Siela’s Guide to Shenandoah National Park
Before You Go: A Little About the Area
Shenandoah isn’t just about the mountains — it’s surrounded by some of Virginia’s best wine country. The Blue Ridge region has over 300 wineries, so you’re never far from a glass of something delicious. It’s kind of the perfect combo: hiking during the day, wine tasting in the evening. People have been making wine here for centuries, and you can feel that history when you’re sitting outside a vineyard watching the sun dip behind the ridges.
As for the park itself — Shenandoah became a national park in 1935, created to give people easy access to the wild beauty of the Blue Ridge. It stretches over 200,000 acres, with Skyline Drive running its full 105-mile length. What makes it special? Endless overlooks, waterfalls, wildlife (yes, black bears — we didn’t see one this time), and night skies so clear they’ll make you forget your phone even exists (and you won’t have service anyway).
Our Shenandoah Road Trip
Living in New Jersey, and after visiting Acadia in the fall, Shenandoah felt like the perfect next destination. We were craving camping, nature, and stillness — and this trip delivered.
We left on a Sunday morning, groceries (s’mores & veggie hot dogs = essentials) in the backseat, and pulled into Matthews Arm Campground around 4 PM. It’s less crowded than Big Meadows, which we had meant to book, but no regrets. Fewer amenities, sure, but so peaceful.
Pro Tip: Download your maps beforehand — there’s basically no service in the park. Grab a paper one, too.
Day 1: Skyline Drive & Campfire Nights
As we made our way into the park, we couldn’t resist pulling off at a handful of Skyline Drive overlooks — each one somehow more beautiful than the last.
By the time we reached Matthews Arm Campground, the sun was dipping low, and we set up camp for the night. Dinner was exactly what we wanted it to be: a charcuterie board turned ultimate girl dinner, followed, of course, by gooey campfire s’mores.
We ended the night lying back and staring up at some of the clearest night skies we’ve ever seen, the kind that make you forget everything else exists.
Day 2: Rainy Morning, Sunny Adventures
We woke up to the sound of rain pattering on the tent and decided to lean into a slow morning. Once the skies cleared, we treated ourselves to what we dubbed the breakfast of champs: boiled eggs, fresh fruit, and the last of our charcuterie spread.
Craving a little pick-me-up, we drove over to Skyland Resort for coffee. We’d heard their blackberry ice cream pie is a must-try (sadly missed it this time, but it’s on the list for next round).
Not far from there was our first hike of the day: Stony Man Trail. We got slightly lost along the way, but honestly, that just added to the adventure. The views were so worth it, and the trail itself was super doable — around 4 miles roundtrip.
Later, we popped into the Big Meadows Visitor Center, where we watched a short film and wandered through the exhibits. It had major field-trip energy, in the best way — the kind that makes you curious and reminds you how cool it is to learn outside of school.
From there, we set off on the Dark Hollow Falls Trail. It’s short but a little steep, leading down to a series of gorgeous cascading waterfalls. We even dipped our toes into a creek along the way, wishing we had more time to just sit and hang out with a book.
We ended the day with simple pleasures — PB&J sandwiches, a glowing Blue Ridge sunset, and veggie hot dogs over our not-so-effortless campfire.
Day 3: A Small-Town Detour to Luray
We kicked off the day at Broad Porch Coffee Co., a spot we couldn’t pass up after noticing their beans for sale at the Skyline gift shop. The coffee did not disappoint — exactly the recharge we needed.
From there, we wandered just a few steps down the street into West Main Market Beer & Wine Garden. Live music floated through the air, we sipped on blueberry beers, and devoured toasted sandwiches that hit the spot. It felt like one of those perfectly unplanned small-town afternoons.
Since we realized we were only five minutes away, we couldn’t resist checking out the Luray Caverns. At $36 a ticket, it was an investment, but stepping inside felt like entering an entirely different world. Towering formations and glowing caverns — truly otherworldly and worth every penny.
We closed out the evening with local brews at Hawksbill Brewing Co., soaking in the small-town community vibe before debating our dinner options: hot dogs back at camp or something a little easier. The nearby Asian spot won, and we ended the night happily full of yakisoba and Thai cashew nut.
Day 4: Slow Mornings & Farewell
Our last morning started slow, with oatmeal and moka pot coffee after finally (finally!) winning the battle with our campfire. There’s something about working that hard for a cup of coffee that makes it taste even better.
Before packing up, we wandered the Traces Trail right by our campground. It was the perfect send-off — quiet woods filled with wildflowers and the kind of stillness that makes you want to pause. We even found a big sun-warmed boulder to lounge on for a while, just soaking it all in.
On our way out, we stumbled into the little town of Sperryville and found Before & After Coffee. Honeysuckle lattes, a pistachio-coconut pastry bar, and the sweetest surprise — a dreamy river trail right behind the café, winding along a running creek. It felt like a secret world, and the perfect last stop before heading home.
Tips for Shenandoah…
Bring a hammock — you’ll thank yourself later
Don’t miss a sunset — the west-facing overlooks are magic
Plan around Skyline Drive — at 105 miles, your campground choice matters
Bathrooms with running water — most campgrounds have them (luxury when camping!)
You’ll feel safe & welcome — we did, even as two young women traveling
Lean into the lack of service — the stillness + slowing down is what makes Shenandoah so special
Final Thoughts
Shenandoah has a calming, welcoming spirit. Between the wildflower meadows, kind people, and endless horizons, it’s the kind of place that gently pulls you back into the present. It’s not just a park — it’s an experience in slowing down, connecting with nature, and realizing how good life feels without a signal.