National Park Service Park Visitor Guide U.S. Department of the Interior Fall 2011 Shenandoah National Park ShenandoahShenandoah OverlookOverlook

Park Emergency Number Celebrating the Past– 1-800-732-0911 Anticipating the Future!

We seek to pass on to our children a richer land–a stronger nation. I, therefore, dedicate Shenandoah National Park to this and to succeeding genera- tions of Americans for the recreation and for the re-creation which we shall find here. –President Franklin D. Roosevelt, July 3, 1936 Skyline Drive Speed Limit 35 mph or as Posted! 1936... The summer of 1936 was an exciting one for the newly Leash Your Pet in the Park! established Shenandoah National Park. The President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, had announced that he would make Pets are welcome in the park—if they do not disturb other visitors or the dedication speech in July. The boys of the Civilian the animals who call this park home. Conservation Corps were scrambling to build trails and landscape Skyline Drive. The first rangers came on duty, and James R. Lassiter became the first Superintendent. The President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered Shenandoah National Resettlement Administration appropriated funds to build Park’s dedication speech from Big Meadows on July 3, 1936. houses for displaced residents. And all the while, visitors poured into their new park—nearly 700,000 in 1936, well on the way to the record breaking (for any national park) one million the next year. 2011... Fast-forward 75 years—the summer of 2011 is an exciting To ensure this, keep your pet on a one for Shenandoah as well! We are celebrating 75 years six-foot lead at all times. If you of commitment and rededicating ourselves to the next 75 need a leash, you can find one in years of stewardship for the generations to come. the bookstore section of the visitor Preservation has taken on new meaning in the decades centers. since Roosevelt dedicated Shenandoah “to this and to suc- Pets are not permitted on ceeding generations.” The partnerships we build today will Ranger-led programs. In addition, be the key to the stewardship of the future, not just within to ensure your pet’s safety and Shenandoah’s boundaries, but across the nation. And the the safety of others, pets are not “succeeding generations” Roosevelt referred to? That’s permitted on the following trails: you! So join us as we rededicate Shenandoah to YOU and look forward to a new “succeeding generation.” - Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6) - Traces Trail (mile 22.2) - Stony Man Trail (mile 41.7) For information about Shenandoah’s 75th Anniversary cele- A member of the “succeeding generation” explores Shenandoah using - Limberlost Trail (mile 43) bration, visit www.CelebrateShenandoah.org. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. - Dark Hollow Falls Trail (mile 50.7) - Story of the Forest Trail (mile 51) - Bearfence Rock Scramble (mile 56.4) - Frazier Discovery Trail (mile 79.5) - Old Rag Ridge Trail Skyline Drive Work in Progress - Old Rag Saddle Trail

As you travel Skyline Drive you may notice the results of Work will continue this summer so you may encounter work we’ve been doing on the road and at overlooks. You’ll some delays where one-way traffic is necessary. A few of Find Shenandoah Online see newly reconstructed stone walls and restored historic the overlooks will be closed while they get a face-lift and guiderails. Many of the overlooks have been refurbished, the campground roads will be paved. Delays will be as brief To learn more about Shenandoah, and if it gets foggy, you’ll be grateful for the newly painted as possible and work will be suspended on the weekends in or to plan your next visit, visit our road lines. most cases. website: www.nps.gov/shen.

www.nps.gov/shen National Park Service 75th Anniversary U.S. Department of the Interior From the Superintendent Shenandoah National Park Limited Edition elcome to Shenandoah National Park. Giclée Print W We’re excited that you’re here during the Shenandoah Overlook is published for park’s 75th Anniversary. Along with our neighbors, park visitors by Shenandoah National Park we are celebrating the vision of the energetic peo- Interpretation and Education Division (I&E), ple who answered the call to action that brought with funding from the Shenandoah about Shenandoah’s establishment. National Park Association and ARAMARK, the official park concessioner. The idea of a national park in the northern Blue Additional funding provided by: Ridge was championed by a group of local busi- Appalachian Outdoor Adventures, Luray, VA nessmen who believed the park would benefit Brookside Restaurant, Luray, VA Virginia’s economy while preserving the natural Front Royal Visitor Center beauty of the area. So, the park’s anniversary is also Luray-Page Co. Chamber of Commerce Martha Bogle, Superintendent, a celebration of our neighbors and their accomplish- Shenandoah National Park Luray Caverns ments. Look on page 4 for some of the great events Merck & Co., Inc., Elkton, VA that are going on in nearby communities. There are more events on the 75th Old Rag and the Piedmont was Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Luray, VA Anniversary website: www.CelebrateShenandoah.org! created by artist Kevin A. Adams in celebration of Shenandoah’s 75th Editors: Anniversary. Shenandoah is a Claire Comer, Interpretive Specialist I hope you have a wonderful time enjoying your National Park. Nothing Tim Taglauer, Acting Chief, I&E soothes the soul or excites the spirit quite like time spent in nature. Whether favorite subject of Adams’ paintings you hike deep into the forest or contemplate the view from an overlook, I and he is donating 100% of the Layout and Design: hope that, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his dedication speech, you proceeds of the sale of these signed Neal Lewis, Visual Information Specialist will find “recreation and re-creation” in Shenandoah. And, I hope you will look and numbered prints to the park’s forward, with me, to the next 75 years and beyond, as our generation answers anniversary celebration. Unframed Photographs: the call to action to support our national parks and inspire the next generation limited edition prints are available at Ed Knepley (cover), Park Volunteer of stewards. visitor centers and online at Bob Kuhns, Park Ranger www.CelebrateShenandoah.org. Denise Machado, Park Ranger John F. Mitchell, Park Volunteer Rob and Ann Simpson, Photographers Shenandoah National Park Archives

Contributors to this issue: Get to Know Shenandoah’s Partners Karen Beck-Herzog, Wendy Cass, Rolf Gubler, Steve Herzog, Ann Kain, Mara Behind every great park are some great partners and Shenandoah is no exception! The Meisel, Greta Miller, Helen Morton, Jim dedicated staff and volunteers of our partner organizations have contributed time, talent, Schaberl, Julie Shuren and money to help Shenandoah fulfill its mission. Get to know our fantastic support team. Printed by: Shenandoah Publications, Inc., Woodstock, VA

Shenandoah National Park 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, Virginia 22835 (540) 999-3500 www.nps.gov/shen

www.patc.net www.snpbooks.org www.snptrust.org The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club If you stop by one of the park’s visitor Established in 2004, the Shenandoah American people so that all may (PATC) was founded in 1927 even centers, you’ll meet the Shenandoah National Park Trust is the official experience our heritage. before the park was established. National Park Association (SNPA) non-profit community-building and PATC volunteers built the stretch of staff in the bookstore and you’ll see fundraising partner for Shenandoah the Appalachian Trail (AT) that runs firsthand that they are fulfilling their National Park. The Trust is dedicated to PARK ACCESSIBILITY through Shenandoah. The club’s mission to increase understanding, protecting our park's magnificent nat- Restrooms and Buildings mission is to protect and maintain the appreciation, and stewardship of the ural and cultural resources, enhancing Most are accessible or accessible with AT and associated lands. With more park. The Association, founded in your experience in Shenandoah, and assistance. AT than any other national park, 1950, is headed by a volunteer board building a community committed to Shenandoah’s 101-mile stretch is a tes- and managed by a small, very dedicat- enriching Shenandoah's future. The Lodging tament to this dedicated partner. PATC ed staff. They develop and sell items money the Trust raises has funded sev- Accessible overnight accommodations volunteers work thousands of hours that will increase your appreciation and eral important projects, including are available at Skyland Resort, Big each year to maintain Shenandoah’s enjoyment of the park, using the profits search and rescue equipment for Old Meadows Lodge, and Lewis Mountain. trail system and six overnight cabins, to support the park’s interpretation and Rag Mountain and the Ranger Explorer (800) 999-4714. as well as shelters and huts. To learn educational programs. Become a mem- program. To learn more about how more about this valued partner, visit ber of SNPA and support the park while you can become involved, visit the Picnic Grounds and Campgrounds Accessible sites are available at all park the official PATC website. receiving great discounts. Trust’s official website. picnic grounds and campgrounds. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are available at Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain camp- grounds. Restrooms at picnic grounds are Partners for Wildlife accessible or accessible with assistance. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of a unique partnership Information Information or assistance may be obtained between Shenandoah National Park and the Wildlife Center by telephoning the Virginia Relay Center at of Virginia (WCV), a non-profit wildlife hospital in (800) 828-1120 (TDD) or (800) 828-1140 Waynesboro, VA. The center places raptors on a perma- (Voice) or by writing to the park: nent-loan basis for the park’s popular “Birds of Prey” pro- Shenandoah National Park grams. WCV staff provide routine medical exams, beak and 3655 US Hwy 211 East talon trimming, and acute care for these birds, all free of Luray, VA 22835 charge to the park. Over the years, the park’s educational (540) 999-3500 raptors have reached more than 100,000 visitors with a vital www.nps.gov/shen wildlife conservation message shared by both organizations. Learn more about WCV at www.wildlifecenter.org. For the next live “Birds of Prey” program, check the schedule on page 8.

2 Shenandoah Overlook www.nps/gov/shen What’s Up with the Air? Please Don’t Feed

People often come to Shenandoah National Park for the fresh mountain air. We have lots of it! But sometimes there’s an added component to the air that’s not so good for us. That’s ozone. the Animals!

In the stratosphere, ozone is good: it is a colorless gas which shields the Earth from the sun’s rays. But ground-level ozone is different: it is created in warm, sunny conditions by a chemical reaction between pollutants, many of which are created by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and gaso- line. Strong sunlight and hot weather can combine to cause harmful amounts of ozone to form. If concentrations are high (usually May-September), ground-level ozone threatens plants, animals, and humans. Some people may have respiratory problems when exercising strenuously.

We can all do something to help. Shenandoah has already replaced a number of gasoline-powered vehicles with hybrids, and we hope to change over to other alternative-fuel cars, trucks, golf carts, and lawn mowers. Our “to-do list” includes retro-fitting sensors and controls on heating/cooling sys- tems to optimize energy consumption, replacing appliances with Energy Star-rated units, and installing a vertical wind turbine and photo-voltaic cells.

What can you do? Think about transportation options that could reduce the number of trips you make in your car. Programmable thermostats and replacing large appliances with Energy Star-rated ones can help, too.

When animals associate humans with food they lose their Ozone advisories are posted in the park when high levels are fear and seek out people. detected. Call the park at (540) 999-3500 (May-September) to learn if ozone levels are high. Or visit the state ozone-tracking • This makes them more susceptible to being website: www.deq.virginia.gov/airquality. You can get real- hit by cars or killed by poachers. time views and air quality statistics from the Air Quality web • They are more likely to raid campsites and cam on the park’s website: www.nps.gov/shen. destroy property. • They become dangerous and must be relocated or destroyed.

This is why there are regulations for storing food properly and fines for feeding wildlife. Nothing good can come of ignoring food storage and wildlife feeding regulations!

Living Green

“Reduce, reuse, recycle”— Often called “The 3 R’s,” this short motto sums up a few simple things we can all do to “live green” and lessen our impact on the earth today and in the years to come.

How can you “live green” when are you on vacation? In the park there are places for you to recycle, reduce, Ticks – What You Need to Know and reuse.

To recycle, continue to use the bins provided for glass, plastic, and aluminum in the park campgrounds, lodges, and visitor centers.

To reduce, take only one copy of this guide, park brochures, and maps.

To reuse or recycle this guide, park brochures, and maps, bring your used copies to a ranger at a visitor Deer Tick Dog Tick Lone Star Tick center or entrance station. The material will be reused by other park visitors or, if worn out, will be recycled. Several species of ticks are common in Shenandoah If you find a tick attached to you, remove the tick and there is a risk of tick-borne diseases if one and clean the bite site. If you become ill after a tick bites you. It is important to take precautions and bite, even weeks later, see a health care provider. to be aware of the risks. Some species of ticks are so small that you may never see them, so if you become ill after visiting Leave No When you are in tick habitat: an area where ticks are common, you should inform your health care provider of the possibility • Wear light colored clothing, long sleeves, of a tick-borne disease. Trace! and long pants with pants' legs tucked Ensuring that future generations can enjoy into socks. Remember—deer ticks Shenandoah National Pa rk is everyone’s responsibility. are hard to see. They Follow the Leave No Trace guidelines to help take • Do frequent tick checks of yourself, children, are about the size of care of Shenandoah. Learn more at www.LNT.org. and pets. Always check for ticks after any a pinhead! outdoor activities. 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Some insect repellents can be effective 3. Dispose of Waste Properly against ticks, but they should be used with 4. Leave What You Find caution. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 6. Respect Wildlife >> More information at www.cdc.gov (search “tick-borne illness”) << 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

www.nps/gov/shen Shenandoah Overlook 3 Events and Activities Local communities and organizations have joined us in celebrating Shenandoah’s 75th Anniversary.

