ParkPulse

Shenandoah National Park

VA
Moderate crowdsTypical levels. Popular trailheads may fill by midday.
$30/vehicle1.6M annual visitors

Visitor levels at Shenandoah are sitting at about average for May. The main trailheads and viewpoints will have some company, but nothing unmanageable. The park service has posted 1 caution notice, mostly advisory, but worth reading before you go. Entry is $30 per vehicle, or free with an America the Beautiful pass.

Last updated May 25, 2026 at 9:19 AM

Active Alerts(5)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

7-Day Crowd Forecast

Predictions are being generated. Check back shortly.

Community Reports

No recent reports for Shenandoah.