The Best Things to Do at Shenandoah National Park—Plus a Bonus Way to Enjoy It at Home!
From scenic audio tours to blackberry ice cream pie, discover the can't-miss experiences at this stunning Blue Ridge Mountain escape
Key Takeaways
- Book a self-guided audio tour to explore Shenandoah's best spots at your pace.
- Don't miss the blackberry ice cream pie at Big Meadows Lodge's dining room.
- Try the $15 audio tour for insider secrets about the park's history.
Surround yourself with nature at Shenandoah National Park! Located 70 miles west of Washington, D.C., this 200,000-acre park boasts impressive scenery along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Experience the beauty with campgrounds, waterfalls and more than 500 miles of hiking trails.
Get to know the park with an audio tour
To catch a glimpse of the park’s best sites at your own pace, book a self-guided driving audio tour through TripAdvisor ($15). Once you download the app, an audio narrator will direct you to spots like Bacon Hollow Overlook and Fox Hollow Trailhead while sharing secrets about Shenandoah’s history.
Enjoy a meal with a view
For lunch, stop by the Spottswood Dining Room at Big Meadows Lodge. This cozy restaurant offers park views and tasty options like the New Deal roast turkey plate and Roosevelt’s fried chicken, named for park booster Franklin D. Roosevelt. For dessert, don’t miss the signature blackberry ice cream pie!
Explore hiking trails by the Byrd Visitor Center
Located across from Big Meadows in the center of the park, this welcoming center offers maps, fun ranger programs and more.
Spy adorable white-tailed deer
These shy animals are most active during early morning and late evening hours, especially near trails and campgrounds.
See vibrant mountain laurel blooms
These beautiful clusters of flowers typically start blooming in late May and early June.
Bonus: Experience the park at home!
Imagine you’re at Shenandoah with a cocktail inspired by the New Market Taproom and a virtual tour of a fascinating historic site
Blackberry Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 16 lime wedges
- 1 1/2 cups blackberries
- 2 cups bourbon
- 3/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 bottle club soda
In a pitcher, muddle first three ingredients. Add bourbon and simple syrup; chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Divide among 8 ice-filled glasses and top each with club soda.Serves 8.
Virtual Tour
See inside the Brown House, former President Herbert Hoover’s summer cabin retreat. Visit NPS.gov/shen/learn/photosmultimedia/virtual-tours.htm.
This story first appeared in the May 18, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.
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