Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Far is Shenandoah County from Washington, DC or other key cities on the East Coast?
Shenandoah County is located approximately 90 miles west of Washington, DC and 2.5 hours from either Richmond or Baltimore. Without traffic, it is about a 4 hour drive from Philadelphia or 5 hour drive from New York City.
2. When is the best time to visit the Shenandoah Valley?
While fall is one of the most popular times for planning a trip to the Shenandoah Valley to take in the fall foliage, locals will tell you that spring is one of their favorite seasons when the redbud trees are in bloom and The Valley comes to life. However, Shenandoah County is a 4-season destination and one of the few areas in Virginia with a ski resort for visitors to enjoy snow sports. Weekends in September-October book quickly so be sure to plan ahead and make lodging reservations early.
3. How many days do I need to visit the Shenandoah Valley?
The Shenandoah Valley is a large region with a lot to explore. We recommend a minimum of 2 nights to take in a smaller part of the Valley or as many as 4-5 nights if you're looking to experience the entire region. This will allow a day to explore Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive as well as additional time to explore outdoor recreational opportunities outside the park such as hiking or floating the Shenandoah River. We recommend allowing a few days to visit the different small towns and cities, each with their own character and charm.
4. What's the difference between taking I-81, Skyline Drive or Route 11?
Skyline Drive is a popular drive because it takes visitors through the length of Shenandoah National Park, offering scenic overlooks and views of the Shenandoah Valley below along your way whereas I-81 is the most efficient way to travel through the Shenandoah Valley is speed is your main objective. You can see some beautiful scenery from the interstate but if you aren't in a rush, we recommend venturing off the interstate or Skyline drive and opting for a drive down US Route 11 which will take you through the many towns within the Shenandoah Valley. Here, you'll find great places to eat, local farms stands and shops along your way while still being able to enjoy the rolling farmland and beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds you on either side.
5. What's the best home base town for exploring the whole Shenandoah Valley?
Woodstock is a great, central location for exploring the Shenandoah Valley. Located equidistant between the cities of Winchester and Harrisonburg, Woodstock is a great home base to explore the entire Valley. It's home to several locally owned shops, restaurants and bakeries as well as local farm stands for fresh produce. Several vineyards and breweries are also within close proximity to the town, as well as convenient access to Seven Bends State Park and the many trails throughout the George Washington National Forest and Bryce Resort is only a 30 minute drive from the center of town.
6. What's the difference between Luray Caverns, Shenandoah Caverns and the other caverns within the Shenandoah Valley?
Each of the caverns in the Shenandoah Valley offers a unique experience and different formations and some even offer experiences beyond the caverns themselves. Luray Caverns is the most commercial of the caverns and the largest caverns in the Eastern US. They offer self-guided tours as well as guided discovery tours. Best known for its stalacpipe organ, Luray Caverns in Virginia accommodates wheelchairs with step-free entries and paved walkways, but is not officially classified as handicapped accessible. The 1.25-mile trail has moderate grades that can be steep and some manual wheelchair users may require assistance. Admission to Luray Caverns also includes a Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction.
Shenandoah Caverns offers a more authentic feel and is the only caverns with elevator service. All tours are guided and similar to Luray Caverns, Shenandoah Caverns accommodates wheelchairs but is not officially classified as handicapped accessible as pathways have gravel and some slopes may require assistance. Best known for its "cave bacon" which was recognized by National Geographic Magazine, each room of Shenandoah Caverns offers different types of formations to explore. In addition to the caverns, visitors can also purchase admission to American Celebration on Parade, grab a bite in the Caverns Cafe or participate in gemstone mining on site.
Endless Caverns offers guided tours and has on-site cabins and an RV park.
Skyline Caverns is located in Front Royal near the northern-most entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Best known for being one of the few places in the world which hosts anthodite formations. These unique crystals spread in all directions, actually defying gravity and is home to the largest and oldest anthodite in the world.
7. Are there good swimming holes or river spots in the Valley?
Emerald Pond is located near New Market, Virginia off of the Bird Knob Trail. Lake Laura is another great swimming destination located near Bryce Resort
There are also several public access points along the Shenandoah River where people can wade and/or swim although depending on the time of year, water levels may be too low for swimming.
8. What are the best wineries or breweries in the Shenandoah Valley?
Shenandoah County is home to 8 vineyards and 3 breweries.