Itinerary · 2 days · Virginia
2 Days in Shenandoah National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Shenandoah National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: May–Jun, Oct. Closest major airport: Washington Dulles (IAD), about 1.25 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Drive Skyline Drive end to end. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Hike Old Rag (day-use ticket required).
- Evening: Hike to Dark Hollow Falls.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Watch sunset from Stony Man.
- Afternoon: Look for black bears at Big Meadows.
Enter at Thornton Gap or Swift Run Gap on fall weekends to avoid the long lines at Front Royal.
When to go
The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is May–June and October.
Best time to visit Shenandoah, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Shenandoah National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: drive skyline drive end to end and hike old rag (day-use ticket required) on day one, then watch sunset from stony man on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Shenandoah itinerary?
Go in May–Jun, Oct, when the park is rated at its best. May and June offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Shenandoah in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss watch sunset from stony man. Two days is the sweet spot.