Cover: Hikers near summit of Old Rag.
Shenandoah
NATIONAL PARK
VIRGINIA
CONTENTS
- Page
- INTRODUCTION TO THE PARK 3
- FUN IN THE PARK 3
- AT HOME IN THE PARK 6
- SKYLAND 7
- BIG MEADOWS 8
- LEWIS MOUNTAIN 8
- THE SKYLINE DRIVE 10, 11, 12, 13
- GEOLOGY 14
- PLANTS 16
- WILDLIFE 17
- THE SEASONS 18
- HUMAN HISTORY 20
- A PARK EMERGES 21
- PRESERVING THE PARK 21
- PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT 22
- HOW TO REACH THE PARK 22
- PARK REGULATIONS 23
- VISITOR USE FEES 23
- ADMINISTRATION 24
- AMERICA’S NATURAL RESOURCES 24
Shenandoah is one of seven National Parks east of the MississippiRiver. Set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains ofVirginia, its most celebrated features are the succession of panoramasfrom the crest of the ridge and the lush beauty of theslopes. This is your park—we of the National Park Servicehope you will help protect and preserve it so that many futuregenerations may enjoy it. The superintendent and his staff arehere to help make your visit a happy one.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PARK
Like a great, hazy shadow against the sky, the Blue RidgeMountains rise between the Piedmont and the Valley of Virginia.The 105-mile Skyline Drive winds along the Blue Ridgehighland, crossing and recrossing the crest. It roughly bisectsShenandoah National Park, which encompasses over 300 squaremiles of scenic mountain country and claims 60 peaks that rise3,000 to 4,000 feet. Seventy-five parking overlooks on thedrive give you panoramic views of the Piedmont to the east andShenandoah River Valley to the west. From Hogback Overlook,on a clear day, you can count 11 bends in the river andlook down on fertile valleys where Indian villages once stood.
To know Shenandoah National Park, to discover its secrets,you must take time to stop, look, and listen. For adventure,you must explore. Leave your car at one of the overlooks orvisitor-use areas, and hike or ride horseback along the trail.Between the drive and the park’s boundaries are miles of ridgesand valleys, hills and hollows, laced with sparkling streams andwaterfalls.