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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Shenandoah National Park |
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3655 US Hwy 211E, Luray, VA 22835
Phone: 540-999-3500
Fax: 540-999-2244
Open All Year
Overview. The rock that underpins Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains is well over a billion years old. In contrast, humans have roamed these hazy hills for a mere 11,000 years. The latest wave of inhabitants were the settlers of the late 18th century who, finding little land left in the Shenandoah Valley, took to the slopes of the mountains to establish their farms. Agriculture provided a comfortable living and wildlife was abundant, even if the mountain soil and steep slopes made farming difficult. Post Civil War, railroad development demands for timber increased logging while drought, Chestnut blight, and bog clorera decreased the viability of mountain living. By the early 20th century, some of the mountain farms were abandoned.
Congress authorized the park in 1926. The park was officially established in 1936 at which time some 500 families still lived on the land. Today, there is very little remaining to indicate the former level of human habitation in the park. Almost completely reforested with at least 100 species of trees, 40 percent of Shenandoah National Park has been declared wilderness. The Skyline Drive, its overlooks affording vistas of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and Virginia's Piedmont to the east, provides access to a wide variety of trails throughout its length. The park is ever changing with the seasons: rising green foliage in spring, verdant growth and blankets of wildflowers in summer, autumn's glorious foliage display, and quiet, unobstructed views though leafless trees in winter. Wildlife once again abounds in the park, which is a haven for hundreds of species of birds.
What to see and do. The 105-mile Skyline Drive is the conduit to all areas of the park, and, observing its 35-mile-per-hour speed limit and pulling over to take in the view from a few overlooks, you could make your way through Shenandoah National Park in four or five hours. If you want to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge firsthand, though, you'll want to park your car and explore a little on foot. Trails vary in length and difficulty, from short, relatively flat trails to the 101 miles of Appalachian Trail that skirt Shenandoah's ridges. Pristine streams crisscross the park, and shimmering cascades and waterfalls reward hikers along many trails. A few of the remaining structures, graveyards, and stone fences of the old mountain families are close to trailheads reachable from the Skyline Drive and its overlooks. Just strolling through the forest and taking in the cool summer shade or crisp autumn air will refresh and renew your spirit. You must have a backcountry permit, available from entrance stations and visitor centers, for overnight hikes. If you'd like to explore the park on horseback, guided trail rides are available at Skyland's stables.
Visitor centers at Dickey Ridge (Mile 4.6--all mileage is calculated north to south) and Big Meadows (Milepost 51) provide information on the park and its scheduled activities, and offer exhibits and audiovisual presentations. There are many waysides, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks along the Skyline Drive, and campgrounds are located at Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain (Mile 57.6), and Loft Mountain (Mile 79.5). Lodging at Big Meadows and Skyland (Mile 41.7), as well as ten cabins at Lewis Mountain, provide accommodations along the route. If picnicking isn't your cup of tea, food service is available at Elkwallow Wayside (Mile 24.1), Big Meadows Wayside (Mile 51.0), and Loft Mountain, and restaurants are located at Skyland, and Big Meadows. Service stations and other amenities are provided at the waysides.
The park is open year-round, although no services are open during the winter. Wildflower Weekend is celebrated in May, and ranger-led tours and programs are offered May through October. Call the park for details. Many nearby communities host festivals spring through autumn, and the area abounds in caverns, charming historic towns, and lovely scenery.
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Bird Watching |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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