Shenandoah National Park: Driving 105 Miles on Skyline Drive, Waterfalls, Hikes & Overlooks

Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park has the famous Skyline Drive which travels 105 miles right through the center. Along the drive there are dozens of overlooks, miles of hiking trails and lots of history. The Appalachian Trail even runs right through the center of the park. I spent one day driving Skyline Drive and exploring Shenandoah National Park. Here is all the information and let me know what I left off in the comments.
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[@oelabed1]

Love that you take your dad with you on your adventures. The reason I subscribed to your channel

[@user-kv9jw3ph2s]

I think my favorite part of your tours are the waterfalls. Love them here.

[@acarwile]

Thank you! I grew up in Winchester, VA and I'm an alum of Virginia Tech.After college I moved to CA, and now we're in Boise, Idaho. I miss the forest-covered mountains of Virginia. My parents have both passed away now, and I seldom get back to Va. One of my last trips was the Luray Caverns with my Mom, so that was sweet to see. Thanks!

[@lauracarstiou3505]

I moved to Warrenton VA from San Diego. I will never leave the forest again!

[@passingthroughtime3033]

The entire east coast is very green. The Appalachians are almost 2000 miles of lush green forest loaded with wildlife.

[@ThroughMyLens]

So awesome to see so much green!

[@passingthroughtime3033]

@@ThroughMyLens We have it on the east coast because from Maine to Florida we get a lot of rain. Come to Pennsylvania. It's beautiful and the entire state is lush green with mountains and waterfalls in the Pocono mountains.

[@passingthroughtime3033]

@@ThroughMyLens Check out Bushkill falls in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania. Also Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Both incredible.

[@samialkhuwaiter1123]

The whole Blue Bridge PKW drive is beautiful, especially in the foliage season ( if it was a good season) , I recommend everyone do a road trip once in their live , and please take your time ( between 10 days to 2 weeks)and visit many nice towns along the way.

[@philipsessa2177]

I have a great appreciation for Skyline Drive. I've gone down many times and always started in the north. I have been very fortunate to capture many great photos along the way. From deer, to black bears (less then 100 feet Away) and even had the luck of capturing a sunset photo with a supercell thunderstorm and lightning too. Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the video series as well. I never had the chance to travel the parkway. 👍🏼

[@karenmelton9235]

My dad hiked the entire Appalachian trail Georgia to Maine . ❤

[@ptywgn57]

I love to watch your videos. I especially like that you go with your Dad!

[@sherrylong7774]

I moved from Front Royal, Va to Tennessee a couple of years ago. This really made me homesick. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@slighwentwalking2024]

That was solid bro! I'm from that area and I like to see if others react the same as I do with the sites of the area. I went to college at VaTech and UVA so I spent years hiking and biking around the blue ridge parkway. Sorry your visit was rain shortened but them's the breaks sometimes. Thanks for showcasing my old stomping grounds.

[@SolveigEggerz]

Loved how you featured Dark Hollow Water Fall and Little Stoney Man hikes with lots of honest details about strenuous vs moderate. Will definitely check these hikes out with my 79 year old friends!!

[@user-qy5xf4es6k]

Thank you very much for the video. The falls and cave are beautiful.

[@KevinFryAdventures]

Awesome video. My first trip to Shenandoah was with my father. It was also our first experience running into a bear on trail. My favorite hike was Hawksbill Gap!

[@bombereringVAL]

I was hoping they'd do Hawksbill! Top 3 favorite in the area after Old Rag and White Oak

[@isaacjamesbaker]

Nice video. Well made. I'm halfway through a multi year project of hiking every mile of the park. Skyline is great but the hidden gems far away keep me going

[@albertg.paulisch250]

Thank you for the video. I was in Indiana in 1970/71 during my 12th grade year and will be going to the family reunion a few miles west of the park for a week this summer - and after a day in Washington DC, I will have a day in the area and thus in the park. So I already know what there is to see and what I should definitely visit. Thanks for your beautiful preparation.

