Summer Adventures in Shenandoah National Park with Purple Lizard Maps

As summer unfolds, the call of the wild beckons us to explore the great outdoors, and there’s no better place to immerse yourself in nature than Shenandoah National Park.

With its lush forests, breathtaking vistas, and cascading waterfalls, Shenandoah is the perfect destination for a summer adventure. And to make the most of your journey, don’t forget to bring along your trusted companion – the Purple Lizard Map.

Discover the Beauty of Shenandoah

Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offers over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear. This summer, whether you’re planning a day hike, a weekend camping trip, or a week-long exploration, the park has something for everyone.

Hike to Stunning Vistas

One of the highlights of Shenandoah is its stunning vistas. With Purple Lizard Maps in hand, you can easily navigate to some of the park’s most iconic viewpoints that will take your breath away. For a more family-friendly option, try the Stony Man Trail – it’s one of the highest points in the park and offers spectacular scenery with a relatively easy climb.

Chase Waterfalls

Summer is the perfect time to explore Shenandoah’s waterfalls. The park is home to numerous waterfalls, each with its own unique charm. Dark Hollow Falls is a must-see, with a short but steep hike leading to a beautiful 70-foot cascade. Whiteoak Canyon offers a series of falls and swimming holes, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Your Purple Lizard Map will help you find the best routes to these watery wonders.

Family and Friends Camping Adventures

Camping in Shenandoah is an experience like no other. The park offers a variety of campgrounds that cater to different needs, from backcountry sites to family-friendly campgrounds with all the amenities. Imagine sitting around a campfire with family and friends, roasting marshmallows under a starlit sky. With Purple Lizard Maps, you can explore nearby trails during the day and relax by the campfire at night, knowing you have the best navigational tool at your side. Choose to stay in one of the main park campgrounds or check out the many lodging options in nearby mountain towns.

Explore Skyline Drive

No trip to Shenandoah is complete without a drive along Skyline Drive. This 105-mile road runs the length of the park and offers stunning views at every turn. With your Purple Lizard Map, you can find all the best overlooks, picnic spots, and trailheads along the way. It’s the perfect way to experience the park’s beauty from the comfort of your vehicle.

Explore the River, Valley and Beautiful Surrounding Towns

The whole region surrounding the park is also a gem to explore.  Your Lizard Maps will guide you to the best of the area around the park too, including the eastern Shenandoah Valley, South Fork of the Shenandoah River and surrounding communities.

From Front Royal in the north to Waynesboro and Crozet in the south, including the National Park, South Fork Shenandoah River, Page Valley, Shenandoah Valley and portions of the George Washington National Forest to the west the opportunities to build a fantastic summer adventure are endless.  After a long day in the mountains, in the valley or on the river, enjoy checking out nearby mountain town communities including Front Royal, Luray, Sperryville, Shenandoah, Elkton, Madison, Grottoes, Waynesboro and Crozet, Virginia.

Shenandoah vista photo by Wandering Out Yonder

Why Purple Lizard Maps?

When it comes to exploring Shenandoah, Purple Lizard Maps are the best and most reliable maps you can have. Here’s why:

• Durable and Adventure Proof: Designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures, Purple Lizard Maps are waterproof and tear-resistant, ensuring they hold up no matter where your journey takes you.

• Field Checked by Award-Winning Cartographers: Every map is meticulously crafted and field-checked by our team of award-winning cartographers. This attention to detail ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

• Easy to Read: Our maps feature a clear and intuitive design, making it easy for you to find your way. Whether you’re navigating dense forests or open meadows, you can trust our maps to guide you.

• Beautiful and Fun: Purple Lizard Maps are not just functional, they’re also beautiful. The vibrant colors and detailed illustrations make planning your adventure a joy. Plus, our maps feature little purple lizards that mark special places and hidden gems, adding a fun element to your explorations.

• Comprehensive Information: From trailheads to campsites, scenic vistas to waterfalls, our maps include all the information you need to make the most of your trip. You’ll never miss a point of interest with a Purple Lizard Map in hand.

• Detailed Topography: Having an exceptional quality map makes planning your best adventure possible. Purple Lizard Maps include detailed topography with elevations to help you pick the hikes and adventures that are right for you. Some hikes in Shenandoah are very steep, and it’s important to be prepared. Nothing beats an outstanding map for planning your best adventures and ensuring you’re ready for the terrain ahead.

Shenandoah National Park Purple Lizard Maps

The Shenandoah National Park Purple Lizard Map is a must-have for any adventurer looking to explore this stunning park. These maps cover both the north and south sections of the park, providing comprehensive coverage of all the trails, campgrounds, and points of interest. Whether you're planning to hike the famous Appalachian Trail through the park, explore the less-traveled backcountry, or enjoy a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, these maps have you covered for every level of adventure.

The Shenandoah Purple Lizard Maps are designed with the same meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality that Purple Lizard's award winning Maps are known for. They are adventure-proof, meaning they are durable, waterproof (no batteries needed!), and ready to withstand whatever nature throws at you. The maps feature detailed topography, including elevation profiles, to help you plan your hikes according to difficulty and terrain. With these maps, you'll have the confidence to tackle even the steepest and most challenging trails in Shenandoah.

Plan Your Best Adventure - So Many Choices!

As you plan your summer adventure in Shenandoah National Park, make sure to pack your Purple Lizard Map. Whether you’re hiking to breathtaking vistas, chasing waterfalls, or camping with family and friends, your map will be your guide to an unforgettable experience.

Some of our personal favorite famed hikes include Old Rag Mountain, Stony Man Trail, Dark Hollow Falls, Whiteoak Canyon, and Hawksbill Mountain. These trails offer a mix of stunning views, beautiful waterfalls, and the chance to immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty. But worthy trails abound in Shenandoah - consider checking out some of our other favs, Bearfence Mountain, Mary's Rock, and Cedar Run.

So, grab your gear, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create lasting memories in one of America’s most beautiful national parks. With the best Shenadoah maps in hand, you’re set for the best adventure possible.

Happy exploring!

The Lizard Maps Team

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