The Best Places to Stay Near Shenandoah National Park for Blue Ridge Mountain Views and Appalachian Trail Activities

Number of guests: Varies
Bed and bath: Varies
Why we love it: Historic rooms, on-site taproom, quaint park-centric gift shop

Big Meadows Lodge offers an ideal walkable experience for those wishing to dine, shop, drink, and explore right outside their front door—no car required. Choose from snug, no-AC rooms in the original lodge building, stand-alone cabins, or suite-style accommodations, where groups can book several rooms in a cluster. Just a mile away is the visitor’s center, which hosted one of my most memorable excursions: a full moon walk, followed by a telescope viewing. While on site, be sure to traverse the half-mile out-and-back hike behind the lodge to Blackrock Overlook, which has a big payoff of breathtaking views at 3,500 feet.

Location: Skyline Drive Mile 51
Things to do nearby: Byrd Visitor Center, Dark Hollow Falls