How to Explore Luray Virginia & Hike Shenandoah National Park in an Epic Weekend

If you’re in search of the perfect Mid-Atlantic East Coast mountain getaway, or on a hunt for the ideal home base to explore Shenandoah National Park (SNP), look no further than Luray (pronounced Loo-Ray), Virginia. This little town, situated to the west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, right outside SNP and George Washington National Forest, hosts spectacular views, historic caverns, breweries, and easy access to some of the region’s most popular hikes.

Not to mention, Luray is just under a two hour drive from Washington, DC. Road trip anyone?

We’ve visited countless times, and think we have the put together the perfect long weekend for those who love to adventure and explore the outdoors.

NOTE: To complete much of this itinerary, visitors must have a National Parks Annual Pass or pay a $30 entrance fee (which covers unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days) in order to access Shenandoah National Park. Passes and fees can be paid at any of the park’s four entrance stations.

Day 1: Luray Caverns

First Stop: Luray Caverns

Over four million centuries old, Luray Caverns are the largest in the eastern United States. They are also home to the world’s largest musical instrument, the Great Stalacpipe Organ, whose sounds are produced by little hammers striking uniquely-shaped stalactites. The thousands of calcite formations you’ll find here are immense and other-worldly, and this experience is truly enjoyable for those of any age. We recommend arriving when they open (9am) to beat the crowds.

Car & Carriage Caravan Museum

After your visit to the caverns, spend some time exploring the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum and the Shenandoah Heritage Village. These museums make up a three acre complex that houses artifacts that show off Shenandoah’s historical homes, buildings, and industries. Both are located on-site and host interesting collections.

Grab Lunch & Ice Cream in Luray, VA

For lunch, or a more casual early dinner experience, we recommend West Main Market. This full-service delicatessen and beer garden offers indoor and outdoor seating and a great selection of wines and craft beers. Afterwards, head right down the road to Main St. Flavors for some ice cream.

Explore Lake Arrowhead

With clear blue-green waters and views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Arrowhead is a true hidden gem of the Shenandoah Valley. Created as part of a dam project on the Roanoke River, the lake spans over almost 40 acres and provides an idyllic spot for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. You can spend the day lounging on the lake’s popular beach or paddling atop her serene waters. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent, so be sure to bring cash, as credit is not accepted.

Catch a Shenandoah Sunset

Shenandoah National Park has recently (and objectively) been named the Best National Park in the USA when factors including cost, crowds, accessibility, biodiversity, and weather were considered, and exploring the park should be at the top of your list when you visit Luray.

If you are looking for a short and easy western-facing sunset hike, we recommend Stony Man Trail. It is a fairly easy 1.6-mile round trip hike that offers beautiful views of the Shenandoah Valley below and mountain layers in the distance. We didn’t even catch a “good sunset” on our last visit, but still managed to get some pretty dreamy shots and we were the only ones at the top, despite it being a very popular trail.

If being in the woods at dusk isn’t your cup of tea, but you still want to catch a sunset, there are plenty of overlooks along Skyline Drive were you can do just that. Spanning the length of Shenandoah National Park, and with 75 overlooks/pull-offs, Skyline Drive offers ample opportunities for taking in the beauty of sunsets and rises sans hiking. Below are some of our favorite western facing overlooks along Skyline Drive:

Dinner and Drinks in Luray, VA

End your night with some dinner and a cocktail at the Mimslyn Inn’s speakeasy, that is aptly named “The Speakeasy.” This restaurant has a vintage vibe and serves up classic American fare such as burgers and steaks; their chicken and brie sandwich is to die for! They also have a full bar and often feature live music.

Day 2: Hikes and Hops

Wake Up with the Sun

Today is your day to hike some more of Shenandoah National Park‘s 500+ miles of trails. A hike to Mary’s Rock is a great way to start your morning and one of our favorite places to watch the sunrise in the park. It’s a two-ish hour moderately-rated round-trip trek, and the panoramic views you’ll find at the top are breathtaking.

-End your hiking day with a rock scramble. Climb your way up Bearfence Mountain and enjoy the view as you scramble across the peak.

Grab a Post-Hike Meal

Afterwards drive 10 mins to breakfast at Off the Grid Café Market + Farm. This sustainable farm-to-table business is part restaurant, part café, part farm, part eco-conscious market, and 100% powered by the sun (their solar panels allow them to be net-zero).

They grow their own seasonal produce, have on-site chickens (and fresh eggs), and partner with local vendors to source quality ingredients, and as far as post-sunrise fuel goes, their breakfast sandwiches are DELICIOUS as are their made-from scratch cookies!