Date Event Name Location Description Contact September 17 12th Annual Apple Butter Celebration Skyland Resort, mile 41.7 Join us for the age-old tradition of apple butter www.visitshenandoah.com on Skyline Drive boiling. 540-999-4714

September 24, 25 Rappahannock County Farm Tour Link Community Center, Explore the advantages of buying locally grown www.farmtour.visitrappahannockva.com Sperryville farm products during this self-guided tour. 540-675-5330 or 3153

October 8, 9 Virginia Fall Foliage Art Show Downtown Waynesboro This 40th annual outdoor fine art exhibition features www.SVACart.com 150 artists in all media on the streets of Waynesboro. 540-466-0850

October 8, 9, 15, 16, Apple Harvest Festival Graves Mountain Lodge, The Apple Harvest Festival is a free, beautiful, fun www.gravesmountain.com 22, 23 Syria day in the mountains for the whole family. 540-923-4231

October 9 Taste of Culpeper, sponsored by The Depot in Downtown Tempt your palate at the “Taste of Culpeper” featur- www.culpeperdowntown.com Culpeper Renaissance Culpeper ing the very best of the region’s unique restaurants, 540-825-4416 caterers, wineries, and artists.

October 14, 15, 16; Fall Harvest & Leaf Peep Festival DuCard Vineyards, After your hike to Whiteoak Canyon or Old Rag, join www.ducardvineyards.com 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Madison us for music, local foods, and an opportunity to bet- 540-923-4206 ter understand viticulture and agriculture.

From Inaugural to Rededication and Beyond...

Shenandoah began a year-long celebra- On June 25, Superintendent Martha Regional Director Dennis Reidenbach, of the legacy begun decades ago by area tion of its 75th Anniversary with an Bogle rededicated Shenandoah in com- and Warren County Administrator Doug leaders and visionaries. inaugural ceremony last November at memoration of the park’s original dedi- Stanley also spoke. McCormick’s Gap, the southernmost cation July 3, 1936. The morning cere- The Celebration Continues overlook on Skyline Drive. Great mony included a concert by the The goal of the 75th Anniversary com- Smokies National Park and Blue Ridge “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band memoration has been to strengthen the Shenandoah National Park and its neigh- Parkway celebrated their 75th playing some of the same selections it alliance between the park and its part- bors and partners continue to celebrate the park’s 75th Anniversary with special events and activities.

Entries to the “75 Reasons to Visit” game are arriving daily. Get your copy at park facilities, area attractions, or down- load one at the official 75th website: www.celebrateshenandoah.org. Have fun discovering the answers to 75 ques- tions about the park and the surround- ing area, fill out the brochure form, and submit it by November 1 to be eligble for prizes donated by area businesses and Alisa Bailey, President of Virginia Tourism Corp., Over 1000 visitors attended the day-long Rededication Park Superintendent Martha Bogle has attended noted Shenandoah’s contributions to the state’s Celebration event, enjoying a host of special activities many of the 62 sanctioned events hosted by the attractions. tourism industry at the Inaugural Cermony. and entertainment. park’s neighboring communities. Several communities and partners have Anniversaries in 2009 and 2010, pass- played at the original dedication, as well ners and communities in anticipation of celebrated with photography contests. ing the torch to Shenandoah for 2011. as excerpts from President Franklin the next 75 years. The celebration culmi- Winners will be showcased at Skyland The ceremony featured the “Parade of Roosevelt’s dedication speech per- nates with a conference in November. Resort’s registration building beginning Decades” marking a major park accom- formed by local actor Ken Stroupe as Park managers, partners, and community with a “gallery opening” on September plishment for each decade since its Roosevelt. Deputy Director of the leaders will discuss shared values, goals, 24. Photos will be on display through authorization in 1926. National Park Service Peggy O’Dell, and strategies to ensure the continuation October 6.

4 Shenandoah Overlook www.nps/gov/shen Celebrating 75 Years We’re celebrating milestones of the past, and building coalitions for the future. Join us for both!