[@teresadonnelly6007]

There is a beautiful restaurant at Skyland Lodge right on the edge of the mountain with beautiful views of the valley and mountains

[@WFO.]

Nice video. Drove 37 miles from the North Entrance this morning. He dropping beauty by Mother Nature. Spectacular views. Enjoyed driving my ‘23 C8 on the Skyline Drive.

[@catman8670]

The view is great, appreciate you do my walking

[@MinutesWithMates]

This is great Josh. We are coming to the States in your Fall and we are visiting some great places in LA thanks to your informative videos. We also have a week with friends in NC and are visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and doing the Blue Ridge, so I’m really excited to see you posting videos in this area. Bless ya mate for your great work!

[@ervinslens]

Wonderful hike, so peaceful and serene and narrated part is simply outstanding!😊👌

[@michaellejkowski6452]

Thanks for these wonderful videos especially like the ones with your Dad what a relationship

[@cindywestlake6278]

I love all of your videos we watch them all!

[@mindiwilhelm4322]

Thanks for the Luray Cavern tour. Spectacular cave with fantastic photography.

[@Dlee4000]

Shenandoah park is impressive. My favorite spot was the caves and having that organ played in the background.

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was pretty cool to hear that organ!

[@lonirinard9375]

I love you two! So glad I found you. I have a suggestion for you Californians (as we are originally too). After living in Colorado twice, once up Rist Canyon @ about 7500 ft. While there I learned about these deer warning whistles you put on the front bumper of your car. They’re super cheap and super GREAT! I have never hit an animal because of these. I know your renting most cars for your trips but I’m sure you can take them off with WD-40. You can get 4 pair/$12.00 up to 10pair/$20.00. I’ve seen dogs tuning towards the road and turn as I approach. I’ve also seen the deer just standing on the road looking at me as I come around a bend. Much better than them running into me or the road. Try them you’ll like them! Be safe and be blessed.

[@charlottemilligan8534]

On the tree was lichen. You did not mention staying in the lodging. There are restaurants at Big Meadows and at Skyland. You can take a trip to Rapidan. You can ride a horse at Skyland. Viewing the stars at Big meadow is wonderful. You can see the Milky Way. BlackBerry syrup is great at the gift store.

[@debrawaite7173]

What great memories that you are making with your Dad

[@Albe3331]

I am fortunate since I live 5 miles from the Northern Entrance in Front Royal, and am a military veteran. With my VA ID card I pay nothing to enter the park. At 70+ years old I don’t hike anymore but enjoy it from the car. But when I was younger I loved back country camping in the National Park and George Washington National Forest. My daughter and grand children just did Dark Hollow.

[@AmbientWalking]

I always wish for more whenever your video ends! What an amazing treat, always! Cheers!

[@manie3232]

The fall season, when the leaves change is the busiest time. We were on part of it yesterday. Some of the parking on the off-roads into the restaurants etc were all full.

[@passingthroughtime3033]

Beautiful video as usual! 👍🏻👍🏻♥️🇺🇸♥️🇺🇸

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@timwolfers7880]

Other hikes that are great- Hawksbill summit for a great view to the west. Bearfence is a short, fun rock scramble. White Oak Canyon is a down hike to waterfalls and cascades. And Mary's Rock is a great view to the east, after a fairly steep hike up.

[@zakkwylde9706]

Thank you so much Josh. Through your channel, I have known lots of other beautiful view points and delicious foods in America, will follow your recommended guidance to travel USA again in 2023; by the way, thanks for your great narration, very standard and easy to listen.

[@Verlopil]

It's a beautiful park and you did a great job of showcasing that. That lush green is why I moved back to the Midwest after living in California for a couple of years. Southern California is beautiful in its own way but I just couldn't take all the brown.

[@ck4426]

Go Illini!!! Great video!!! Great to see you and Pops together!!!

[@bertkelly7650]

Thanks man for doing it for us!

[@brenda9990]

Beautiful area. I’d love to drive there one day! Thanks for taking us along,

[@skellingtonmeteoryballoon]

Wow , I was sold before five minute mark 😍 If i didn’t do skyline drive one day I’m surely gonna feel less of an American. This is my bucket list now , bucket list my new thing.

