Your mountain den for overnight stays at Shenandoah National Park just got cozier. The park’s Big Meadows and Skyland lodges were spruced up over the past two years with new mattresses and bedding for all rooms.
Skyland, which can be accessed from mile 41.7 and mile 42.5 at Skyline Drive’s highest elevation, offers small cabins and a wide array of guest rooms and suites in 28 buildings nestled along a ridge. The 94 renovated premium category rooms have new wood plank vinyl flooring and 46-inch flat-screen TVs, plus great views. After hiking, grab a coffee or a bowl of chili at Addie’s Corner, a grab-and-go cafe across from Skyland’s gift shop, and head for the adjacent registration building. Here you can rest in a rocking chair by the stone fireplace and gaze out at birds, trees, huge rocks and the valley below.
Located near a large meadow at mile 51 on Skyline Drive, Big Meadows has renovated shower and laundry facilities at its 224-site campground, and restored 1939 oak flooring in 23 of its 29 historic lodge accommodations. Some of the latter include an in-room fireplace.
Park activities include astronomy events, twilight hikes, lessons in basic outdoor survival skills, rock climbing and rappelling. Rates begin at $112.50 per night for rooms at Big Meadows Lodge; Skyland rooms begin at $135. Pets are welcome ($25 per dog or cat, per night). While you can likely find availability two to three weeks out in early summer months, plan 10 to 12 months in advance for October weekends.
Shenandoah National Park Lodging, along Skyline Drive outside of the town of Luray, Virginia; 888-767-1379