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what to see & do >recreation > hiking 
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK is a 45-minute drive away from the town of Culpeper. On clear days, one can enjoy the view of the mountains right from Culpeper. The Park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. There's literally a trail for everyone.
 There are easy, moderate or strenuous day hikes, hikes suitable for children, hikes with great views, and even special history trails. For those who are more adventurous, overnight backpacking trips are also an option. Please check with one of the Visitors Centers in the Park to decide which trail suits your needs. Most trails leave from Skyline Drive. They are clearly signposted, and parking is provided. Visit in the fall and experience a foliage display that is nothing short of spectacular.
OLD RAG MOUNTAIN and WHITE OAK CANYON are popular hikes in the Shenandoah National Park and easily reached from Culpeper. The trailheads for these hikes are at the park's boundary, however, parking is limited and is not permitted along the road on private property. Visitors to both hiking areas must have a valid Shenandoah National Park entrance permit. Seven-day permits or yearly passes may be purchased from rangrs, or via self-pay at the parking lots located at the boundary trailheads.
To reach both trails, follow Route 522 West from Culpeper toward Sperryville. Just before reaching Sperryville, turn left on Route 231 and travel south as follows:
For OLD RAG follow Route 231 for 8 miles. Turn right onto Route 601 and follow signs for the parking area. The parking lot is approximately 3 miles from Route 601.
For WHITE OAK CANYON, follow Route 231 for 10.2 miles to the village of Etlan. Turn right on Route 643. Follow for 4.5 miles and turn right onto Route 600. Proceed 4.7 miles to the parking area.
Shenandoah National Park welcomes visitors year round. However, most facilities and services are closed for the winter. Please check out the official Shenandoah National Park website maintained by the U.S. National Park Service, but also go to www.visitshenandoah.com by Aramark, the authorized concessionaire of Shenandoah National Park.
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