[@MerrimackKid]

Thanks for the video, will be coming through twice this year, in March with family by car and then again on my walk on the AT from Va to NY. BTW, those are gypsy moth caterpillars, there were a ton on the AT in Connecticut last year and all dead too. People said that they perished from a virus.

[@RonsWorld5]

Overall, my favorite waterfalls are Overall Run Falls, South River Falls, and the falls in White Oak Canyon (lower and upper). My favorite views are Bearfence and Tinker Cliffs. Great video. Thanks for sharing. 🙏

[@kurtfoulke5130]

Very nice, well done video of the Park. Cherish every second that you get to spend with your father.

[@janinemurphy345]

I shuttle hikers through the park. Nina's Shuttle Service. I love this ❤️

[@justlivelovelaughfrugally]

Josh, I’m sure you can do all 2200 miles of the AT!

[@andreajohnson1796]

Beautiful and miles of green hills , love the view , would love to hike on the shaded trails and the rain

[@internalresolutions6854]

The rain was perfect! Thanks for sharing

[@KaleemKhan-jk7lq]

Each inch is breathtaking and stunning. Well enjoyed.

[@whatskevupto2964]

I went to high school in Northern Virginia and frequently visited the park. Now I'm going to uni in southern Ontario and I really miss the Shenandoah Valley. Thanks for sharing this video and bring me home for 20 minutes

[@johnsousa2558]

We've driven through Shenandoah Park from Southern Ontario Canada visiting the U.S. on road trips south in the past. Shenandoah Park and Virginia State are truly a magical place worth visiting. Well done and beautiful video with good information . We are passing through Shenandoah again soon. Can't wait to further explore this beautiful park.

[@AgnesvandenBerg59]

Great video! Impressive waterfalls and what an beautiful cave you've visited. A beautiful area to visit and despite of the rain at the end you had a lot of fun together. So nice to see that you can do this together with your dad😍 Thanks for sharing Greetings Agnes

[@tnt3171]

I visited the park in the Fall. Magnificent!

[@BackroadExploits]

Very cool trip. Loved the Cavern and Largest Musical instrument. Bummer you had rain, but alas that is why it is so beautifully green.

[@csigilgrissom007]

Hello and thank you for this video!! I am French and the Shenandoah reminds me a lot of the Auvergne region in which I live: mountainous and green! I hope to one day have the chance to visit this park! 🙂

[@NickandRachel]

We spent about 5 days there at the beginning of the year when the park was pretty much empty and we got to do all kinds of stuff I think my favorite was South River Falls! We ended up filming like 10 videos while we were there it was a really productive trip beautiful Park can't wait to go back in a different season! Thanks for sharing this!

[@anjalythomas]

Lovely! Did that just last month and although we ran into rain and mist, it was spectacular!

[@user-kp5vd1tg3r]

I am surprised you didn't see any chipmunks, or you didn't mention them. You are correct that there are lots and lots of deer everywhere. Thank you for a drive through memory lane.

[@guygarbarino6982]

Thanks for a great video I have been on skyline drive on my motorcycle and now realizize I need to go back and take the time to hike and smell the roses as the saying goes

[@queenscotia769]

I was fortunate enough to be able to travel along the Shenandoah national park and visit the Luray caverns during the time I spent in Va USA..Totally awesome spectacular views ..Thank you so much for the memories ..

[@Michael-Bennett]

A beautiful video, even the rainy parts.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Many thanks!

[@lnazworth]

Great video! We have a trip planned for Shenandoah this fall. Can't wait.

[@tanyabrown3919]

I'm loving your videos . I bing watch your videos this weekend.thank you!

