Shenandoah National Park - General Park Information

Gazing across the horizon from the peaks of Shenandoah National Park it's hard to believe you are just 75 miles from the bustle of our nation's capital. Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah's past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness.

Wilderness ... the word has different meanings to different people. In Shenandoah National Park wilderness is a place with specific meaning. Did you know that 40% of Shenandoah National Park is federally designated Wilderness?

In 1964, the U.S. Congress passed a law known as the Wilderness Act, which created a National Wilderness Preservation System to provide an "enduring resource of wilderness" for present and future generations.

The Wilderness Act designated 9 million acres of federal public land as wilderness. Subsequent acts of Congress have added wilderness areas to the National Wilderness Preservation System. Today, over 106 million acres across the country are protected as wilderness.

In 1976, Congress designated 79,579 acres of Shenandoah National Park as wilderness. The park's wilderness area offers outstanding opportunities for solitude and recreation. Many park trails are in designated wilderness. Most overlooks along Skyline Drive view wilderness. Wilderness offers respite from hectic daily life. Wilderness provides natural habitat for wildlife and wildflowers and preserves the human history held within the mountains.

Extra care should be taken when exploring Shenandoah's wilderness. Visitors in these areas should practice the principles of Leave No Trace so that the park's wilderness is protected for future generations of explorers. For overnight camping in Shenandoah's wilderness, plan ahead and prepare by researching Shenandoah's backcountry camping information and regulations.

The mountains in Shenandoah National Park are usually 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. Winters can be severe with snow and ice, and summer showers may be sudden. Layered clothing is always suggested.