SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK:
THE LAND WHERE MIRACLES GROW
Visit a land filled with the sound of thunderous falls and whispering streams. A land touched with serene beauty, yet still holds a majestic view as far as your sight will allow. A land where history is bountiful and nature reigns. You may have a picture of Maui fixed in your mind or another place of fairytale characteristics, but have you ever thought of a paradise that your entire family could enjoy which leaves more money in your pocket without that ridiculous price tag? Shenandoah National Park is the place for tranquility, recreation, and sights of splendid grace. Why else would it be called Shenandoah, "daughter of the stars".
Shenandoah National Park's history is almost as interesting as the land itself. Shenandoah was once home of the Monacans and Manahoac Native tribes until 1730, when most had died from diseases that were introduced by fur traders and early pioneers. Many who survived this epidemic moved away. In 1716, thousands of Germans from Pennsylvania, as well as the English and Scotch-Irish occupied the Shenandoah Valley. By 1790, nearly 67,000 people were living in the area. After 1800, small industries started to spring up, which unfortunately began to deplete the natural resources and wild animal species became very rare. In 1925, plans to build a national park had begun, which had driven almost all it's occupants away. Finally, after 10 years, Shenandoah National Park was established on December 26, 1935. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the park on July 3,1936. Now, Shenandoah is visited by two million people annually.
The park holds many beauties, including 70-foot tall waterfalls and gorgeous views of magnificent mountains that surround. Drive down Skyline Drive, a road that runs through the park, and stop at it's many breathtaking overlooks to view the luscious hues of the land. The park hosts more than 1,100 magnificent flowering plants and nearly 100 species of trees. The best time of the year to admire the loveliness of Shenandoah is during fall, when the leaves have changed to their brilliant colors, but all of the seasons are rich in surprises.
Slowly drive down Skyline Drive and you may just see a white-tailed deer grazing by the roadside. Approximately 6,000 white-tailed deer live in Shenandoah, which you are most likely to see at least one on your trip around the park. But deer are not the only animals you may encounter. Hike on one of the many trails at the park and you just may get a glimpse of a black bear. Close to 600 black bears occupy the forest in Shenandoah. There are about 200 species of birds which may be seen at various times of the year. You may also be fortunate enough to see gray foxes, turkey vultures, and busy beavers.
If you are more of an adventurous person, there are plenty of activities that may interest the bold side of you. One such adventure would be hang-gliding. Being that Shenandoah is more than 4,000 feet from the Shenandoah Valley floor, you would most likely share the sky with the many beautiful birds that inhabit the park. During the winter season, you may be interested in cross-country skiing. There are also many trails for walking and hiking during the warmer seasons, including the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Maine to Georgia. About 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail is within the Shenandoah borders. Taking these trails may give you a better idea of Shenandoah's history, for there are still ruins of houses, barns, cemetery plots, and fruit cellars, plus much more. Just stay alert and you may just discover a piece of history.
For the more laid back person, there are activities for you as well. Pack a basket full of your favorite foods and picnic at one of the seven beautiful historic picnic areas, or go horseback riding on designated trails. How about cooling off in one of the park's many whispering streams or sit back and relax while fishing for trout. Photography is the best way to capture the beauty of Shenandoah and the memories, so bring your camera along. The park also offers many programs for people of all ages to become more familiar with the land and it's inhabitants. Take part in the many special events that go on throughout the year.
Shenandoah is no more than 72 miles west of Washington, D.C. There are four entrances to Shenandoah: Front Royal entrance in the north, Thornton Gap entrance station, Swift Run entrance station, and Rockfish Gap entrance in the south. There is an entrance fee per vehicle, per pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist. There are gas stations available at waysides, but are only open from spring through fall. Shop at the many gift shops located in the park which are filled with hand-crafted merchandise created by local craftspeople. If you need to withdraw money to purchase charming items from a gift shop, or for any other reason, banks and automated teller machines are located outside the park in nearby communities.
This is only the beginning of what miracles you will discover on your vacation to Shenandoah National Park. If you are not convinced by now, come and see for yourself why Shenandoah means "daughter of the stars".
~ C. S. Whiteford
A view from Skyline Drive
A deer along the road on Skyline Drive
Another view from Skyline Drive
A mountain mist along Skyline Drive