It is rare when the name given a scenic area can capture and convey its essence and natural beauty. Shenandoah National Park is just such an enchanted place. Sitting astride the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia, Shenandoah is a true collage of forest, flowers, rocks, waters and meadows. The park encompasses over 190,000 acres of deciduous forest and exhibits inspiring vistas of the valleys some 4,000 feet below. This beautiful park is a camper's wonderland - providing many great outdoor delights.
Oh, Shenandoah!
Shenandoah National Park is located about 75 miles west of Washington D.C., between I-66 (north) and I-64 (south). Skyline Drive is a scenic two-lane road that runs the length (105 miles) of the park and has 75 overlooks and three waysides along its winding route. Most of the park's attractions and facilities are accessed from this gorgeous byway. Front Royal is the northern park entrance, while the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station is the southern terminate. A tour of Skyline Drive alone is worth a visit to the park. The many overlooks provide spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley and River to the west and the rolling hills and deep valleys of the Virginia piedmont to the east. Fall is the most popular season, with the vibrant changing colors of the 100-plus tree varieties. However, it is also the most crowded time to visit. My wife, Pam, and I camped here in early spring and greatly enjoyed the budding trees and blossoming wildflowers - and no crowds! Although the park is open year-round, Skyline Drive is closed on occasion in winter.
Park Attractions
In addition to Shenandoah's serene atmosphere, campers have a host of things to do and see. There are over a dozen waterfalls to enjoy (most found in the central park area) and more than 500 miles of trails to walk and hike. The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountains in the world and offer some very unusual rock formations. Well-maintained picnic areas, dining facilities, lodges and stores are scattered throughout the park. Wildlife is abundant and can often be observed grazing in Big Meadow. Fishing here is very good in the park's many mountain streams but requires a short hike. There are also some very interesting remnants from past mountain settlements for history buffs. Once a busy farming and livestock region, Shenandoah National Park has now been returned to nature's arms.
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