By Lauren Himiak
National & State Parks Expert, about.com
You only have to travel 75 miles outside of our nation’s bustling capital to find a tranquil and quiet national park, fully equipped with massive mountains, majestic woods, and stunning vistas. It seems like a little slice of wilderness heaven, full of wildflowers in the spring, unbelievable foliage in the fall, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
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Much of Shenandoah consisted of
farmlands and growth forests used for logging. Today, it is sometimes
hard to tell where farming, lumbering, and grazing occurred as much of
the forests have grown back over time. It is now full of rugged trails,
500 miles to be exact - including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and serves as a refuge for many wild animals.
There are over 200 resident and transient bird species, over 50 species
of mammals, 51 reptile and amphibian species, and 30 fish species that
can be found in the park.
Many visitors choose to drive Skyline Drive, which run for 105 miles along the peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains for a stunning view of the park.
But step outside and gain a whole new perspective to this rich national park.
History
Unlike
most national parks, Shenandoah has been inhabitated by settlers for
over a century. In order to create the park, Virginia state officials
had to acquire 1,088 privately-owned tracts and donated land. This was a
landmark move; never before has such a large area of private land been
converted into a national park.
In the early 20th century the
first calls for national parks in the east were heard in Congress.
However, it would be two decades before Shenandoah National Park was
authorized and another 10 years before it was established. During that
time, President Herbert Hoover
and his wife Lou Henry Hoover established their Summer White House on
the Rapidan River while the construction of Skyline Drive began. The
Civilian Conservation Corps was established and moved into the area, and
over 450 families of mountain residents were relocated from the Blue
Ridge.
Shenandoah National Park was authorized on May 22, 1926 and
fully established on December 26, 1935. Wilderness areas were later
designated on October 20, 1976 and September 1, 1978.
When to Visit
The
fall. Simply put, when fall foliage bursts into Virginia, so do the
tourists. The majestic scenery is well worth the crowds, so try to get
there early and preferably plan your trip on a weekday. Also enjoyable
is a visit to Shenandoah during spring, when the wildflowers bloom, or
during the warmer summer months.
Getting There
Convenient airports are located at Dulles International, near Washington D.C.,
(Find Flights) and Charlottesville, VA. If you are driving from
Washington, D.C., take I-66 west to US 340, and then head south to the
park’s Front Royal entrance. The trip is about 70 miles.
If you
are traveling from the west, take US 211 through Lurray to the Thornton
Cap Entrance or you can head east on US 33 to the Swift Run Gap
Entrance.
Fees/Permits
An entrance fee
will be charged upon arrival. For a 1-7 day vehicle pass, the fee is
$20. A motorcycle fee of $15 will be charged for a 1-7 day pass. Also,
individuals walking or biking in will be charged $10 for the 1-7 day
pass.
A Shenandoah Annual Pass may also be purchased allowing for a full year of unlimited visits for $40. All other national park passes will be honored upon entrance as well.
Major Attractions
There
are two distinct ways to approach this national park: a scenic drive or
a hike through numerous trails. Both highlight some top attractions so
if you can, try to mix up your time behind the wheel and on foot.
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Also, keep in mind that Shenandoah is one of the few national parks that is dog-friendly so check out the trails you want to hit with your best bud.
Skyline Drive:
A suggested route is to travel from Front Royal to Big Meadows which
can take a full day. Before you even begin the drive, take the
self-guided 1.2 mile Fox Hollow Trail to see houses named for the family
that first settled there. Once behind the wheel, be on the lookout for
various overlooks to stop at view Shenandoah Valley. When the weather
accommodates, the views are spectacular.
Traces Trail:
Easily accessible at Matthews Arm Campground, this 1.7 mile trail takes
visitors into an oak forest that feels like a step back in time. View
traces of early settlers such as stone walls and old roads.
Corbin Cabin Cutoff Trail:
This steep 3 mile (round-trip) trail takes visitors to view a typical
mountain residence still used by members of the Potomac Appalachian
Trail Club.
Stony Man Nature Trail: After 1.6 miles, you will reach the cliffs of Stony Man’s summit – the second highest peak in the park.
Dark Hollow Falls Trail: If you want to see a waterfall in the shortest amount of time, take this 1.4 mile trail.
Rapidan Camp: A national historic landmark which President Herbert Hoover and his wife used as their summer camp.
Bearfence Mountain:
The 0.8 mile hike to this mountain takes visitors scrambling over rocks
but the reward is a 360-degree view that is truly amazing.
Hightop Summit Trail: If you are looking to spot wildflowers, this 3 mile (round-trip) hike is your best bet.
Loft Mountain:
Located at the southern end of the park, this area is great for
exploration. Trees are being repopulated, birds are chirping, and two
summit viewpoints showcase the Shenandoah Valley.
Blue Ridge Parkway: At the parks southern end you will find this National park Service highway that connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Accommodations
There are five campgrounds located within the park, all with a 14-day limit. Matthews Arm, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain
all open mid-May through October and are available on a first come,
first served basis. Big Meadows is open late March through November and
is also a first come, first served basis. Dundo Group Campground is open
April through November — reservations are required.
Also located within the park are three affordable accommodations:
Big Meadows Lodge offers rooms, cabins and suites and is open from April through October.
Some cabins at Lewis Mountain Cabin offer outdoor grills.
Skyland Lodge is open April through November and offers lodge units, suites, and cabins.
Outside
the park are numerous hotels, motels, and inns. Try the Woodward House
on Manor Grade Bed & Breakfast in Front Royal for a unique stay. If
you are looking for something more economical, check out the Quality Inn
also in Front Royal.
Areas of Interest Outside the Park
George Washington National Forest:
Rich in Civil War history, this national forest contains six wilderness
areas and 62 miles of Appalachian Trail. Available activities include
boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and various water
sports. It is open year-round and contains many campsites for visitors.
This national forest is also conveniently located near Shenandoah
National Park – only eight miles!
Contact Info
3655 US 211E, Lurray, VA, 22835
Phone: 540-999-3500
