Shenandoah National Park is one of the best east coast national parks featuring a wide variety of stunning views, challenging hikes, scenic drives, and more. With extensive distances and hiking opportunities throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, knowing how to plan your trip beforehand is critical.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia, Shenandoah is one of the most accessible national parks. Located just 70 miles west of Washington DC, traveling there is easy given the many nearby airports.

Upon arrival you'll notice there is no bus or shuttle service. This makes having a car to explore the park indispensable. To make the most of your time there, it's worth getting some pointers on how to best navigate the park.