Under the 2025 Department of the Interior contingency plan: 

• Roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will remain accessible. Shenandoah’s gates are expected to stay open. 

• Staffing will be minimal—only enough to maintain health, safety, and resource protection. 

• Visitor centers, restrooms, and facilities that are normally locked after hours will remain closed. 

• Websites and social media will not be updated (except for emergencies). No road or trail condition reports will be provided. 

In short: the park may be physically open, but staff capacity will be extremely limited. 

During the shutdown, only the most basic services—or none at all—will be provided. Emergency services will also be reduced. 

It’s important to remember that SNP already operates with 30% fewer staff than needed, and its Search & Rescue team relies heavily on volunteers. With a shutdown, emergency responses may be slower or more limited. 

If you choose to visit, it is likely: 

• Visitors Centers are closed
• Trash will not be collected.
• Restrooms will be closed.
• No rangers will be available for guidance.
• Educational and interpretive programs will not take place.
• Wildlife monitoring will be paused. 
• Slower emergency response time.

Your safety is our concern. Please be prepared. 

The short answer: No.

But we understand—family vacations, weddings, anniversaries, and day trips matter. If you do choose to visit, you must be prepared to act as the park’s primary steward. 

• Follow Leave No Trace principles (pack out all trash, respect wildlife, avoid off-trail hiking). 

• Be self-reliant (carry maps, first aid, food, water, and emergency supplies). 

• Respect all closures and understand that help may not be readily available. 

If you’re not prepared for this level of responsibility, please consider enjoying fall in other beautiful outdoor spaces in Virginia.

Before you decide on a visit, consider the following:   

Old Rag is open. There will be a Ranger onsite to answer questions. And, YES you still need your day permit/ticket to hike Old Rag.

As of right now they are open. Please remember the park is operating is limited staff. If you are camping make sure to store your food in Bear Proof Containers or the lockers on site.

October is Shenandoah’s busiest visitation month— an estimated 200,000- 300,000 visitors coming during peak leaf season. Many local businesses rely on this period to meet their annual revenue targets. 

By shifting your plans and supporting restaurants, shops, and lodging in gateway communities like Luray, Sperryville, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, and Waynesboro, you can help cushion the impact on local economies. 

If you do visit, know that the park will miss out on entrance fee revenue.

85% of these fees stay in the Park and provide critical dollars to fund trails, maintenance and visitor services. If you’d like to help offset this loss, consider making a donation to Shenandoah National Park Trust. Your support goes directly back to the park’s conservation, education, and visitor programs.