Enveloped in the breath-taking Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is Shenandoah National Park. It is long and narrow (varying in width from less than one mile to about 13 miles), its length traversed by Skyline Drive — a National Scenic Byway — with 105 miles of pure natural spectacle that will have your stopping at every overlook to stare in wonder. Shenandoah National Park (which continues as the Blue Ridge Parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park), was not always a Park. It was created as one of the first projects of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (an ‘ax and shovel army’ of about 10,000), part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, developed to help bring the country out of the Great Depression.

Before it became the Shenandoah National Park, part of it belonged to President Herbert Hoover who established his summer White House along the headwaters of the Rapidan River. It was here that he met with foreign leaders, senators, congressman, and industrialists while taking a break from the Washington heat. The Park itself was established in 1936 and is marking its 75th anniversary this year. Today, rare plants, over 200 species of birds, 50 species of mammals and countless reptiles and insects live here. It is home to one of the densest populations of black bears in the US. Keep your eyes peeled as you meander across the crest of the mountains on Skyline Drive, and you might catch a glimpse of these lumbering beasts.

Skyline Drive is a narrow two-lane road that undulates its way from north to south (or vice versa), climbing and curving to over 3, 500 feet. Scenic overlooks are found practically around every bend — 75 in all. Look east and you will see the rolling hills of the Piedmont of Virginia. Look west and you will see stunning views of the Shenandoah River and its Valley. Beyond, rows and rows of blue hills and mountains extending as far as the eye can see, are enveloped in a blue haze.  According to the park ranger, the mountains get their name ‘Blue Ridge’ from their distinctive color, apparently caused by the isoprene chemicals released by the pine trees which cover the hillsides. Whatever the explanation, the haze makes for spectacular sunsets!

Apart from driving through Shenandoah National Park, you can hike, camp, horseback ride, and cycle. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which criss-cross the Park. The Visitors Center will provide you with a map to facilitate your hikes to waterfalls, overlooks, and valleys. One of the easiest hikes is to Stony Man (2 miles round trip) where incredible views of the Valley await. You can also arrange to go horseback riding in the Park with over 180 miles of Horse trails. If you are a biker, bicycling is permitted along Skyline Drive and any other paved areas but not off the road.

The most spectacular times to visit Shenandoah National Park are in the spring when the mountain laurels are in bloom and in the fall when the park and its entire surroundings turn into a canvas of fiery gold, orange, and red. As you cruise along Skyline Drive, you may find yourself humming the song immortalized by John Denver “Country Roads” where the words “Blue Ridge Mountains” and “Shenandoah River” come to life around you.

IF YOU GO
There are 4 entrances to Shenandoah National Park between Front Royal in the north and its southern entrance near Waynesboro — Front Royal (I-66 and Rt 340); Thornton Gap (Rt 21); Swift Run Gap (St 33) and Rockfish Gap (I-64 and Rt 250) The park is open all year although portions may be closed to vehicles in the winter. Shenandoah National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country and is most crowded in summer and on weekends. It takes about 4-5 hours (the speed limit is 35 mph) to drive the entire length of Skyline Drive without stopping to hike.