Visitor Information
For information about the entire region, contact the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association (SVTA), 277 W. Old Cross Rd. (P.O. Box 1040), New Market, VA 22844 (tel. 877/847-4878 or 540/740-3132; fax 540/740-3100; www.visitshenandoah.org). The SVTA operates a visitor center in New Market, just off I-81 at U.S. 211 (Exit 264). Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Getting There & Getting Around
The gorgeous scenery of the Shenandoah Valley demands to be seen by private vehicle. At least part of your trip should include the park's spectacular Skyline Drive.
The fastest way to and through the region is via I-81, which runs the entire length of the valley floor and has been designated one of America's 10 most scenic interstates. It's also a very busy truck route so drive defensively at all times.
Alongside I-81, the legendary Valley Pike (U.S. 11) is much more peaceful and is like a trip back in time at least 50 years, with its small towns and villages, old-fashioned gas stations, ancient motels, shops, and restaurants.
I-66 enters the valley from Washington, D.C., before ending at Strasburg. I-64 crosses the valley's southern end. Other major east-west highways are Va. 7 and U.S. 50, 211, 33, 250, and 60.
United (tel. 800/241-6522; www.united.com) has commuter flights to and from Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) off I-81 between Harrisonburg and Staunton (tel. 540/234-8304; www.flyshd.com). Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise have rental cars at the airport. Call tel. 540/234-8304 for airport shuttle service. The nearest major airport is Washington Dulles International, 50 miles east of Front Royal. There are also airports in Charlottesville and Roanoke.
Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) offers direct service to Staunton.
Snow, Ice & Fog -- Major highways in the Shenandoah Valley are kept open during winter, but snow, ice, and fog can close secondary roads, especially the Skyline Drive and other mountain roads during winter. Check with the Virginia Department of Transportation (tel. 800/367-7623; www.virginiadot.org) or the Weather Channel (www.weather.com) for present conditions.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
