PARK INFORMATION

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Shenandoah National Park is located just 75 miles from Washington, DC, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Park was established in December 1935 and a short time later the Civilian Conservation Corp began building visitor facilities. Most of the Park's development was completed by the beginning of World War II. Within the Park, Skyline Drive runs 105.5 miles from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap and provides numerous vistas of the valleys below.

We expect the Park to be ablaze with green trees and colorful spring wildflowers on Histio Hike weekend!

Two useful links about Shenandoah:

LODGING

Shenandoah National Park has two main lodging areas: Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge. All Histio Hike Events will be held at the Skyland Resort location where we have secured a block of rooms at a reduced rate starting as low as $140 per night.

  • Reservations may be made by calling 1-877-247-9261
  • Give Group Code “DSK4252025HIST” or ask for room block for Histiocytosis Association
  • Book on-line - https://www.goshenandoah.com; insert booking / Group Code “DSK4252025HIST”
  • Deposit of the first night’s lodging rate plus taxes & fees is required at time of booking
  • Deadline for reservations is March 25, 2025. Any rooms not reserved by that date will be released.

GETTING THERE

Skyline Drive is the main road that runs throughout the length of Shenandoah National Park, and locations within the park are designated by Skyline Drive Mile Posts (SDMPs). Skyland Resort, where all the hike activities will take place, is located at SDMP 41.7.

There is a $30 per vehicle fee to gain entrance to the park. The entry pass is valid the day of purchase and is good for the next six days.


By Car
Shenandoah National Park is located just 75 miles west of Washington, DC, and is an easy drive from locations in Virginia as well as nearby states. Depending on where you are coming from please select the appropriate park entrance from below.

There are four park entrances:

  • Front Royal Entrance Station (Mile Post 0.6) is accessible via US 340. Coordinates for GPS: 38.905729, -78.198624
  • Thornton Gap Entrance Station (SMDP 31.5) is accessible via US 211. Coordinates for GPS: 38.660959, -78.320761
  • Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (SMDP 65.7) is accessible via US 33. Coordinates for GPS: 38.357744, -78.545594
  • Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (SMDP 105.4) is the southern most entrance and may be accessed via I-64 and US 250. Coordinates for GPS: 38.033777, -78.85902.

By Air
Dulles International Airport is 1 1/2 hours east of the Thorton Gap Entrance (junction of U.S. 211 and the Skyline Drive) and is served by all major airlines.

The park's south entrances at Rockfish Gap and Swift Run Gap are served by commercial flights to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport and Shenandoah Valley Airport.