The Lollipop Road

In anticipation of National Parks Week (April 17th-25th), we’ll be exploring several of our nation’s most popular National Parks in the coming weeks.  Visiting a National Park is an interesting, educational and exciting activity for kids and during National Parks Week it’s FREE!

This week we’re taking a look at one of our favorites – Shenandoah National Park.  Located a mere 75 miles from our Nation’s Capitol, this narrow, activity packed corridor stretches 105 miles from its northern entrance in Front Royal, Virginia to its southern entrance near Waynesboro, Virginia.  This is a great side trip from our Nation’s Capitol or an extension of your visit to the most widely visited National Park – The Blue Ridge Parkway.

Driving the entire length of Skyline Drive will take you several hours without any stops as the road winds through mountain passages and tunnels, down into valleys and has just a few hairpin turns.  Most visitors will choose to explore a portion of the park, which is probably a wise idea, especially if you have young kids in tow.  The area from the north entrance to Big Meadows at Mile 51.2 is packed with the most activities and services, so if this is your first visit, you’ll most likely want to concentrate on that area.

Regular admission during peak season (March-November) is $15 per car for a 7-day pass.

Visitor Centers

Starting at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (open April 1-November 28) at the north entrance to the park, you’ll find visitor information, exhibits, a short orientation film, restrooms and a picnic area.  Note that this visitor center is closed Tuesday and Wednesday through May 8th.  Directly across the road, you will find the Fox Hollow trailhead, a moderate 1.2 mile circuit that leads you through an area with remnants of a former homestead.  This might be a good first hike to warm up.

The Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center at Big Meadows is located in the central portion of the park at Mile 51.2.  Open daily from March 26 through November 28, this visitor’s center offers some beautiful views across the meadow.  Settle back into a rocking chair and watch the wildlife, take in one of the film offerings or browse the exhibits and gift shop.  You’ll also find restrooms inside and a picnic area nearby.

The Loft Mountain Information Center, located in the southern portion of the park at Mile 79.5 is open from May 15 through October 31.  Services are more limited, but you will find restrooms and a picnic area here as well as a small information desk and bookstore.  If you are entering from the south, this will be your first stop for park information.

You will also find several other picnic areas along the way to stop for a brief rest.  Check out the facility operating schedules before heading into the park.

Things To Do

There are lots of activities in Shenandoah National Park; however, the most popular is to motor up and down Skyline Drive, stopping at the many pullouts along the way to enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife.  Being one of America’s most scenic drives, traffic can get a bit thick (and slow) in the summer, so be prepared and take your time.  Allow at least 3 hours each way if you intend to drive the entire length of the park road.

Hiking

If you want a bit more outdoor activity, there are dozens of hiking trails leading to cascading waterfalls, panoramic mountain overlooks and through serene forests.  Before you head out on any trail, you’ll want to know the elevation gain and difficulty, as there are many moderate to strenuous trails throughout the park.  Pick up a trail guide at the visitor’s center for a couple of dollars; you’ll be glad you did.  The best guide for families is entitled Short Hikes.

For easier hikes try Snead Farm at Mile 5.1 (1.4 mi RT), Hogback at Mile 20.9 (0.7 mi circuit), Beahms Gap at Mile 28.5 (0,4 mi circuit), Pass Mountain Loop at Mile 30.1 (0.25 mi circuit), Limberlost at Mile 43.0 (1.3 mi circuit that is stroller friendly), Bettys Rock at Mile 44.4 (0.8 mi RT), Story of the Forest at Mile 51.0 (1.8 mi circuit), Blackrock at Mile 51.2 (0.2 mi RT), Simmons Gap at Mile 73.2 (1.6 mi RT) or Blackrock at Mile 84.8 (1.0 mi RT).  All of these hikes are family friendly and can be completed in about an hour (Simmons Gap will take slightly longer).

If you are traveling with older kids or would like a bit more adventure, try Fox Hollow at Mile 4.6 (1.2 mi circuit), Lands Run at Mile 9.2 (1.3 mi RT), Little Stony Man at Mile 39.1 (0.9 mi RT), Stony Man at Mile 41.7 (1.6 mi RT), Millers Head at Mile 42.5 (1.6 mi RT), Dark Hollow Falls at Mile 50.7 (1.4 mi RT), Pocosin Mission at Mile 59.5 (1.9 mi RT), Powell Gap at Mile 69.9 (1.0 mi RT), Frazier Discovery at Mile 79.5 (1.3 mi circuit) or Calf Mountain at Mile 99.5 (1.0 mi RT).  These are more moderate hikes and may require some scrambling over rocks.  If you have younger kids, they may need assistance.

For more advanced hikers, or the really adventurous families, try Whiteoak Canyon at Mile 42.6 (4.6 mi RT to the first waterfall), Hawksbill Mountain at Mile 46.7 (2.1 mi RT) or Rose River at Mile 49.4 (4 miles RT).  If you embark on one of these trails with kids, be sure that you understand the terrain in advance and bring ample supplies, including first-aid items.

Ranger Programs

Shenandoah National Park has some of the most extensive Ranger led activities of all of our National Parks.  With guided hikes, historic tours, informative talks and a captivating evening program, there is something for the entire family.  Of course, there is a Junior Ranger Program too!  Check out what is happening this spring.

Late in May, you’ll also be able visit Rapidan Camp (aka Camp Hoover).  This short (but bumpy) trip takes you back into history to the first Presidential retreat.  You can check out more detailed information on this particular tour at our website.

Other Activities

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the park too.  How about some fishing or horseback riding?  Bicycling is allowed on Skyline Drive (not recommended for kids) and in the campground areas and fire roads, so there are plenty of ways to get around.  If you get bored, you can also check out the many nearby attractions for a day trip.

Be sure to check out Part 2 of this series where we take a look at Lodging, Camping and Dining in the park.

If you enjoyed these photos and would like to see more, visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby.

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