The Shenandoah National Park saw an increase in traffic in 2024 with 1.7 million visitors and had a significant impact on neighboring communities, primarily through revenue related to lodging and restaurants.
A new National Park Service report shows that visitors to SNP spent $132 million in localities near the park with a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $175 million.
In 2023, there were 1.5 million visitors reported to the park; in 2022, there were 1.4 million visitors.
“Visitors to Shenandoah National Park come seeking opportunities to learn, recreate and relax,” said Tracy Stakely, SNP Superintendent. “We’re proud that Shenandoah supports and generates $175 million in economic output to the communities near the park.”
The Shenandoah National Park spans eight counties including Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Madison, Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham and Warren.
Looking more broadly at all national parks, the 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report found that visitors spent $29 billion as a whole in neighboring communities. This spending provided $18.8 billion in labor income and $56.3 in economic output to the U.S. economy.
Shenandoah National Park stats
- Total land: 197,438 acres
- Designated wilderness areas: 79,579 acres
- 236 miles of roads including 105 miles of Skyline Drive
- 70 overlooks
- 516 miles of hiking trails including 200 miles of designated horse trails and 101 miles of Appalachian Trail
To learn more about national parks in Virginia, visit www.nps.gov/virginia.
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Crystal Graham
