Shenandoah · November
Shenandoah in November
November is a good time to visit Shenandoah — quieter than October, busier than December.
Expect moderate crowds (5/10), highs near 48°F, about 10.1 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 48% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical November visits vs. the year
November draws about 10% of Shenandoah’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
November weather
- Avg high
- 48°F
- Avg low
- 32°F
- Precipitation
- —
- Sunrise
- 6:56 AM
- Sunset
- 5:00 PM
- Daylight
- 10.1h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BIG MEADOWS, VA US
What's open
Shenandoah in November: access
Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the Park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors can still enter the Park on foot to hike, even when the Skyline Drive is closed. Campgrounds, services, and facilities have separate hours; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere on our website.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Active Closure
Due to recent wildlife interactions and out of an abundance of caution, the Naked Creek backcountry zone is closed to all recreation until further notice. A camping closure remains in effect for the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Lewis Mountain to Big Meadows, including the Bearfence AT Hut. The AT is still accessible to hikers for day-use only.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag
March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Get Skyline Drive Status Updates
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Parking at Boundary Access Areas
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.
- Information
Shenandoah National Park Moved to Fully Cashless Fee Collection
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
- Information
Infrastructure Improvements to Old Rag Trailhead
Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.
- Caution
Emergency Phone Line Unavailable
Shenandoah National Park Emergency Phone number (1-800-732-0911) is currently unavailable. For all emergencies, Park visitors can dial 911.
- Caution
Power Outages
Due to the impacts associated with the remnants of Hurricane Isaias, we are currently experiencing power outages at the Big Meadows Developed Area. As the day progresses, we may also experience outages in other areas of the Park, but for now, Big Meadows has the most impacts. Lodging guests with reservations should contact our Concessioner, Delaware North Parks and Resorts if they have specific questions. Also, be aware that trees may be downed on the road, so caution is strongly advised while traveling.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Shenandoah crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in November
FAQ
Shenandoah in November
How busy is Shenandoah in November?
November rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Shenandoah National Park — about 48% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 158,472.
What is the weather like at Shenandoah in November?
In November, Shenandoah averages a high of 48°F and a low of 32°F, with about 0.0 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Shenandoah?
Entrance to Shenandoah costs $30 (Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle.).
When is Shenandoah least crowded?
Shenandoah is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Shenandoah get in November?
In mid-November, Shenandoah gets about 10.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:56 AM and sunset around 5:00 PM.