Government Shutdown and Shenandoah National Park – What You Need to Know 

October 1, 2025 

Welcome to the government shutdown, National Parks edition. Our goal at Shenandoah National Park Trust is to keep you informed about how this shutdown impacts Shenandoah National Park (SNP)—and what it means for you as a visitor. We hope this will be a short one!

The government is still currently shutdown. Here’s where things stand for Shenandoah National Park (Last Update October 10th):                    

  1. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club(PATC) volunteers are now able to continue Appalachian Trail (AT) maintenance through the government shutdown. This maintenance work will ONLY include the 104 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park as well as trails to the PATC operated cabins. Please be aware that it does not include any blue blaze trails. 
  2. The Shenandoah National Park Association (SNPA), who manages the bookstores, is supporting operations at Byrd and Dickey Ridge Visitors Center until October 19. There is still very limited NPS staff and no ranger programs. 

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.
  • Trail maintenance will not be conducted until the government reopens, and areas deemed unsafe will be subject to closure.
  • 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: Check out tips on how to stay safe and reduce your impact on the park’s incredible natural and historic resources.

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. Reserve your time here HERE 

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

Note: NPS runs the campgrounds and Delaware North runs the Lodging and stores/food. Please check with Delaware North if you have questions about your stay in one of the lodges.

October is Shenandoah’s busiest visitation month— Last year  360,000 visitors came 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, Elkton, Stanardsville, Sperryville, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, Crozet and Waynesboro, you can help cushion the impact on local economies. 

  • Engage with policymakers: Contact your state’s congressional delegation to stress the importance of stable funding and staffing for the National Park Service. Urge policymakers to lift the hiring freeze and restore full staffing levels at national parks.
  • Recreate responsibly: Check out tips on how to stay safe and reduce your impact on the park’s incredible natural and historic resources.Small acts of care—like carrying out your trash or carpooling when possible—make a big difference.
  • Express appreciation: Thank essential National Park Service personnel for continuing to serve during this period.
  • Support local businesses and organizations: Help keep our communities vibrant by supporting local businesses and organizations through this challenging time.
  • Share information about community resources: Several local organizations and food pantries are available to help furloughed federal workers and others impacted by the shutdown.
  • Consider a donation: Help The Trust support the park by  donating. Your gift will fund programs at Shenandoah including trail maintenance, habitat restoration, youth education, and conservation efforts to protect our cherished park.
  • Visitors who are unable to purchase a park pass can support Shenandoah by donating the value of an entrance fee, here .     Entrance fees  provide critical dollars to fund trails, maintenance and visitor services and the Park will be losing 25% of its annual fee money this month.
  • Stay informed: Stay connected with Shenandoah National Park Trust  for updates as the situation develops.

Thank you to everyone for helping support our park and our community!

 The absence of park employees during a government shutdown places greater responsibility on visitors. If you’re not ready to be the park’s caretaker for the day, choose another fall adventure. 

If you are ready, plan carefully, stay safe, and leave no trace—so that Shenandoah can be enjoyed for generations to come. 

Donate Today