Celebrate MILESTONES …the vision realized in Shenandoah Scenery is going to be Virginia’s next cash crop! – William Carson, 1932

In the early 1920s a group of Shenandoah Valley businessmen Appalachian Trail is built; had a vision for the future. The establishment of a national park 101 miles in the proposed in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains was the hallmark of that Shenandoah National Park. vision. They believed a national park so close to urban areas 1920s would be a tremendous draw, bringing tourists’ dollars to the Commonwealth while preserving the natural beauty of the area. In the decades since the park’s 1935 establishment, millions of First Civilian Conservation visitors have passed through its gates to enjoy the beauty and Corps camp in a national recreation Shenandoah offers. And, just as those visionaries park is established in predicted, tourism is a major industry in the region, pumping Shenandoah National Park. millions of dollars into local economies. 1930s

(right) Skyline Drive’s popularity was immediate, even in 1935, before paving and landscaping were complete. First facilities for African Americans open; later SNP becomes first desegregated public facility in Virginia. 1940s Reflect …on our evolving purpose Shenandoah National Park Association founded to Making the most of the accomplishments of those long-ago increase understanding and stewardship. visionaries has taken on new meaning in the ensuing 75 years. 1950s Shenandoah’s promises to its nation include preserving its resources so that they pass, unimpaired, to the next generation. Who could have predicted the challenges that promise brings? Rapidan Camp, presidential Understanding Shenandoah’s varied resources is a complex retreat within Shenandoah undertaking. Over the decades, Shenandoah has committed to National Park, is designated a scientific approach to stewardship, implementing programs to a National Historic

identify, monitor, and care for the resources it is responsible for. 1960s Landmark. (left) A continued commitment to a scientific approach to steward- ship will give us the ability to respond to emerging threats like climate change, insects and diseases that threaten our forests and animals, and the effects of air and water pollution. 40% of Shenandoah National Park becomes federally designated Wilderness. 1970s

Shenandoah National Park establishes comprehensive Look Ahead resource inventory, moni- …to forever toring, and protection 1980s program. What will the next 75 years bring and how will Shenandoah respond? Building partnerships and inspiring stewardship will be vital. Just as those long-ago visionaries answered a call to action for the Skyline Drive Historic establishment of Shenandoah National Park, the American people District is listed on the will provide the innovation, creativity, and support for Shenandoah’s National Registry of Historic future. The resources we protect include the values that Places. Shenandoah’s visitors seek—solitude; clear, dark night skies; pure 1990s soundscapes; and views unaffected by human use. Protecting these requires the commitment of many—neighbors, business and indus- try, as well as park staff. Strong alliances with park neighbors will Realizing the vision of the allow us to meet the future with economically and environmentally early park promoters, sound strategies. Continued collaboration with universities and other agencies Shenandoah National Park will strengthen our understanding of the science of preservation. helps make “scenery Virginia’s cash crop,”

(right) Inspiring young people to love their national parks and understand their 2000s bringing millions into the importance will help prepare them to become the next generation of stewards. local economies.

www.nps/gov/shen Shenandoah Overlook 5 Visitor Services: September 6 – November 27

Lodging Reservations: Online www.visitshenandoah.com or (800) 999-4714 • Campground Reservations: Online www.recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6) Information, exhibits, orientation movie, park store, picnic grounds September 6 - November 5: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Daily) November 6 - November 27: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Thursday-Monday); Closed Thanksgiving Day

Mathews Arm Campground (mile 22.2) Closes October 30 (noon); $15, some sites reservable, group sites available, sewage disposal, no trailer hookups

Elkwallow Wayside (milepost 24) Grill and carry-out, groceries, gas, camping supplies, gift shop, picnic grounds Closes November 6 (6:00 p.m.) 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Friday/Saturday) 21 Skyland Resort (miles 41.7 and 42.5) Front Desk: (540) 999-2212 (not for reservations); Closes November 27 (noon) Dining room, lodging varying from traditional rooms to historic cabins to suites, pet friendly rooms available, gift shop, programs, activities, and live entertainment Dining Room: 27 Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Lunch: Noon - 2:00 p.m. Dinner: 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Taproom: 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.* *Food service ends and last call at 10:30 p.m. Gift Shop: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Stables: 1 hour rides: 9:00 a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. (Daily) 2.5 hour. rides: 8:30 a.m. (Daily) Closes November 26. Call 540-999-2212 for reservations

