Attend a Ranger Program!

Big Meadows Star Party

NPS Photo

Discover the many intriguing stories of Shenandoah National Park by attending a Ranger-guided program. Take a walk through a unique mountain meadow, learn about the many animals and plants that thrive here, or journey into the stories of Shenandoah's past.

Check program times at visitor centers and campgrounds. Programs end October 26.

 

Don't forget to check the weather!

Especially for night sky viewing, checking the weather is a must when attending park ranger programs. Check out the latest forecasts on our weather page!

 

Dickey Ridge (mile 4.6)

All Things Shenandoah Ranger Talk - Come and enjoy this short talk on the various subjects that make Shenandoah great. 20-30 minutes. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center lawn
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

Wild About Bears Talk - Celebrate Shenandoah’s largest mammal at this short 20-30 minute talk. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center lawn
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

Young Naturalists Ranger Program - Discover Shenandoah at this hands-on program designed for children (accompanied by an adult). 45 minutes. Meet at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center lawn, less than 1/2-mile walk may be included.
Assistive Listening Available

Fox Hollow Hike - Join a Ranger for family-friendly exploration of this forested loop hike. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. 1-½ hours, 1.3-mile gentle loop trail. Meet at the Fox Hollow Trailhead (mile 4.6)
Assistive Listening Available

 

Mathews Arm (mile 22.2)

Mathews Arm Star Party - Join a Ranger for an exploration of the night sky. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and dress for cool mountain nights. 45 minutes. Meet at Mathews Arm parking lot, just beyond the fee station.
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

Mathews Arm Evening Program - Join a Ranger for a national park tradition while learning more about the natural or cultural history of Shenandoah. Check visitor centers for topics. Dress for cool mountain nights and bring a flashlight. 45 minutes. Mathews Arm Campground Amphitheater
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

 

Skyland (miles 41.7 and 42.5)

Stony Man Hike - Stony Man has stories, both historic and natural. 2 hours, 2-mile hike. Stony Man Trailhead (mile 41.7)
Assistive Listening Available

Limberlost Trail Hike - Learn about geology and nature on this gentle, accessible hike. 1-mile hike, 1 hour. Meet at Limberlost parking lot (mile 43)
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

Massanutten Lodge Open House - Tour Addie Pollock’s restored bungalow and hear the stories of early Skyland. Located at Skyland lower level (mile 42.5). Park near Skyland Conference Hall and follow the sign to walk up the road. Program ends October 19.
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

Skyland Evening Program - Join a Ranger for a national park tradition while learning more about the natural or cultural history of Shenandoah. Check visitor centers for topics. Dress for cool mountain nights, bring a flashlight. 45 minutes. Skyland Amphitheater (mile 42.5)
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

 

Big Meadows (mile 51)

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Walk - Learn the ABCs of the CCC boys in this one-hour easy walking tour. 1 hour. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center, short walk across Skyline Drive
Assistive Listening Available

Meadow Walk - Experience a rare high-elevation wetland meadow on this gentle walk. 1-mile walk, 1-½ hours. Byrd Visitor Center
Assistive Listening Available

Wild About Bears Ranger Talk - Celebrate Shenandoah’s largest mammal at this short talk. 20-30 minutes. Byrd Visitor Center
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

All Things Shenandoah Ranger Talk - Come and enjoy this short talk on the various subjects that make Shenandoah great. 15-25 minutes. Byrd Visitor Center
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

Young Naturalists Ranger Program - Discover Shenandoah at this hands-on program for ages 5-12, but all children welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Less than 1-mile walk, 1-½ hours. Byrd Visitor Center
Assistive Listening Available

Big Meadows Evening Program - Join a Ranger for a national park tradition while learning more about the natural or cultural history of Shenandoah. Check visitor centers for topics. Dress for cool mountain nights and bring a flashlight. Big Meadows Amphitheater
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

Big Meadows Star Party - Explore the night sky in Big Meadows in one of the darkest skies on the east coast. 45 minutes. Meet at Rapidan Fire Road (mile 51)
Assistive Listening Available

Historic Rapidan Camp - Travel by van 30 minutes to President Hoover’s summer retreat. Reservations are required and can be made online at www.rec.gov or by calling [phone]. 2.5 hours. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center. Check for other available tours at www.rec.gov
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available

 

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5)

Loft Mountain Evening Program - Join a Ranger for a national park tradition while learning more about the natural or cultural history of Shenandoah. Check visitor centers for topics. Dress for cool mountain nights and bring a flashlight. 45 minutes. Loft Mountain Amphitheater
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening Available