Shenandoah National Park
Closure Caution Information See 7 current alerts
Current alerts (7)
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Closure
Active Closure
Due to recent wildlife interactions and out of an abundance of caution, the Naked Creek backcountry zone is closed to all recreation until further notice. A camping closure remains in effect for the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Lewis Mountain to Big Meadows, including the Bearfence AT Hut. The AT is still accessible to hikers for day-use only.
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Caution
Emergency Phone Line Unavailable
Shenandoah National Park Emergency Phone number (1-800-732-0911) is currently unavailable. For all emergencies, Park visitors can dial 911.
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Caution
Parking at Boundary Access Areas
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.
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Information
Infrastructure Improvements to Old Rag Trailhead
Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.
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Information
Shenandoah National Park Moved to Fully Cashless Fee Collection
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
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Information
Get Skyline Drive Status Updates
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.
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Information
Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag
March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.
Hours
Shenandoah National Park
| Every day | All Day |
|---|
Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the Park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors can still enter the Park on foot to hike, even when the Skyline Drive is closed. Campgrounds, services, and facilities have separate hours; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere on our website.
Visitor centers
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
| Monday – Thursday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
|---|---|
| Friday – Saturday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Sunday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
Coming up:
- Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day (closed)
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is open year-round. Park Rangers will staff the visitor center during operating hours to answer questions and provide tips for your visit.
Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center
Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center
| Monday – Thursday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
|---|---|
| Friday – Saturday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Sunday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
Coming up:
- Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day (closed)
Park Rangers will staff the visitor center during operating hours to answer questions and provide tips for your visit. Restrooms are available year-round.
About this park
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore...and your journey begins right here!