Maps & Directions to Shenandoah National Park

Fall Entrance Recommendations

The two most northern entrances, Front Royal and Thornton Gap, are the busiest and have the longest lines. To help with wait times, special lanes will be available at entrance stations for those who pre-purchased their entrance pass online. It's best to visit during a weekday and to arrive early to beat the crowds! We also recommend a nice circuit trip south through the valley on Route 29 to the east or on Route 340 to the west of the Park. Enter at Swift Run Gap (east of Elkton on Route 33) or Rockfish Gap (near Waynesboro on Route 64) entrance stations and return home on Skyline Drive.

Shenandoah National Park is located 75 miles west of Washington, D.C. The park is accessible via four main entrances:

  • Front Royal Entrance Station - Most northern entrance (Mile 0.6), accessible via U.S. 340 (5 minutes from the town of Front Royal)
  • Thornton Gap Entrance Station - (Mile 31.5), accessible via U.S. 211 (15 minutes from downtown Luray)
  • Swift Run Gap Entrance Station - (Mile 65.7), accessible via U.S. 33
  • Rockfish Gap Entrance Station - Most southern entrance (Mile 105.4), accessible via I-64 and U.S. 250

Shenandoah National Park charges a fee for entrance. For current fee information, please refer to the National Park Service website.

 

NPS 2024 Free Entrance Days

  • January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • April 20: First day of National Park Week
  • June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • September 28: National Public Lands Day
  • November 11: Veterans Day

 

Free Entry for US Military and Veterans!

Veterans and active members of the US armed forces now receive FREE entry to Shenandoah National Park and most other federal recreation sites!

Active military members can receive a free Military pass by presenting your current US military ID at the entrance.

There is not a pass specifically for Veterans. However, veterans now qualify for free entry into federal parks. Veterans will need to present one of the following forms of ID where entrance fees are collected:

  • Department of Defense Identification Card (CAC Card)
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
  • Veteran ID Card
  • Veterans designation on a state-issued US driver's license or identification card

For more information on these offers, please visit usaparkpass.com.

 

Skyland Directions

Get Directions to Skyland

 

Big Meadows Lodge Directions

Get Directions to Big Meadows Lodge

 

In Shenandoah, stop at the park's visitor centers to get your trail map, view the exhibits and learn about the history that is unique to this park. Visit the park's website for visitor center locations and hours of operation or to get directions to the park.

Traveling along historic Skyline Drive you can take in the breathtaking views from any of the 75 scenic overlooks. Click here for a map of Skyline Drive.

Once you reach Shenandoah National Park and start to explore its scenic wonders, you'll want to stay. Fortunately, three Shenandoah National Park lodging properties offering splendid, rustic accommodations are conveniently located on Skyline Drive at the following mile markers:

Book Your Shenandoah Reservation Today

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P.O. Box 727, Luray, Virginia 22835 | 877-847-1919