Shenandoah National Park Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Shenandoah National Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Small Group Max 12 Day Tour From DC

• Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Shenandoah National Park

Park passes to enter Shenandoah National Park start at US$15 for a person visiting without a vehicle, US$25 for a motorcycle, and US$30 for a private vehicle. Children under the age of 16 enter for free. You can also buy an annual pass to Shenandoah for US$55 as a US resident, or an America the Beautiful Pass for US$80 as a US resident or US$250 as a non-resident.

Yes, Shenandoah National Park is well worth visiting if you want to see the beautiful wilderness of the Appalachian Highlands. Follow the Skyline Drive to admire the mountains, especially when the leaves change in fall, and hike on some of its many walking trails to enjoy the quiet scenery at a slower pace.

Per one customer who booked the Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Small Group Max 12 Day Tour from D.C, "Would totally recommend for anyone in the DMV looking to get to Shenandoah in the fall. I went solo and had a great time with the small group, and our guide, Alber, was so nice and informative!"

The most popular time to visit Shenandoah National Park is during the autumn, when the park is known for its vibrant foliage displays. The peak of its autumnal show varies year by year, so keep an eye on leaf forecasts; typically, however, early October is a good bet.

To make the most of Shenandoah National Park, set aside a minimum of two days. That gives you enough time to journey the 105-mile (169-kilometer) length of Skyline Drive, hike some of its trails (including sections of the Appalachian Trail), visit several famous scenic overlooks, and more.

While there have been some scattered and unconfirmed sightings over the years, mountain lions (also known as cougars) are not generally thought to inhabit Shenandoah National Park. They were once present, but their population has dwindled so much that it’s highly unlikely visitors will encounter one in the park.

It's useful to understand the park's layout. Shenandoah National Park is divided into three sections—the North District, Central District, and South District. (The Central is the most popular, while the North and South offer secluded nature.) All visitors must also pay for an entrance pass before accessing the park.

Yes, you can swim in the park's streams and the swimming holes around its waterfalls—but take caution. The water here can be extremely cold, and swimming areas may require hiking to access. Visitors are also strongly cautioned not to climb around waterfalls, as rocks can be very slippery and dangerous.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Shenandoah National Park. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Virginia:

• Alexandria Christ Church

• Old Town Alexandria

• Colonial Williamsburg

• Yorktown Battlefield

• Governor's Palace

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Virginia.