USA
First Mountain Trailhead Shenandoah National Park
Trailhead
Decent-sized gravel parking area at mile marker 21.9 on Skyline Drive serves hikers heading into the wilderness. The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail and backcountry camping areas deeper in Shenandoah. Park service kiosk with trail maps and permit info, plus vault toilets that actually get maintained. Gets busy on weekends when the leaves turn, but midweek you’ll find spots.
Skyline Drive requires a park entrance fee year-round. Road closes sections during ice storms, so check conditions in winter. No overnight parking without a backcountry permit — rangers patrol and ticket.
Shenandoah backcountry access with AT connections
Place Details
| Type | Trailhead |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Front Royal, Virginia |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $30.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | April-November |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | Yes — Permit info |
| Amenities | Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |