Discover the Best Activities Near Shenandoah National Park Entrances

Posted by Katie Wedge on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:29:49 AM By Katie Wedge / September 1, 2023 Comment

Prepare to be awestruck by Virginia's breathtaking parks, with Shenandoah National Park topping the list. In this compact strip of wilderness, explore diverse wildlife, stunning nature, and magnificent mountain vistas.

While Shenandoah National Park offers plenty of outdoor adventures like hiking, biking along Skyline Drive, and exploring waterways, the area surrounding the park's four entrances is also full of beauty and excitement.

To ensure your Shenandoah National Park trip is filled with fun, we reached out to Virginia Visitor Centers in the vicinity. Here are just a few of the countless activities and destinations to enjoy, whether you're visiting for a day or a week. Use the map below to plan your trip and find the nearest entrance along Skyline Drive.

ROCKFISH GAP ENTRANCE

Located near the junction of I-64 and U.S. 250, the Rockfish Gap entrance is surrounded by charming towns and cities, such as Crozet, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, Afton, and Staunton.

Where to Eat:

Hop's Kitchen—Waynesboro

The Purple Foot—Waynesboro

The Green Leaf Grill—Waynesboro

C&O Restaurant—Charlottesville

Mill Street Grill—Staunton

Crozet Pizza—Crozet

Citizen Burger Bar—Charlottesville

Zynodoa—Staunton

Public Fish & Oyster—Charlottesville

Wineries & Breweries:

Basic City Beer Co.—Waynesboro

Stable Craft Brewing—Waynesboro

Afton Mountain Vineyards—Afton

Blue Mountain Brewery—Afton

Veritas Vineyards and Winery—Afton

Pollak Vineyard—Greenwood

King Family Vineyards—Crozet

Starr Hill Brewery—Crozet

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards—North Garden

Things to Do:

Experience the beauty of Wintergreen Resort, offering spa, golfing, hiking, tennis, dining, and lodging

Visit Monticello to delve into Virginia's unique history and heritage

Explore the historic grounds of the University of Virginia

Take the kids to Highland, James Monroe's original property

Enjoy swimming, boating, or fly fishing in Lake Monocan at Wintergreen Resort

Attend exciting polo matches at King Family Vineyards on Sundays

Step back in time at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton

Browse fresh produce at the Nelson County Farmers Market in Nellysford

Where to Stay:

Iris Inn Bed & Breakfast—Waynesboro

Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast—Afton

Foxfield Inn—Charlottesville

The Blackburn Inn—Staunton

The Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm—Crozet

SWIFT RUN GAP ENTRANCE

Heading North from the Rockfish Gap Entrance, you'll find the Swift Run Gap Entrance on U.S. 33. This entrance is conveniently located near Stanardsville, Elkton, Shenandoah, and Harrisonburg.

Where to Eat:

Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza—Harrisonburg

The Lafayette Inn Restaurant—Stanardsville

Magpie Diner—Harrisonburg

Wineries & Breweries:

CrossKeys Vineyards & Winery—Mount Crawford

Stone Mountain Vineyards—Dyke

Brothers Craft Brewing—Harrisonburg

Early Mountain Vineyards—Madison

Pale Fire Brewing Co.—Harrisonburg

Potter’s Craft Cider—Free Union

Things to Do:

Capture memorable pictures at the Harrisonburg LOVEworks installation

Enjoy miniature golfing or practice your swings at Mulligan's Golf Center in Harrisonburg

Have a blast at Massanutten Indoor/Outdoor Waterpark in McGaheysville

Marvel at the wonders of Luray Caverns or Shenandoah Caverns, where you can witness geological marvels

Visit the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory in Mount Jackson to see how your favorite snacks are made

Explore the beautiful wilderness with ATV, Jet Ski, and canoe rentals from Appalachian Adventures

Where to Stay:

Hotel Madison—Harrisonburg

Massanutten Resort—McGaheysville

THORNTON GAP ENTRANCE

Continuing North, you'll reach the Thornton Gap at the intersection of Skyline Drive and U.S. 211. This entrance is conveniently close to towns like Luray, Washington, Sperryville, and New Market.

Where to Eat:

Griffin Tavern Restaurant—Flint Hill

Houndstooth—Huntly

Element—Front Royal

The Inn at Little Washington—Washington

Wineries & Breweries in the Shenandoah Valley:

Gadino Cellars—Washington

Woodstock Brewhouse—Woodstock

Little Washington Winery & Vineyards—Washington

Copper Fox Distillery—Sperryville

Wisteria Farm & Vineyard—Stanley

Hopkins Ordinary Ale Works—Sperryville

Top Things to Do in the Shenandoah Valley:

Explore the awe-inspiring Luray Caverns or Shenandoah Caverns and witness the geological process up close.

Visit White Post's Dinosaur Land for a unique prehistoric drive-thru park experience.

Take a tour of the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory in Mount Jackson and see how your favorite snacks are made.

Rent ATVs, Jet Skis, or canoes from Appalachian Adventures and discover the beautiful wilderness.

Check out the stunning beauty of the Luray Caverns.

Recommended Places to Stay in the Shenandoah Valley:

Hopkins Ordinary Bed and Breakfast—Sperryville

Middleton Inn Bed and Breakfast—Washington

The Mimslyn Inn—Luray

Foster Harris House—Washington

Skyland—Luray

The Inn at Little Washington—Washington

FRONT ROYAL ENTRANCE

The Front Royal Entrance is the northernmost entrance to Shenandoah National Park. It can be easily accessed from U.S. 340, just a short drive south of I-66. This entrance is a convenient option for visitors coming from Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia Metro areas, especially those in Front Royal, Linden, Winchester, and Middleburg.

Top Restaurants to Try near the Front Royal Entrance:

L'AUBERGE PROVENCALE RESTAURANT

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern—Middleburg

Girasole—The Plains

The Restaurant at Goodstone—Middleburg

L’auberge Provencale Restaurant—Boyce

Main Street Mill Restaurant—Front Royal

The Apple House—Linden

Wineries & Breweries near the Front Royal Entrance:

Fox Meadow Winery—Linden

Chester Gap Cellars—Front Royal

Backroom Brewery—Middletown

Linden Vineyards—Linden

Winchester Ciderworks—Winchester

Top Things to Do near the Front Royal Entrance:

Explore the stunning Skyline Caverns in Front Royal.

Play golf at picturesque courses like Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club, Front Royal Golf Club, or Shenandoah Valley Golf Club.

Experience horseback riding at Meadowbrook Farm Equestrian Center in Huntly.

Enjoy a picnic in nature with goodies from Market Salamander in Middleburg.

Discover the Shenandoah Wine Trail with a few pit stops along the way.

Recommended Places to Stay near the Front Royal Entrance:

Red Fox Inn—Middleburg

The Inn at Vaucluse Spring—Stephens City

Salamander Resort & Spa—Middleburg

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant—Paris

Goodstone Inn and Restaurant—Middleburg

Waypoint House Bed & Breakfast—Berryville

If you plan to drive the entire length of Shenandoah National Park, it takes approximately 3 hours on a clear day. Make the most of your getaway by incorporating these suggestions into your trip. Don't forget to share your experiences and pictures through our social media channels using #FindYourPark and #LoveVA!

KATIE WEDGE

(571) 517-2012

katie.jacobsandco.com

[email protected]