When visiting Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, a great lodging option is the rustic Big Meadows Lodge. It’s a perfect way to cap off a beautiful road trip down Skyline Drive or a hike along one of the Shenandoah’s many popular hiking trails.
Formerly operated by Aramark, DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah now manage all of the lodging and commissary options along Skyline Drive, including Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge features a fine restaurant and gift shop, as well as different room options for spending the night.
Big Meadows Lodge Features
- Main Lodge with 29 Rooms
- 5 Cabins and 6 multi-unit buildings
- Spottswood Dining Room and New Market Taproom
- Gift Shop
- Byrd Visitor Center
- Groceries and Casual Restaurant at Skyline Drive Wayside
- Hiking, Beautiful Views, and Wildlife
The History of Big Meadows
Big Meadows Lodge was built in 1939 using stones quarried from nearby Massanutten Mountain which divides the Shenandoah Valley into two. The lodge’s rustic feel reminds one of an older version of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Bluffs Lodge.
The Blue Meadows area of Shenandoah National Park is named after the grassy meadow that is visible on the opposite side of Skyline Drive. There is a viewing area of the meadow inside the Byrd Visitor Center next to the Wayside. Wildlife abounds both in the meadow and in and around the area of the lodge.
The rustic Big Meadows Lodge. Photo Copyright DNC Parks and Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc.
A hiking trail behind one of the multi-unit buildings leads to gorgeous views of the Shenandoah Valley. There is also a trailhead to the popular Dark Hollow Falls waterfall close to the lodge.
Food, Gifts, and Room Options at Big Meadows
Big Meadows Lodge sports different room options in the main lodge as well as the nearby cabins and out-buildings. The 29 rooms in the main lodge and cabins are smaller and thus are priced accordingly. The multi-unit buildings feature larger, more expensive rooms with better views and amenities, including satellite TV.
The main lodge features two restaurants: the Spottswood Dining Room, and the more casual New Market Taproom. The Spottswood is unique experience, combining finer dining with a rustic feel. The Wayside next to Skyline Drive has a casual restaurant and a small grocery store.
The Big Meadows Gift Shop carries many souvenirs appropriate to the region, and some locally-produced crafts and jewelry as well. There is also a gift shop at the Wayside.
Big Meadows Lodge is a great place to stay when visiting the Shenandoah National Park or just moseying down Skyline Drive. If continuing on to the Blue Ridge Parkway, its gorgeous Peaks of Otter Lodge is another great place to stay in the Virginia mountains.
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