4 Essential Stops in SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK [4K]
4 Essential Stops in SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK [4K]
in this video, I talk about my 4 favorite things to do in Shenandoah National Park, VA. This beautiful national park lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, about 75 miles west of Washington DC. The park is over a hundred miles long and as you could imagine, there are countless activities to do within this park.
This video was taken in the end of April, so you can really see which trees have leaves and which do not. As we hiked or drove down from Skyline drive, even just 900 feet would be enough to completely transform.
Additional Notes:
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
General:
One of the few national parks on the east coast
Established in 1935
Home to the famous SKYLINE DRIVE which is 105 miles long
Virginial mountains, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian mountain range), just 75 mi outside of Washington DC,
Land acquired through eminent domain. There is a long story there including claims of embellished claims local inbreeding
Parts of the park was used to train troops for WW2
5 campgrounds (some are first come first serve, and others allow reservations when in season)
3 lodges/cabins
9 major waterfalls to hike in and see – tallest one is 91 ft, but there are countless smaller ones along every creek
ROSE RIVER FALLS TRAIL / DARK HOLLOW FALLS:
Start at mile 49.4
Moderate difficulty, 4 mi, 910 ft elevation change
Hike clockwise to go down the rocky side (relatively easy) and then up the gradual fire road
You will also see Dark Hollow falls at the bottom and you can optionally add a quarter mile to hike up that waterfall
Cemetery on the way back
SKYLINE DRIVE
105 miles long, spanning the entire park
More than 75 overlook
Countless overlooks and pull offs to get the best view on the east or west side.
I recommend stopping at these all day to see amazing views, at sunrise, at sunset, and pull over to take a look at the stars at night
HAWKSBILL SUMMIT – start on Skyline drive pull off mile 45.5
1.7 mi round trip – which means you go up 520 ft
Very rapid ascent
Birds nest 2 – you can see Old Rag Mountain on your right
OLD RAG MOUNTAIN
You need to drive out of the park to get here
This does still require the park entrance fee, so be sure to stop and pay, or show them your pass
7.5 hrs (we did it in 6)
2380 ft elevation gain
Very strenuous – includes rock scrambling
9.2 mile circuit
Birds Nest 1 resides here – and you can see Hawksbill from the summit
Also, check out Audible for a better way to listen while you travel to Shenandoah! 2 FREE AUDIOBOOKS: https://amzn.to/2T72vA7
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WHAT GEAR DO I USE?
My camera: https://amzn.to/2VT3gzN
My microphone: https://amzn.to/2VKR4kE
My other camera: https://amzn.to/2BlCcQ4
My tripod: https://amzn.to/2IebL0V
Please comment below with any questions you might have. Thank you all for watching! I appreciate you!
Disclaimer: This video is purely based on my experiences, research, and opinions. You and only you are responsible for your actions. I made this channel to advise viewers and I truly hope to help you all out. I love making these videos and connecting with my viewers!
This channel is monetized via YouTube ads as well as some affiliate links. If a purchase is made after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to the buyer. Thank you all for watching!
#ShenandoahNationalPark #OBRTravel
the dog said, "this is like being in a forest and walking on trails." ~ tenderbastard
Nice footage , great tunes . Just drove the skyline today, it was beautiful .
Nice video. 👍
For me you speak litle bit fast and it is hard to understand
I’m new to hiking and I’m going to Shenandoah; any tips?
jeeze ….get on with it ….yap yap yap
Hello there, I’m planning a trip to Luray Caverns this month. What path should I take??? Also how long takes? Thank you for your video! Please Keep posting more videos of Virginia.
Thank you for the video. It looks like a great place to visit. 👍
Awesome video, very informative! I’m planning a day trip at the end of July. I will have a dog with me so very minimal hiking (if any) but I’ll definitely drive down skyline drive
Any suggestions for what to do if we only have 1 day at the park? We are not experienced hikers and have a 4 year old but would love to see some beautiful an waterfalls. Also we’re going end of February so I know some things are closed.
I visited the cavern
Lots of very useful information in your nice video. I am considering visiting Shenandoah in the second week of October 2019 and staying in the region for 8/10 days, hoping to find some nice Fall colors and atmosphere. My intention is to be based in Waynesboro VA and from there do day trips to the park. Any recommendations/suggestions? On an average when is the peak of Fall foliage over there? Thnx!
Thanks for this video!
great video for visiting Shenandoah! I am here now doing a few hikes. Subbed 🙂
Great video! What did you use to record those videos of walking the trails?
I have spend two days and two nights in this beautiful park. So many nice place to visit.
We go to Shenandoah National Park every year in the fall and have done for over 25 years. We prefer Loft Mountain for camping has it is less of a parking lot feel. You should try it next time.
I like the natural bridge
Also I was wondering, was this a one day trip?
Loved the video Mike and Ellen. You’re easy to listen to and I look forward to more from you. I live about 45 min from Shenandoah and am there often. I have two young kids so it’s hard to do the trails on your list but I Rag Mountain is on our list. Another short, but beautiful hike is Black Rock Summit. About a mile up and it’s as easy as it gets in the park with a spectacular pay off.
A side note is that on the South end where Skyline drive ends and the Blue Ridge parkway begins there is another fantastic trail called Humpback Rock with a historic little farm at the base. one of my absolute faves for younger families.
Thanks again. I subscribed! =)
Don’t forget to mention it’s $30 for one car one week pass to get on the Skyline Drive.
If your into wild edible foods, you can look for morel mushrooms that time of the year you filmed the video. As long as the black locust tree hasn’t bloomed, once it does it’s too late.
Any mountain bike trails?
Great video! Thank you. Really helped.
Well made video. When did you guys go, around Easter time? I am seriously considering a trip around Easter, not to sure it will be too early though..
I was there the last weekend is beautiful and awesome
How can I reserve a spot for camping?
This video was very useful ! Thank you buddy !
Nice Video! Another place that is awesome is Bearfence Rocks (Between Big Meadows and Swift Run Gap). It has a rock scramble that takes you up to a beautiful 360 view!
This park can be exhausting, be prepared. Some trails have little ball bearings(rocks) that make it difficult. Beautiful park, old rag and cedar creek canyon are awesome. Cedar creek has a great water slide. I wouldn’t suggest doing all these trails in a weekend.
I absolutely love Shenandoah! I have family buried in the Cemetery along the Rose River Fire Road.
Are there ticks to worry about ?
Great views!
Thanks dude for making this video! I’m gonna take your tips and go out to this park
Wait do they allow dogs in the sheoah park ? (Just asking 😅..)
Thank you for making this very informative video
Going to check out Rose River Falls and Dark Hollow Falls for possible photoshoots! Thank you for all the info!
Make sure to put a park entrance in your gps first and once you get there put in your campsite or lodge. Some gps apps have a hard time getting into the park properly.
Just moved to Virginia. Stoked to get up to the park as soon as I can will definitely be checking out some of the stops you made!
Is it gust me or was i the only one looking for the song for Choir
Crabtree Falls and Humpback Rock
Please remember to subscribe!
Video Correction: This park is definitely not 300 miles wide! I meant to say 3 miles wide! (average width, since the total park area is 300 square miles)
Really well made video! It was like the third or fourth result when I typed in Shenandoah National Park. I’ll be there at the end of July. Thanks for your tips!