We are planning to visit Shenandoah National Park for 4 to 5 days around Easter. I understand that the weather can vary and the skyline drive may be closed if snowstorm makes its way around the time, like last year. In that case, we will cancel the trip.

But hoping that spring would be in action, how would you use 4 to 5 days to visit the best of Shenandoah? Everybody's best is different so some pointers
- We are interested in nature only, overlooks, vistas, short/half-day (easy-moderate) hikes.
- If possible, I would like to lie down under the night sky for some time. It's been decades since I did that away from light pollution. Are there any locations (safe from the wildlife) for such activity?
- Water will still be very cold so not interested in water activities but don't mind visiting waterfalls.
- We are not interested in the winery, history, towns, specialty eateries etc at this moment. If we like the region, we will make another trip during fall (covering Blue Ridge Parkway) and will consider it around that time.

I am getting some books from the library to check out the activities but until then, any pointers are appreciated. If you recommend trying getting specific books, suggestions are welcome.

The majesty of Shenandoah is best found by getting off Skyline Drive and hiking for a few hours.
Just about any of these books would be useful:
https://snpbooks.org/product-category/books/hiking/
I have bought several of the $3 "Hike to ..." books and found them to be excellent.

The Rangers at Visitor Centers are REALLY helpful about recommending hikes that will match your interests and abilities -- just ask what you want to experience and how much you're willing to hike. Be certain to take their advice about potential problems on a trail!

> I would like to lie down under the night sky for some time
> Are there any locations (safe from the wildlife) for such activity?
https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/nature/nightsky.htm
Not sure what you mean by "safe from the wildlife." The animals travel wherever they want in the Park -- that's the whole idea -- and you might find them wherever you happen to be.
Bears -- which I presume if your actual concern -- are no exception. Be aware that there has NEVER been a serious injury or fatality from a bear attack in Shenandoah. Just be 'Bear Aware' and you'll be fine.
https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/nature/bear_safety.htm

The animals in Shenandoah will go where THEY want to go, and may not care if we're also there.

Big Meadows for the sky. Limberlost, Little Stony Man for short hikes. There are falls that you can access at parts along the drive. For others, agree that visitors' center and rangers are the best advice, especially that time of year. Always keep in mind that if you're hiking down to a falls, you'll have to hike back up.

It's a really long park so you might want to decide which sections you will tackle -- maybe Front Royal to Luray and Skyland/Big Meadows, and the rest to the south as a separate section. Where you stay will likely affect what you will do in the park each day. You can figure out which towns can serve as gateways if you do not stay in the park.

Thank you both for the comments.

@PaulRabe,
You got me right. I am born and raised in a concrete jungle so other than deers, I am a little hesitant with other wildlife, esp the bears. I am visiting their neighborhood so I can not expect them to be away from me but as long as I can spot such wildlife from a distance, I will feel comfortable.
Checking the SNP website, I notice they do hold night sky festival in August so I may make the second visit for that.

@ edjim,
the idea of doing sections of the park is also a good idea. I just reserved some books at the library. I will go through the books and decide on how to proceed.