The Shenandoah National Park is a popular destination for those traveling through Virginia and locals alike. Washington D.C. residents can arrive at the north entrance in roughly 90 minutes. Skyline Drive offers a windy road with dozens of overlooks and hiking trails offering panoramic mountain views. The park is an expanse of wilderness just waiting to be explored and luckily, is well documented for your convenience. Here are three reasons that we feel SNP is well worth the trek.
500 Miles of Hiking Trails
Photo Courtesy of Matt Rossi
Those seeking relief from cabin fever will be pleased to hear about the 500 miles of hiking trails available in the park. Thanks to non-profit organizations like the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, trails are well marked and maintained for public use. Non-profit work includes trail patrol, clean-up, community engagement through education, and conservation with a focus on climate change. The most notable trails around the park include Old Rag Mountain and Hawksbill Gap.
Old Rag Mountain is a popular 9.5-mile hike located in the center of the park. Starting in the town of Nethers, this moderately difficult hike includes wooded areas, rocky switchbacks, and a spectacular 360-degree view of the Shenandoah Valley.
Those looking for an easier hike will love Hawksbill Gap. Located near the town of Syria, this 2.6-mile loop includes steep inclines and scenic waterfalls. This is a popular hike, so we advise getting there as early as possible to beat the crowds.
Friendly Towns, Unique Attractions, and Local Eats
After a long day of exploring, visitors will likely be in search of some good local eats. Those visiting the north entrance of the park will be just 5 miles from the local favorite “The Apple House,” a small family business that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The made from scratch apple butter cinnamon donuts are the culinary experience that keeps visitors coming back for more!
Those visiting the south entrance are only a 5-minute drive from “The River” which boasts big burgers and cold brews. Located in downtown Waynesboro, “The River” offers guests a clean and modern interior with a diverse menu. After a long day on the trail, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold, local beer!
Keep the Fly Rod Ready
The park offers unique fishing opportunities for the beginner, novice, and expert angler. There are 90 different mountain streams with dozens of tributaries, holding 40 different fish species. The most popular target for anglers is the native book trout, though some streams hold rainbow and brown trout as well.
Both rainbow and brown trout were introduced decades ago, with brown trout reproducing naturally in certain streams. Needless to say, when in the park, have the fly rod ready.
The most popular fly-fishing streams include the Rapidan, Conway, and Hughes. The most iconic of the three is the Rapidan. This stream was a favorite of President Herbert Hoover. So much so, that he established Rapidan Camp in 1929. The camp was a retreat for him and his staff to get out of D.C. and enjoy nature.
Just beside the Rapidan is the Conway. This stream holds healthy populations of Brown trout in the middle to lower sections, with Brook trout making up the majority of the upper section. Additionally, The Hughes holds dense brook trout populations as well, consisting of multiple feeder streams making up the drainage. These feeder streams are a great option when water levels are low.
There’s nothing better than watching a native Brook trout rise to a dry fly. We recommend a stealthy approach, with a delicate roll cast to take advantage of their appetite. 7-foot rods with 3 weight reels are ideal for these small mountain streams. Floating lines paired with 9-foot 5x leaders are highly recommended as well.
While a bit of a drive for most, the Shenandoah National Park is well worth the trek. Whether in search of remote hiking trails, scenic trout streams, or even a cold beer, Shenandoah is the place to be.
Article by Native Release team member, Shane MacGregor. Check him out on Instagram @sdmacgregor