Trail Closures Due to Damage from Heavy Rain Event

The river washed out a portion of Nethers Road. Virginia Department of Transportation has been working to stabilize it to prevent further collapse, adding large rocks to the area that's washed out. For safety reasons, they’ve asked that only nearby residents access the road.

May 22, 2025, 4:45 p.m.

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Shenandoah National Park has issued temporary trail and area closures due to hazardous conditions from a recent storm that impacted the entire region. The storm system produced numerous inches of rainfall causing flash flooding of stream systems. The following trails and areas are temporarily closed until further notice:

• Limberlost Trail and Parking Area (mile 43)
• Skyland Horse Trail (mile 49.4)
• The Appalachian Connector Trail near Hawksbill Gap parking area (mile 45.5)
• Old Rag Parking Area (boundary access from Nethers Road)

Over the next several days, the forecast calls for additional significant rainfall. At this time, not all trails have been assessed. Visitors should expect potential high water or trail damage in other areas of the park.

Please note: Old Rag Parking Area is closed. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) issued a closure for Nethers Road. While VDOT works to repair sections of Nethers Road that were washed out, access is restricted to local traffic only. Unauthorized vehicles may interfere with VDOT repair operations and risk further delays or damage. Non-local travel is strictly discouraged. Please respect the closure to ensure safety and expedite critical road repairs.

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