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Shenandoah National Park |
Description:
Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The Shenandoah River flows through the valley to the west, with Massanutten Mountain, 40 miles long, standing between the river's north and south forks. The rolling Piedmont country lies to the east of the park. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Trails may follow a ridge crest, or they may lead to high places with panoramic views or to waterfalls in deep canyons. Many animals, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory forest. In season, bushes and wildflowers bloom along the Drive and trails and fill the open spaces. Apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries are reminders of the families who once called this place home. Shenandoah National Park has many stories waiting to be told, and a world of beauty that can renew and bring peace to the spirit.
To visit our expanded web pages, click on IN-DEPTH.
Authorized May 22, 1926 and fully established December 26, 1935, the park's total acreage is 196,149, including 79,579 acres of congressionally designated Wilderness.
Designations:
Shenandoah National Park (December 1935)
Rapidan Camp - National Historic Landmark ()
Shenandoah Wilderness (October 20,1976)
Skyline Drive - National Register/Historic Places (1996)
Accessibility:
Most facilities and services in the park are accessible or accessible with assistance. Detailed information is provided in the expanded park web pages and through the connection to the concessioner web pages under each facility or service. Limberlost Trail is the park's first accessible trail for wheelchairs; it is also very popular for parents with strollers and anyone looking for a special experience and leisurely stroll rather than a hike.
Getting Around:
Since there are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park, a car is needed. Speed limit is 35mph. Bicycles are permitted in the park on paved roads only. The speed limit for bicycles is also 35mph on the Skyline Drive and 10mph in the campgrounds.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Biking | Camping | Climbing | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Wilderness Area | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Restaurant or Snack Bar | Lodging | Picnic Areas | Groceries or Supplies | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Cabin Rentals | Fuel | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Bears | Wildflowers | Mountains | And more.
Directions to Shenandoah National Park
Plane:
The closest airports are in Washington, DC, Weyers Cave, VA, and Charlottesville, VA.
Car:
The four entrances to the park are at I-66 and Route 340 to the north entrance at Front Royal, Route 211 to the central entrance at Thornton Gap, Route 33 to Swift Run Gap, and I-64 to the Rockfish Gap entrance at the southern end of the park and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speed limit for the Skyline Drive is 35mph.
Public Transportation
There are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park.
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Contact Information for Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA
22835-9036
Phone: 540-999-3500
Fax: 540-999-3601
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Luray, VA
For more information on Shenandoah National Park
Information on this page provided by the NPS.
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Virginia Road Maps (VA Maps)
Virginia Photos