Welcome to the Shenandoah Tour
Take a scenic drive through Virginiaโs verdant wilderness โ Shenandoah National Park โ with this self-guided tour. Stop to snap photos from breathtaking overlooks along Skyline Drive. Hike portions of the famous Appalachian Trail. Find out how this wild, remote place isnโt entirely what it seems. Plus, learn the history of Shenandoah National Parkโs earliest inhabitants, from the Six Nations to the Iroquois Wars and beyond. This easy, picturesque drive is one you wonโt soon forget!
About the Tour
Your Shenandoah National Park Tour begins at the northern end of the park, just outside Front Royal. From here, youโll proceed south onto Skyline Drive and get your first good look at the Shenandoah Valley. The first trail youโll reach is the Fox Hollow Trail, a great beginner hike with an intriguing history.
After passing the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, youโll arrive at the Signal Knob Overlook, offering not just some incredible views but also a glimpse into Appalachiaโs Civil War history. As you continue south past a few more great overlook points, youโll hear about Shenandoahโs tribes dating all the way back to the Ice Age!
Then youโll get your first good look at the famous Appalachian Trail, where the nationโs most hardcore hikers test their mettle. Continuing, youโll learn about the Iroquois Confederacy, the Iroquois Wars, and what happened when Europeans arrived in Shenandoah. After that, youโll reach the Stony Man Mountain Trail, a perfect spot for inexperienced hikers or families to get in some steps. Thatโs followed closely by the Limberlost Trail, featuring educational brochures for younger travelers.
Up next is Crescent Rock Overlook, a phenomenal sunset spot. But donโt worry if the sunโs not set as you reach itโthe views are still spectacular!
As you drive toward the next pair of great overlooks, youโll hear how the park actually came to be, including how the Great Depression played an important role. At the Point Overlook, up next, youโll find out all about the rich history of the deceptively humble town of Elkton. Then itโs on to the Bearfence Mountain Trail for the more adventurous and experienced hikers.
Beyond that is the South River Falls Trail, offering up-close views of a stunning 83-foot waterfall. Continuing on past another few overlooks where youโll definitely want to snap some photos, youโll get more details about the landโs history, including what made it so valuable during the Civil War. Then youโll arrive at the Blackrock Summit Trail, offering the chance to hike just a small portion of the Appalachian Trail to see the fuss. You wonโt be disappointed!
After a picture-perfect overlook of Crimora Lake, youโll come to Calf Mountain Overlook, another beautiful spot to catch the sunset. Your tour will conclude just past here, at Rockfish Gap.
NOTE: Learn more about the road conditions, admission fees, and other pertinent information here.
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Shenandoah National Park Map
Where To Start?
Front Royal to Afton: Shenandoah Natโl Park Sign, Virginia 22630
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, youโll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Welcome to Shenandoah: North Skyline Drive
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Shenandoah Valley Overlook
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Fox Hollow Trail & Cemetery
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Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
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Signal Knob Overlook
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Skyline Drive
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Prehistoric Human Inhabitants
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Red, Yellow, and Orange
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A Celestial Bear Hunt
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Hogwallow Flats Overlook
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The Six Nations
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Range View Overlook
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The Appalachian Trail
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The Iroquois
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Hogback Overlook
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Lacrosse, the Little Brother of War
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Famous Iroquois
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The Iroquois Wars
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Neighbor Mountain Trail
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European Arrival in Shenandoah
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Early European Settlers
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The Iroquois Today
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Iroquois Mythology
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The Pleiades
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The Flying Head
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Stony Man Mountain Overlook And Trail
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Limberlost Trailhead
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Crescent Rock Overlook
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Cedar Run Trail
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Establishing the National Park
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Spitler Knoll Overlook
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Franklin Cliffs Overlook
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Dark Hollow Falls Trail and Falls
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Rapidan Camp
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Building the Park
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Wilderness By Design
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The Point Overlook
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Bearfence Mountain Trailhead
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Why "Blue Ridge"?
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The Oaks Overlook
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Miriam M. Sizer
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South River Falls Trail
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Segregation in Shenandoah
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Shenandoah and the Civil War
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Rockytop Overlook
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Frazier Discovery Trail
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Doyles River Cabin
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PATC Cabins
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Jones Run Falls Trailhead
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Blackrock Summit Trail
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Geology of Shenandoah
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Moonshine in Shenandoah
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Moormans River Overlook
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Crimora Lake Overlook
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Pocosin Mission
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Calf Mountain Overlook
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Rockfish Gap
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The Paul Revere of the South
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An Unbothered Jefferson
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Conclusion
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Shenandoah National Park is probably best known for the breathtaking Skyline Drive. This scenic route features countless amazing vistas overlooking the lush Appalachian mountains, as well as more than a few great hiking trails.
Thereโs really not a bad time to visit Shenandoah, but itโs hard to beat either the summer or the fall. From late spring to early summer, the mountains are drenched in green as far as the eye can see. In the fall, all that green turns to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Without a doubt! Shenandoah National Park is among the easiest national parks to visit and boasts some of Americaโs most gorgeous wilderness. Read more about this in our blog.
Shenandoahโs Skyline Drive starts by Front Royal, Virginia and ends near Afton, Virginia. Along the way it passes plenty of other small towns, like Luray and Sperryville. Read more about location in our blog post.
Shenandoah does get snow, but itโs a pretty manageable amount. The park averages between 9 and 27 inches of snow each year.
While there have been some mountain lion sightings in Shenandoah National Park, these are few and far between. In general, mountain lions arenโt known to spend much time in the park, especially around Skyline Drive.
Sightseeing, hiking, and picnicking are the main activities in Shenandoah National Park. With so much lush wilderness around, itโs a nature-loverโs dream!
Shenandoah National Park was one of President Herbert Hooverโs favorite vacation spots. He liked it so much he established a permanent camp here in 1929, which he called Rapidan Camp.
Some folks simply call Shenandoah Valley โthe Big Valley.โ Given that it stretches across about 200 miles, it makes sense! As for the park rangers, they often call this park โthe Shennies.โ
Shenandoah National Park is open 24/7, barring inclement weather. There may not be rangers on duty in the dead of night, but you can enter at any time!
Shenandoah National Park was created to preserve and protect one of the oldest landscapes on Earth. These mountains formed almost 500 million years ago and the park service couldnโt allow logging and mining to ruin them.
Pets are allowed into Shenandoah National Park, but should be kept on a leash near the road. Most trails allow dogs, but not all, so be sure to check trail signs before bringing your furry friends along.
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours. Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email. Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase. Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators. At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace. Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction. Donโt miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks. Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route. Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
