Shenandoah National Park, encompassing swaths of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the best parks for adventurers. Trails up boulder-strewn, wooded mountains and along bubbling, waterfall-laden streams criss-cross the nearly 200,000 acres of park, and it's all waiting to be discovered. If you're not much of a hiker, though, fear not: Shenandoah is loaded with historic sites and fun attractions, and all around the edges of the park, wineries, cute Southern towns and orchards are tucked among the valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There's something for everyone here... and since it happens to be one of the most pet-friendly parks, the whole family can come enjoy the mountain beauty here.
It might be surprising for some to learn that a lot of Shenandoah (about 40%) is actually protected wilderness, but there are hundreds of trails and several campgrounds within that make exploring the backcountry easy. Besides being known for mountains and wilderness camping, Shenandoah is home to a bunch of waterfalls, awesome fishing, some incredible wildlife, and for being the Presidential retreat of Herbert Hoover when he was in office-- it's not hard to see why he came here to relax so frequently!
Skyline Drive
The park has tons to see and do, but the most famous attraction has to be Skyline Drive. It's a whopping 105 miles and runs the whole length of the park, meaning you'll get a great picture of this beautiful slice of Virginia countryside. The whole thing is a National Historic Landmark, as it was built between the 1920s and 1960s, but besides being historically significant, it's one of the prettiest scenic roads in the country, and one of the best places to spot fall foliage. The speed limit is only 35 miles per hour, so expect to take your time on the cruise... and definitely make a point to stop at a few of the 75 overlooks you'll pass along the way.
There are a few stellar mountain hikes in the park, but the tallest you can hike is Hawksbill Mountain. You can actually drive to the Upper Hawksbill Parking Area and take a short stroll to the summit, or take a longer trail up to the tippy top, if you're looking for a hike that's a bit more of a challenge. Of the 500 or so trails in the park, there are less than 20 that don't allow dogs, which is pretty remarkable and makes Shenandoah a great spot for proud pet owners to visit with their pups.
Big Meadows
There's nothing quite like camping out in a National Park, and Shenandoah has some nice campgrounds. Big Meadow is a popular one, as it's conveniently located near waterfalls hikes and amenities (like a gas station) that will help your overnight adventure under the stars a bit easier. Falling asleep in a forest meadow surrounded by mountains sounds pretty awesome, right? Oh, and bonus: the campgrounds at Shenandoah are pet-friendly!
Early Mountain Vineyards
Built on the estate of an 18th century Revolutionary War hero, Early Mountain Vineyards takes advantage of the soil and climate of Virginia, which produces excellent wine grapes. They have a wide patio and tons of green space where you can grab lunch or enjoy a picnic (with your dog, of course) after you tour the historic property, sleek operation, and cozy tasting room. With hammocks, outdoor fire pits, and delicious bites all offered, you can easily spend a whole afternoon enjoying the wine and atmosphere here.
Kline's Dairy Bar
If you're craving something sweet, head out of the park and into nearby Harrisonburg to grab a cone from Kline's Dairy Bar. They've been serving up tasty, handmade, custardy ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes since the 1940s. The atmosphere has that retro feel, the portions are big, and the ice cream is incredible. If any place in Virginia can make you feel like a kid again, it's Kline's.
Stonewall Jackson Hotel
If you're not much of a camper, or if you just are looking for a place where you can drift off to sleep in total comfort, the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton is a great and pet-friendly option. It was originally built in the 1920s, and got a facelift in 2005, so the hotel has the charm of an older spot, but with modern conveniences. It's in a sweet location in Staunton, right within walking distance of a ton of tons of great little restaurants and attractions, and the whole town oozes Southern charm.
Shenandoah is perfect for a weekend that's both adventurous and relaxing. Whether you want a relaxing and romantic getaway for two, or you want to get the whole family outside and exploring, you'll have an unforgettable time as you uncover the secrets of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Anna Hider
Just a Civil War beard enthusiast, writer at Roadtrippers, and aspiring astronaut reaching for the stars.
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