[@Linda-ot3pj]

Nice video. It’s a good vicarious experience of a beautiful park and a day with a loved one

[@80sunshine21]

Well done! Beautiful video which captured the best of the Skyline drive. Rain every few days is normal on the east coast.That's why people move to CA and AZ! Thanks, Suzy AZ USA

[@piedmontpengwing]

If you want a highly interesting challenge, hike Old Rag Mountain. There is plenty of switchbacks, and rock scrambles. Also go to Syria, Virginia which has Graves Mountain Lodge. It’s on the Rose River. That is close to Old Rag My. If you are in this area of Virginia, go on Rt 609 the Hoover Road. That is an extremely beautiful drive from Rt 231 to Rt 29. Prior to getting to Rt 29, you will see a church that was built in 1903. Herbert Hoover had a summer camp on the Hoover Road.

[@lauracarstiou3505]

Thanks for the info. I just moved here near Sperryville

[@tseringlama5058]

It was great to run into you at the waterfall! Keep making great content

[@dez966]

Great video 👍🏾👍🏾.. plan to go for my summer vacation 😃

[@justtheilluminativ282]

I wish I could’ve explored more of the park, but the views were so beautiful, I still left with some satisfaction

[@SomenathChakraborty]

Really epic!

[@Anonymous99997]

I am so glad you got to visit my home state of Virginia.

[@barbarabladen8963]

Great video! My nephew and his mom did the entire AT, alone, and at separate times. Supported both of them with resupply along the way. Did your dad do the rock scramble atBlack Rock?

[@enyab.6939]

Ancestry in the Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina area. Beautiful and stunning area! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤

[@jenniferwells6469]

We just went to Shenandoah in July! It was our first National Park! We spent 4 days driving around and exploring. We looked and looked for a bear but no luck. Lots of deer though! We hit Luray cavern first thing in the morning and there was no crowd. Great video!

[@samjam2376]

I've been to Luray Caverns. Well worth it. Skyline Caverns is to. Skyline caverns is located just south of the north entrance to SNP.

[@marial1232]

👍Love your videos beautiful sights I'm enjoying seeing the Beautiful all the places that you been. Keep up the good work and I just love when you take your dad with you😊

[@hammockstocoasters]

Beautiful share! We enjoyed watching as a family and we watched a few others by you. New subs.

[@margaretgarnto6272]

I love the scene where you went through Mary's Rock Tunnel on the Skyline Drive in Virginia. I've been through that tunnel a time or two myself, on the way to New Hampshire to visit my sister Ann Emerson and her family.

[@jeremymamoruswansoninstrum9383]

This is very awesome! 😀👍

[@rhondaz356]

Another wonderful, informative video... Thank you, so much... CONGRATULATIONS on your *well deserved 200,000+ subs... 👏🤗🎉

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terizumbusch8408]

Just a great video, Thank you so much. Kudosta pop he did an awesome job, And I love seeing the fireflies. Blessing skies gonna watch Shanandoah

[@Senor0Droolcup]

This was a wonderful introduction to a great park.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@katieh1752]

I'm very blessed to live close to SNP and spend a lot of time here.

[@jamessolimine7102]

I am so glad you saw Luray Caverns (I wish your dad would have too). I think I suggested it to you a couple of videos ago. You also self guided at Carlsbad Caverns. The drive and hikes were beautiful. Thank you for the journey. Take care.

[@clarkgriswold5903]

I'm from Annandale Virginia and I used to drive my collector cars and motorcycles from Front Royal to Big Meadows all the time. I live in Florida now but have many great memories of Virginia and it's a great state to explore. My parents used to own a piece of property on the Shenandoah River when I was a kid and I had so much fun riding mini bikes, swimming in the river, and camping etc etc, damn I have so many good memories of Virginia.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Sounds like an epic spot to grow up!

[@clarkgriswold5903]

@@ThroughMyLens Yes it was I had a great time and a great time as a kid. I'm a subscriber to your channel for a long time and enjoy your VIDS.

[@terrilowry44]

Great video. I'm very fortune to be able to hike SNP every week. Great place to be 💚

[@sharonkelsey1854]

Love your videos. Recently watched the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Shenandoah Valley videos. Recently retired and living in central NC; I need to get my butt up in the mountains and experience what I'm missing in my "backyard".

