Family-Friendly Adventure and Foodie Itinerary in Shenandoah National Park

Day 1: Adventure in Nature

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Big Meadows Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients, perfect for fueling your adventures ahead.
Located within the park, easily accessible via Skyline Drive.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike the Stony Man Trail

Enjoy a short and family-friendly hike with stunning views at the summit, which is only a mile round trip.
Head south on Skyline Drive for 1 mile to the trailhead parking.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit the Big Meadows Area

Explore the Big Meadows area, take a stroll through wildflower-filled fields, and look for deer and other wildlife.
Return to the Big Meadows area from Stony Man Trail.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at the Skyland Resort

Savor a delicious lunch with homemade soups and sandwiches on the outdoor patio overlooking the mountains.
Drive to Skyland Resort approximately 10 minutes north on Skyline Drive.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Dark Hollow Falls Trail

Embark on a picturesque hike to Dark Hollow Falls, one of the park's most popular waterfalls, a 1.4-mile round trip.
Head south on Skyline Drive to the Dark Hollow Falls parking area.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Scenic Drive on Skyline Drive

Enjoy a leisurely drive along Skyline Drive, stopping at overlooks to catch breathtaking sunset views.
Continue driving north along Skyline Drive.
USD0, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Walden Room

Finish your day with a delightful dinner featuring seasonal dishes and local flavors in a cozy setting.
Dine at the Skyland Resort where The Walden Room is located.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature Discovery

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Picnic Spot

Pack breakfast items from The Market at Skyland and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature at one of the park's scenic overlooks.
Pick up items, then find a picnic table near the Skyland Resort.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Birdwatching and Nature Walk

Take part in a guided birdwatching tour focusing on the diverse avian species in the park, fun and educational for the family.
Head to the visitor center to join the tour starting early.
USD5 per person, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Loft Mountain Wayside

Enjoy a casual lunch of burgers and fries at the wayside café, offering great views of the mountains.
Travel south on Skyline Drive for about 15 minutes.
USD18, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Skyline Caverns

Head to the nearby Skyline Caverns to explore stunning underground formations and learn about geology, suitable for all ages.
A short drive from Loft Mountain Wayside, follow the signs to Skyline Caverns.
USD16, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Bearfence Mountain Trail

Conclude the day's adventure with a family-friendly hike on the Bearfence Mountain Loop for incredible views from the summit.
Return to Skyline Drive and head south to the Bearfence parking area.
USD0, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Piney Branch Restaurant

Relax with a delightful meal at Piney Branch, known for its warm ambiance and home-cooked meals, perfect for families.
Located in Luray, drive about 20 minutes east from the park.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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