Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge, which forms the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains Between Pennsylvania and George. In the valley to the west is the Shenandoah River, from which the park gets its name, and between the north and south forks of the river is Massanutten, a 40-mile-long mountain. To the east is the rolling Piedmont country. Providing vistas of the spectacular landscape is Skyline Drive, a winding road that runs along the Blue Ridge through the length of the park. 

Most of the rocks that form the Blue Ridge are ancient granite and metamorphosed volcanic formations, some exceeding 1 billion years in age. By comparison, humans have been associated with this land for about 11,000 years. Native Americans used the land for centuries but left little evidence of their presence. By 1800 the lowlands had been settled by farmers, while the rugged mountains were relatively untouched. Later, as valley farmland became scarce, settlement spread into the mountains. The mountain farmers cleared land, hunted wildlife, and grazed sheep and cattle. By the 20th century, these people had developed cultural traits of their own born from the harshness and isolation of mountain living.

IN 1926 Congress authorized 6the establishment of Shenandoah National Park. The Commonwealth of Virginia purchased nearly 280 square miles of land to be donated to the Federal Government. More than half of the population had left the mountain area, and the remaining residents sold their land or were relocated, with government assistance. In dedicating the park in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated a novel experiment in allowing an overused area to return to a natural state. The Civilian Conservation Corps build recreational facilities, and in 1939 Skyline Drive was completed. Croplands and pastures soon became overgrown with shrubs, locusts, and pine; these in turn were replaced by oak, hickory, and other trees that make up a mature deciduous forest. Mow more that 95 percent of the park is covered by forests with about 100 species of trees. The vegetative regeneration has been so complete that in 1976 Congress designated two-fifths of the park as wilderness. Today the park faces many new challenges, as air quality declines, forest pests invade, and land use patterns around the area change. The largest remaining open area is Big Meadows, which is kept in its historically open condition. Here wildflowers, strawberries, and blueberries attract wildlife and humans. 

Deer, bear, bobcat, turkey, and animals that were rare or absent now have returned. Deer and smaller animals are often seen. Bear are found mostly in backcountry areas but are occasionally spotted elsewhere. About 200 species of birds have been reported. A few, such as ruffed grouse, barred owl and woodpeckers are permanent residents. More are seen during the warmer months.

The park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails throughout the Shenandoah. These trails lead you past many fantastic waterfalls, clean rushing streams, old home sites and cabins, and unbelievable scenic views. Maps of the hiking trails can be found at both visitor centers within the park. On this web site I listed the waterfall and some short hikes that is accessible from Skyline Drive. 

The park is open all year. Camping season is generally May to November. Admission to the park is $5.00 per person hiking or $10.00 per vehicle for a seven day pass. Lodging is available in the park itself at the Skyland Lodge, Big Meadows Lodge, and at Lewis Mountain. All offer rustic cabins, and modern rooms are available at the lodges. Three restaurants exist in the park available at the lodges. 

I hope that if you decide to visit Shenandoah National Park, your visit will be a beautiful only. 

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