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Shenandoah National ParkSkyline Drive gently meanders through Shenandoah's fall colors.
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Shenandoah National Park
Operating Hours & Seasons
 
Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the park, are periodically closed during inclement weather and at night during deer hunting season. Visitors can still enter the park on foot to hike even when the Drive is closed.

Click here for the current facilities schedule. Most visitor facilities and services begin operating in March and close down completely in late November.

Lodging and restaurant facilities are operated by ARAMARK, the park's official concessioner. There are several campgrounds and picnic grounds throughout the park. Visitor Centers offer exhibits, videos, park bookstores, and general information about Shenandoah National Park.

For more information call the park’s recorded information line
(540) 999-3500

Seasons
Four distinct seasons make Shenandoah a new and exciting place to be each and every month.  Although best known for its vibrant fall foliage, the park is no less spectacular (and a lot less crowded) in spring when the wildflowers and trees are in full bloom. Summer brings lush greens and welcome relief from the valley temperatures. The park’s elevation encourages as much as a 10 degree difference. That same difference can bring dramatic changes in winter. When surrounding lowlands are experiencing rain, the park can be blanketed in snow and ice. But the clear skies and bare trees of winter make the park’s vistas magnificent and wildlife tracking and viewing particularly rewarding.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for changing weather if you’re planning to visit Shenandoah. Wear layers in the winter and remember that facilities are closed. In summer, check the weather forecast for lightning before heading out and always bring plenty of water.

Maps
Maps
Click for hiking and general Shenandoah maps
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A tree tunnel over Skyline Drive
Click here for the current status of Skyline Drive

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A family relaxes in their room at Skyland Resort.
Lodging Information
for Shenandoah National Park
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Winter photo of Stonyman Mountain and Skyline Drive.
Winter in Shenandoah

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A sea of green flora in this Big Meadows photo - just a small sample of  the many plant species found here.  

Did You Know?
The Big Meadows area has the highest concentration of rare plants in Shenandoah National Park.

Last Updated: April 11, 2008 at 22:16 EST