everything in the park is open from the lodges to the dining rooms and campgrounds.
Thanks to the beautiful greenery on the trails, the cooler summer temperatures, and the wide range of activities, summer is an excellent time to visit Shenandoah.
Shenandoah National Park Summer Avg. Temperatures
What to do here in June, July, and August
Truly, the park is yours for the taking during the summer months as you can hike, horseback ride, dine, and much more.
There is a robust offering of park ranger talks and programs, so be sure to ask about the daily schedule when you stop by either the Big Meadows or Dickey Ridge Visitors Centers.
Over at the Skyline Lodge, you can find dozens of things to do include basket making demonstrations, guided horseback tours, outdoor survival camps, and rappelling guides.
The park’s restaurants and shops are also open during the summer, so you can pick up a drink or snack for your picnic or stop by for a full meal.
Hiking and driving Skyline Drive are the park’s most popular activities during the summer, so there will be an increase in traffic on both. Start your day early to avoid the crowds, and be willing to stay after 3 PM.
Expected Summer Crowd Levels
Shenandoah National Park has not gone to a reservation system for park access like others, but plan to get there early in the summer. You’ll find that the Skyline Drive is much less crowded first thing in the morning.
The summer is when families from all over the East Coast (and beyond!) pour into Shenandoah National Park. It’s not as busy as other national parks we’ve visited like Zion National Park in Utah or Glacier National Park in Montana, but the crowds definitely increase between late June and early August.
Especially on summer weekends, plan for the crowds and be patient at the overlooks and trailheads. Popular trails like Dark Hollow near Big Meadows can get crowded between 11 AM and 3 PM, but if you’re patient, you can usually get a parking spot.
Summer Camping Pros and Cons
You’ll have all 4 in-park campgrounds available to choose from, so that is definitely a pro.
However, they tend to fill up fast, so you need to be focused if you’re looking to nab a spot.
1 of the campgrounds, Lewis Mountain, is first-come, first-served.
Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain have some sites that can be reserved and some that are first-come, first-served.
Big Meadows in the middle of the park is reservation only.
Shenandoah National Park in the Fall
Some of the fall foliage along Skyline Drive
While Shenandoah is beautiful year round, it might be at its most spectacular in the fall.
The warm summer temperatures give way to chillier mornings and crisp days, ushering in the beautiful autumn colors that these mountains are known for.
Come for the day to explore Skyline Drive or stay for a long weekend to soak in even more of the dazzling fall foliage. If you’re looking for a way to organize a short stay in the park, check out my 1 day in Shenandoah National Park itinerary.
Shenandoah National Park Fall Avg. Temperatures
What to do here in September, October, and November
For the most part, the park still has everything open during the fall as it is another busy season.
While summer visitors come for the lush greenery and cooler temperatures, fall visitors are all about the leaf peeping!
Anywhere along the Blue Ridge Parkway is popular between late September and the end of October as the leaves change color, but Skyline Drive in Shenandoah is particularly popular.
In order to support these fall visitors, most of the shops, dining, and programs remain fully operational until at least the first of November.
The most popular fall thing to do in Shenandoah National Park is to see the colorful foliage along Skyline Drive.
Hiking remains a great option thanks to the moderate weather you’ll see this time of the year. If you’re hoping to hike Old Rag during the fall, you will still need a day use pass until the end of November.
Expected Fall Crowd Levels
Skyline Drive is the most crowded area of the park during peak leaf peeping season as people come from miles around to cruise through the riot of color.
If you can get off of Skyline Drive and onto a less popular trail, that will help you escape some of the crowd.
Getting an earlier start is always a good idea since the busiest times are around lunch.
Fall Camping Pros and Cons
The fall might be the most beautiful time to camp as the leaves change into reds, golds, and oranges in the park’s campgrounds and backcountry.
The 4 in-park front country campgrounds remain open through early November. Only Big Meadows and Lewis Mountain are open until the end of November, when all of the parks’ lodging closes for the season.
The temperatures do begin to drop at night during the fall months, but it is still a great time for camping if you can nab a spot in the park. There’s nothing like sitting by the campfire with family and friends, roasting marshmallows in the crisp fall air!
So, when is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park?
The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is the spring, specifically in late April or early May.
You’ll be treated to the beautiful wildflowers that pop up all over the park, and the trees and bushes add a beautiful lush green backdrop to it.
Plus, nearly everything in the park is up and running at full steam, but the summer crowds haven’t started in earnest yet.
The second best time would be the late summer/ early fall (basically all of September) when the crowds die down a bit and the leaves begin to change color.
If you’re not able to go during either of those times, don’t worry! The park is worth a visit year round, and you’ll find plenty of adventure around every bend in Skyline Drive from January to December.
