Top 5 Overlooks for Shenandoah National Park Photography
With rocky overlooks, endless tree-covered horizons and a sparkling, mighty river, Shenandoah looks fantastic through a lens!
Whether you want to capture a panoramic landscape, nature close-up or wildlife, Shenandoah National Park photography is a fantastic outing to fill your camera storage. Professional photographers and novice shutterbugs alike will leave the park with many memories turned into beautiful photos.
Everywhere in the area is good for Shenandoah National Park photography, but these overlooks are fantastic places to start. Here are the top 5 overlooks for Shenandoah National Park Photography.
Best Photo Spots in Shenandoah National Park
1. Stony Man Overlook
Stony Man Overlook is one of the highest points in Shenandoah National Park, providing breathtaking vistas from an elevation of 4,011 feet. It’s easy to access from Skyline Drive and a popular Shenandoah National Park photo spot for visitors seeking stunning panoramic views without a strenuous hike. You can capture sweeping panoramic views of forests, farmland, and full towns.
2. Hawksbill Summit
Hawksbill Summit is the highest peak in the park and well worth the hike it takes to get there. The hike is only about 1.6 miles, but the steepness makes it a moderately challenging hike. But once you tackle the steep trail, you’ll have 360-degree views from the summit. It’s particularly stunning when you capture the first light of the day.
3. Mary’s Rock Overlook
Mary’s Rock Overlook is a two-fer because it has remarkable views and historical significance. One local legend claims that Francis Thornton (an early settler) married Mary Savage and brought her up the mountain to show her the lands they would own together. The second legend claims Thornton had a daughter named Mary, who climbed up the mountain when she was young and returned with a bear cub under her arm. Either way, you can relive Mary’s experience by hiking to the overlook. With two different trails, you can choose how you reach the panoramic views.
4. Thorofare Mountain Overlook
As the highest overlook in the park, Thorofare Mountain Overlook is a surprisingly easy view to reach. It’s a pull-off on the Skyline Drive that will immediately get you stunning horizons. It’s an easy stop to miss, so don’t forget to mark it on your map and pull off while you enjoy the twists and turns of Skyline Drive.
5. Big Meadows Overlook
When you’re used to tree-covered hills, a flower-filled meadow can come as a welcome surprise. Big Meadow Overlook has views of a high-altitude meadow that, at times, is full of vibrantly-hued wildflowers. There is a neighboring campground of the same name, so that you can spend a long time in the largest open area of the park.
Additional Tips for Shenandoah Photography
Best Times to Visit
The best times to visit Shenandoah National Park for photography are in the spring (April to June) for wildflowers and waterfalls and in the fall (September to November) for vibrant autumn foliage and morning fog. Summer offers lush greenery and wildlife, while winter provides serene snow scenes and frozen waterfalls. Sunrise and sunset, particularly on weekdays, are ideal for avoiding crowds and capturing the best light.
Essential Gear
The stunning views of Shenandoah National Park will look beautiful through any lens you have. You will love to shoot Shenandoah with any camera, from smartphones to professional cameras. However, if you’re leaving for a full day, we highly recommend having lots of water and protection from the sun.
Photography Ethics
When enjoying Shenandoah photography, always follow leave-no-trace best practices. Stay on designated trails, don’t litter the trails and leave foliage or wildflowers untouched along the way.
Shenandoah National Park Photography FAQ
Which entrance is best for Shenandoah National Park photos?
The Thornton Gap Entrance near Luray provides quick access to Skyline Drive’s central section, which is home to some of the best overlooks and photo spots in the park. This entrance is also close to popular places like Marys Rock and Hawksbill Mountain.
What is the best overlook for sunset and sunrise photography?
Stony Man Overlook and Crescent Rock Overlook are great for catching the sun’s final light of the day, while Hazel Mountain Overlook and the Franklin Cliffs Overlook are great for early morning Shenandoah photography walks.
Is it worth driving all of Skyline Drive?
Skyline Drive is 105 miles long, and every mile is worth the time. But if you have limited time, even a short section of the drive will be full of jaw-dropping views and provides unlimited opportunities for Shenandoah National Park photography.
Which is the best Shenandoah National Park overlook for astrophotography?
Each one has a different reason to visit, and different overlooks will be extra special to different people! You can choose the best overlook for you depending on what you want to see.
Shenandoah National Park is a photographer’s paradise! If you need help planning your Shenandoah National Park photography trip, check our blog page. We have lots of information on the best places to visit, Shenandoah River trips, and comfortable lodging near Shenandoah National Park. Reach out to our team to plan your adventure along the Shenandoah River!