[@samjam2376]

Thanks for the video. I love Shenandoah national park. I've been there many times. My wife is from Front Royal VA.

[@sandywatkins8484]

I've been there many times. I absolutely love staying at Big Meadows lodge. If you get a room at the back of the lodge, there is a deck that you can sit on. Watching the sunset is amazing from that spot. So amazing.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for the tips! That sounds epic

[@thomasobrien447]

We stayed there a couple times too. We loved the back of the lodge too. At dusk when the crowd thins out and the lodge becomes yours sipping a drink its wonderful.

[@mutantryeff]

That trip is amazing around Halloween as the colors change.

[@thefleming7950]

Awesome. TFS❗

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

The biggest benefit of starting north to south is you really understand why it's called Skyline the first few miles. Pretty amazing. We've done large sections of the Appalachian Trail - hence our trail / channel names 😀. We definitely want to do one day if we can. What name would you pick for yourself? Pops is easy. Pops, lol. We are happy you got to see our green side of the country. Oh you got to Little Stony Man and Luray - awesome! We went to Luray for the same reason. We were rained out and had to skip Old Rag. Great video as always man, so nice to relive this! You ended standing where started.

[@ThroughMyLens]

So awesome, I didn't know you were hoping to do the AT! I don't know what my name would be, will have to think about it haha

[@johng5710]

Great video! Looking forward to the Blue Ridge Parkway video...I just drove the BRP in May, unfortunately I experienced the same weather you did for an entire day on the North Carolina portion of the parkway, plus it was foggy as well. Couldn't see anything. I'm planning on going back maybe next year sometime for a BRP redemption lol. Probably will do Skyline Drive as well.

[@sonshinedove]

Just subscribed. Awesome! Cool that you take your Pops and he walks that far as he does! Keep it up! Tom Dooley…YES, John Denver…YES!!! I’d love to have been there when you guys were. When we were there at the end of October it was BUSY. But BEAUTIFUL! We didn’t do much walking. CAUTION: around Asheville (where we were visiting friends) the parkway there are some residents that use it as a shortcut and drive a bit fast.

[@postaldaytrader]

Hi Josh. When were you at Shenandoah National Park? It doesn't look very crowded. Thank you for always making very informative videos that viewers can use as their itinerary.

[@ITSHProductions]

LURAY CAVERNS I have been in this cavern ALOT 2012 was the last time we went and the tours were 1million% guided! There were groups for the tours but not unenjoyable

[@jonathanregeimbal8694]

Thanks for sharing and love following along with you and pops! I did want to make a correction for your viewers. There are several dining options in the park, Big Meadows lodge has a full service dining hall as well as a pub in the basement often times with local musicians. Skyland lodge has their own full service dining hall (best in the park IMHO). Both options have wonderful views and to-go (to take with you on hikes or back to the room). Plan accordingly :)

[@ltlgrama2332]

Great video. Husband and I totally enjoy it. Aloha 🤙

[@DaliaTutoring]

So green 🤩 Being from SoCal, it’s a novelty lol

[@philipwhichard8197]

Good job! But you really need to see this section in fall peak colors. I know...I know...but this section has the best ‘mix’ of colors of any mountain drive.

[@LagunaRider1961]

Another really fun thing to do there is rent a canoe on the Shenandoah River. They have outfits that pick you up down the River and bring you back or you could do a rafting trip if they still do those. I grew up in that area but moved to Southern California in the mid 90’s. Planning a trip back in September and can’t wait!

[@phxgidget]

You made me laugh when you said you liked so much "green" on the hike because it is different from southern Calif. Well I can relate since I've lived in Phoenix, Az for 60 years. I gotta believe all the hiking keeps your dad healthy and young at heart!

[@exploringnewhites]

Beautiful!!! And I’m sure the pics don’t do it justice. I remember your Dad from church and we did a show together once at LH

[@ThroughMyLens]

That's awesome! Thanks for the comment!

[@stopngosteve04]

Josh, you were right in my back yard!