Top 3 Things to Do in Shenandoah Valley National Park

The Shenandoah Valley in Virginia flourishes with natural beauty and colorful foliage. If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors during your stay at The Inn at Vaucluse Spring, then you should definitely visit Shenandoah Valley National Park. The list of things to do in Shenandoah Valley National Park is endless. See cascading waterfalls, spectacular views, and quiet forests when you hike through, or hop in the car to explore the Skyline Drive. Tucked along the Blue Ridge Mountains, the scenery of the park is worth the trip in itself!

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Virginia, our free Vacation Guide can be a huge help. Vacation planning can be hard, so our free guide lists everything you need to know about the area, like things to do in Shenandoah Valley National Park. It even tells you about seasonal and monthly events so you’ll never miss anything while you stay at The Inn at Vaucluse Spring!

Top 3 Things to Do in Shenandoah Valley National Park

1. Check out Some Shenandoah National Park Trails

When thinking of things to do in Shenandoah Valley National Park, going for a hike is a popular option! This park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to waterfalls, some lead to viewpoints with the park spanning below, while others lead deep into the forest.

A popular hiking path to take is the Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead. This trail will take you down a steep mountain to an incredible set of waterfalls. The trail is kept cool by the canopy of trees, making it the perfect path during a summer day. In the fall, the entire forest floor is covered in a blanket of brightly colored leaves. When you get to your destination, there is a viewing platform towards the top of the falls, or you can continue down the path to the bottom of the falls for a more awe-inspiring perspective. Feel the soft moss under your feet and rest a bit before making the climb back up the mountain away from the breathtaking falls.

2. Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive

If you are looking for things to do in Shenandoah Valley National Park that don’t call for a lot of exertion of energy, hop in the car to travel the Skyline Drive! You can drive the entire 105 miles of twists and turns, or cruise just a few. Either way, you will see the magnificent landscape full of rolling hills, beautiful valleys, rocky summits, and wildlife. White-tailed deer are frequent sights along the drive, where the speed limit is just 35 miles per hour. This slow speed will allow you to truly take in the surrounding scenery and also look out for some of the wildlife that calls Shenandoah National Park their home. The Skyline Drive offers 75 overlooks that you can park at to truly take in the beauty. The roadsides are purposely unmowed, so wildflowers can be on display all year long!

3. Have a Romantic Picnic

If you are spending time in Shenandoah Valley National Park, you will most likely get hungry! Have The Inn at Vaucluse Spring pack you a picnic for you to take to the park, then find a spot. Place a blanket in the grass surrounded by wildflowers, or travel to one of the many picnic grounds to sit at a table overlooking the park. Make it romantic by taking a bottle of wine from one of the nearby vineyards! Sit, relax, eat, and drink as you enjoy a day under the Virginia sun.

Stay at The Inn at Vaucluse Spring

Adventurous souls will love exploring all the different things to do in Shenandoah Valley National Park! When you are ready to settle in for the evening after a day full of expeditions, retreat back to The Inn at Vaucluse Spring. Enjoy the romantic ambiance of our peaceful bed and breakfast retreat. Choose from a variety of cozy rooms and private cottages that are dispersed throughout our pristine grounds. Keep enjoying the incredible views Northern Virginia has to offer on our 44 scenic acres complete with a limestone spring. Plan your getaway today!