Next, head over to Hawksbill Mountain, Shenandoah’s highest peak. You’ll have two trail options here: Upper or Lower Hawksbill. Parking at the Hawksbill Gap parking lot will provide you with a shorter but steeper climb, while the Upper trail offers an easier but longer trek.

Post-Hike Hops

After, grab some lunch at Pollock Dining Room at Skyland. Seth highly recommends their pot pie, and you cannot go wrong with any of their desserts! Alternatively (or additionally), head back into Luray for a craft brew and a food truck dinner at Hawksbill Brewing Company. Make sure to call or check social media to see which of the local food trucks may be parked onsite that day.

Day 3: Chasing Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park

Finish your trip with a 3.5 loop on Rose River Loop Trail (pictured below) for waterfalls, fallen trees, moss covered boulders, lush green undergrowth, and 875 feet of elevation gain. This hike is the perfect way to finish out a long weekend, and be sure to check out the old civil war cemetery just off of the fire road (can’t miss it). If you want to make the hike a bit longer, add Dark Hollow Falls to your loop. This will make the entire trek just over 5 miles with 1,443 feet of elevation gain.

Where to Stay when Visiting Luray, VA

As Washingtonians, we frequent Shenandoah and wanted to point out a few places that we’ve stayed when making our visit more than a day trip. Above we mentioned the Mimslyn Inn, and highly recommend this historic hotel for easy to access to both Luray Caverns and Shenandoah’s Northernmost park entrances. Another place we enjoyed, and one that Aleah’s parents return to every year, is Lydia Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins. These spacious cabins are situated in the forest and offer some serious views right from your porch.

The Valley Gramophone

This has to be the coziest place for couples to stay in the Shenandoah Valley. This property sits on three acres with a creek running through the valley below. It boasts floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into the forest, a wood-burning indoor fireplace, a fully-equipped kitchen, a soaking tub, and a rain shower. Outdoors, you’ll find a fire pit, wood-fired hot tub, and a deck that offers beautiful views of the valley and the perfect place to drink your morning coffee as you listen to the creek rush below.

Shenandoah Twin Creeks

If you are planning a visit with friends or family, especially kids, we highly recommend Shenandoah Twin Creeks. We were recently invited to stay here for a weekend getaway and fell in love with this beautiful property. This four bedroom two bathroom home sleeps seven and has a massive game room as well as a hot tub overlooking one of the two creeks that meander through the property. There is also an adorable playroom for kiddos decked out with sleeping bags, a teepee, and an Aurora Borealis light simulator.

Ava Shenandoah

Another recommendation we have for those looking for a truly unique and luxurious stay is the Ava Shenandoah. This modern A-frame cabin is equipped with a hot tub, eight beautifully furnished bedrooms, a stargazing nook, hidden movie theater, secret staircase to a game room, AND MORE!(check out our full tour of this property here).

Ava Shenandoah – 4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | secret rooms

Shenandoah Yurt

Another truly unique property is Shenandoah Yurt. As soon as you step inside this circular home, the cozy interior welcomes you with both the rustic charm that you’d look forward to at remote cabin in the woods and the modern comforts that you’d expect from a 5-star Airbnb. It is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and wrap around deck (with a grill, outdoor dining space, and hot tub) that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley. It also boasts a pool table, archery butt, wood-burning fireplace, and board game nook. It’s located 30 minutes from Shenandoah National Park via car or just 4.5 miles via bike, and there are e-bikes on site that are available to rent. We’d highly recommend this property for couples or families with kiddos as there is room to sleep 8 when utilizing two pull-out sofas.

Shenandoah Yurt – 2 bedrooms | 1.5 bathrooms | Pool Table | Hot Tub | E-bikes available for rent

Bearloga by The Wanderstay

The Wanderstay’s Bearloga property is another favorite of those who visiting with a larger group. This luxury log house boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, sleeping accommodations for 10 guests and is situated atop of a private wooded mountain at 2500ft elevation. There is also a hot tub, firepit, grill, and indoor hot steam sauna for guests to enjoy. Aleah was invited to visit this July as part of a girl’s getaway and had the best time relaxing in nature.

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When you are out enjoying nature, please always remember to leave trails better than you found them, pack out what you pack in, and respect wildlife and other visitors. More information about Leave No Trace Principals can be found here. That said, we hope this itinerary inspires your Virginia travels. Do you have any local hike or brewery recommendations? Let us know in the comments!