How to Have the Best Fall Weekend in Shenandoah National Park

Fall is officially here, and Shenandoah National Park is the perfect destination to enjoy the season's crisp air and vibrant colors. Whether you're an avid hiker, a family adventurer, or someone looking to unwind with stunning views, Shenandoah has something for everyone. We recently spent an incredible weekend there and wanted to share our top tips to help you have the best fall weekend in this beautiful park.

1. Chase the Views: Best Fall Hikes

The park is famous for its sweeping vistas, especially during the fall when the mountains come alive with rich hues of orange, red, and yellow. Here are three must-do hikes that offer unbeatable views:

• Old Rag Mountain: This iconic and challenging hike is perfect for those seeking adventure. The 9-mile round trip offers some of the best panoramic views in the park, especially once you reach the rocky summit. Be sure to plan ahead, as this trail requires a day-use ticket and plenty of stamina!

• Stony Man Trail: For a more accessible option, the Stony Man Trail offers stunning views with a much easier 1.6-mile loop. The overlook at the top makes this a perfect choice for families, or anyone wanting a shorter hike without sacrificing breathtaking views.

• Hawksbill Summit: As the highest peak in Shenandoah, Hawksbill offers a moderate 2.9-mile loop to its summit. The 360-degree view from the top will leave you speechless—especially when you're surrounded by fall’s fiery foliage.

2. Discover Shenandoah’s Waterfalls

Don’t forget to visit some of Shenandoah's stunning waterfalls, which become even more magical when framed by the season’s colors:

• Dark Hollow Falls
  A family favorite, this easy 1.4-mile hike leads you to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall. It’s a short but rewarding trek that the whole family will enjoy.

• Rose River Falls
  This moderate 4-mile hike winds through the woods and past a series of cascading waterfalls, perfect for a peaceful afternoon in nature. The gentle sound of the falls combined with the vibrant leaves creates a magical atmosphere.

3. Stay in the Heart of Nature: Loft Mountain Campground

One of the best ways to experience Shenandoah is by camping right in the heart of it. We stayed at Loft Mountain Campground, which offered a perfect home base for our weekend. The campground is set deep in the woods, providing easy access to trails and stunning views, plus that unbeatable fresh mountain air.

At night, we gathered around the campfire, roasted marshmallows, and reflected on the day’s adventures. There’s something about sleeping under the stars in the crisp fall air that makes the experience extra special.

4. Sunset Hopping on Skyline Drive

No trip to Shenandoah is complete without a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, especially at sunset. This 105-mile roadway runs through the park, and with over 70 overlooks, it’s easy to find a peaceful spot to catch a perfect sunset. Our favorite overlooks were Thornton Gap and Browns Gap, but you can’t go wrong with any stop along this beautiful route.

Pro tip: Pack a picnic or your favorite snacks and enjoy a peaceful evening watching the colors change over the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains.

5. Fun for the Kids: Fall Crafts at the Campsite

We always like to include something special for the kids during our trips, and this time we embraced fall’s natural beauty by making leaf crafts at our campsite. The kids had a blast collecting colorful leaves to create rubbings, garlands, and nature collages. It’s a great way to keep little ones entertained while connecting them to nature, and the best part? It’s free and fun for all ages!

Bonus Tip: 20% Off All Shenandoah National Park Products Through Sunday!

To celebrate the fall season, we’re offering 20% off all Shenandoah National Park products now through Sunday! Whether you’re looking for cozy apparel, mugs to keep your hot cider warm, or fun keepsakes to remember your trip, this is the perfect time to shop. No code needed!

Shenandoah is truly a magical place to experience fall. We hope this guide inspires your next weekend adventure! If you head to the park, be sure to tag us on Instagram @TheLincolnForest—we’d love to see your photos and hear about your favorite spots!

Happy fall adventures,
Alissa and The Lincoln Forest Team