Shenandoah National Park Contributes $156 Million to Local Economy

Photo byLara Ellis - Fine Art America

LURAY, Va. – A recently-published National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 1.5 million visitors to Shenandoah National Park (SNP) spent $114 million in communities near the park last year. In fact, tourism dollars had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $156 million and supported 1,351 jobs.

“We're proud that Shenandoah contributes so much every year to the local economies of our communities," said acting SNP Superintendent Cynthia Sirk-Fear in a written statement. "Shenandoah strives to be a good neighbor, and to provide an inspirational experience to visitors, for years to come.”

The report, 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, indicated that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks across the country. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income and $55.6 in economic output to the U.S. economy.

The lodging industry had the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and provided 89,200 jobs. The restaurant industry received $5.2 billion in economic output and provided 68,600 jobs.

Consisting of nearly 197,000 acres, including 80,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, Shenandoah National Park encompasses portions of the following Virginia counties:

• Albemarle County - 14,681.16 acres
• Augusta County - 12,269.42 acres
• Greene County - 15,284.65 acres
• Madison County - 33,106.22 acres
• Page County - 38,613.77 acres
• Rappahannock County - 31,856.33 acres
• Rockingham County - 37,968.58 acres
• Warren County - 13,658.63 acres

Each year, millions visit the park, which includes the 105-mile Skyline Drive and 75 designated scenic overlooks. The park also includes established campgrounds and 101 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail, on which visitors hike and often overnight camp.

Luray, Virginia is home to Shenandoah National Park Headquarters.