Spring Guide to Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah in the spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Things finally start to feel like they are waking up after the chilly and quiet winter. The birds come alive, greenery comes out of everywhere, and sunny days lead to perfect weekends of exploring.
Spring time is also one of the busiest times of the year for the park! Spring break always brings lots of families and explorers to the park and surrounding area for some of the first getaways of the year. Because of this, we wanted to put together a list of some handy things to keep in mind when visiting Shenandoah National Park and Luray this spring!
What’s Spring weather like in Shenandoah?
Consistently Nicer Weather
Winter can be a bit of a mixed bag in Luray. You can either get 60s and sun, or Skyline Drive completely closed to snow and ice. But in the spring, the weather definitely mellows out for some typical spring weather.
Average temperatures for spring are
March - low of 31 / high of 53
April - low of 39 / high of 69
May - low of 48 / high of 72
With about 3-4 inches of rain on average per month. Overall, you can rely on some nice sunny days and plenty of good temps to enjoy long tough hikes and a brew outside afterwards.
Not the summer humidity or crowds
Spring does start to get busy, but no where near as bad as the weekends in the summer! On top of that, you can beat that summer humidity and temperatures too. It’s a great shoulder season with nice weather before things get too sweaty and sticky.
Can we count on spring blossoms?
Wildflowers in the mountains is just a game changer. Walking amongst stunning blooms and enjoying the blue ridge mountains is just a perfect way to spend a weekend in our books! There’s plenty of biodiversity and interesting things throughout the whole season, but here’s a quick overview of what blooms you can expect when:
Late March to Early April:
- Some early bloomers, like crocuses and daffodils, may start to appear.
- The lower elevations of Shenandoah National Park might see the beginning of spring flowers during this time.
Mid-April to Early May:
- Dogwoods, redbuds, and other flowering trees usually start to bloom.
- Wildflowers at lower elevations begin to emerge.
Late May to Early June:
- Wildflowers at higher elevations in the park, including areas along Skyline Drive, may be in full bloom.
- Mountain laurel and rhododendron, which are abundant in the park, typically bloom during this period.
If you’re hoping to see some stunning wildflowers, you can have luck just about anywhere in the park, but there’s a couple of trails that really come to mind if you’re looking for a specific flower or want to be sure you’ll see some beautiful blooms
Trails with Blooms:
- Hawksbill is the highest peak in the park, and the Hawksbill Summit Trail provides stunning views.
- In spring, you may encounter various wildflowers along the trail, especially in the lower elevations.
- Whiteoak Canyon is famous for its waterfalls, but the trail itself offers a chance to see spring blooms.
- Look for trillium, violets, and other wildflowers along the path.
- Limberlost is a relatively easy loop trail that is suitable for all skill levels.
- During spring, you can find a variety of wildflowers, including Virginia bluebells.
- Stony Man is a moderate trail leading to one of the park's popular viewpoints.
- Spring brings a mix of flowering trees and wildflowers along the trail.
- While known for its challenging terrain, Old Rag offers a variety of flora, including mountain laurel and rhododendron.
- Blooms are more prominent in late spring as you ascend to higher elevations.
- Please note - Old Rag now requires a day-use ticket in advance in addition to the park entrance free - please see the NPS website to learn more
What else is there to enjoy?
Outdoor seating
With the weather turning around, sitting outside is a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventures! Here’s a few spots that we’d recommend in Luray & the neighboring area:
West Main Market - Great outdoor beer garden and amazing sandwiches
Asian Station - Great sushi & Thai food with a wonderful patio downtown
Chop House Bistro - Fancy steakhouse perfect for celebrating a big event or just treating yourself to a wonderful night out
Breweries & Wineries
Enjoying a local brew after a day of hiking is my favorite way to end a perfect day! Luray & the local area are home to some of our favorite spots including:
Hawksbill Brewery - Right downtown, this local brewery is a staple in Luray
Wisteria Farm Vineyards - A fun farm setting with an excellent wine list
Pen Druid Brewery - Located in Sperryville, this one is super convenient to enjoy right after leaving Shenandoah National Park! Take some time to walk through cute Sperryville while you’re in the area