Big Meadows (milepost 51) Byrd Visitor Center: Information, exhibits, ranger programs, movies, park store September 6 - November 27: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Daily) Closed Thanksgiving Day September 6 - October 30: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) 52 Wayside: Restaurant and carry-out, gift shop, groceries, camping supplies, gas September 6 - October 29 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Daily) October 30 - November 27 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Friday/Saturday) Big Meadows Lodge Closes November 6 (noon), Front Desk: (540) 999-2222 (not for reservations) Historic dining room, taproom, live entertainment, gift shop, pet friendly rooms available; lodging includes historic main lodge rooms, rustic cabins, and modern suites Dining Room: Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Lunch: Noon - 2:00 p.m. Dinner: 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 64.5 Taproom: 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)* 66.5 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Saturday/Sunday)* *Food service ends and last call at 10:30 p.m. Gift Shop: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Campground: Closes Nov. 27 (noon) $20, reservations can be made through Nov. 5; $17, first-come, first-served Nov. 8 - 27, group sites available, sewage disposal, no trailer hookups Showers/Laundry/Woodyard: September 6 - October 29 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Daily) October 30 - November 27 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Daily) Wood and ice available at Gas Station when attendant not on duty

Lewis Mountain (mile 57.6) Cabins: Covered patios, picnic tables and grills, pet friendly; Campstore: Closes November 6 (noon) 87 Groceries, camping supplies, gifts, wood, ice, showers/laundry 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Sunday - Thursday) 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Friday/Saturday) Campground: Closes November 6 (noon) $15, first-come, first-served, no trailer hookups

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5) Wayside: Restaurant, gift shop, gas Closes November 6 (5:30 p.m.) September 6 - October 30 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Friday/Saturday) October 31 - November 6 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Daily) Campstore: Closes October 30 (noon) September 6 - Sept. 30 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Daily) October 1 - October 30 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Friday/Saturday) Campground: Closes October 30 (noon) $15, some sites reservable, group sites available, sewage disposal, no trailer hookups Showers/Laundry: Closes October 30 (noon); 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m (Daily)

6 Shenandoah Overlook www.nps/gov/shen ARAMARK Presents... Family Activities and Events!

Continuing a tradition set by George Freeman Pollock, proprietor of a resort at Skyland long before the park was established, ARAMARK, the official concessioner, offers a variety of activities and events for visitors. A few are highlighted here. For details, pick up a Calendar of Events brochure at restaurants, lodges, and visitor centers.

Tea With the First Ladies Summerfest Culinary Events Blackberry Delight Journey through the history of two of Summer in Shenandoah is the perfect The Shenandoah Seasonings Culinary Those who lived in what is now America’s most spirited women, Lou time for a day of singers, dancers, old- Events are an experience for your senses! Shenandoah National Park picked the Hoover and Eleanor Roosevelt. Historian fashioned games, and historic “Cake Shenandoah's Executive Chef and area berries and made jams and jellies from Babs Bodin, former director of the Walks.” Local artisans will be on hand to vintners will lead guests through a them much as we still do today. Big Museum of American Presidents, pre- showcase their talents and unique prod- delectable 4-course menu of mouth- Meadows Wayside staff will be using sents an informative narrative while ucts. Summerfest means fun, food, and watering items paired with wines. And blackberries in all kinds of foods such desserts from the First Ladies’ favorite entertainment for the whole family. our weekly wine tastings are a fun way as pulled pork with a blackberry BBQ recipes and a variety of teas are served. Admission is free. to relax and sample some lovely sauce, cobbler, jellies and syrup, and Virginia wines. home-made blackberry ice cream. There’ll be dulcimer and bluegrass music, cloggers, craft vendors and activities. A great way to spend the day with the whole family! Admission is free.

Pick up a copy of ARAMARK’s Calendar of Events for a complete list of activities, dates, and times or visit www.visitshenandoah.com

Shenandoah National Park Association

The Shenandoah National Park Association (SNPA) wants to help you enjoy

your visit—especially this year with the 75th Celebration! Stop at our Park Stores Shenandoah National Park (Dickey Ridge Visitor Center mile 4.6 and Byrd Visitor Center, milepost 51) for Association 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East great hiking and nature guides, books about the park and its history, maps, Luray, Virginia 22835 children’s activity guides and books, and much, much more! Online Park Store: www.snpbooks.org

Brand New in 2011! Celebrate the 75th!

Shenandoah Wildflowers of National Park Shenandoah National Park, Official Handbook, first-ever wildflower guide featuring over 175 exclusively for Shenandoah historic and contemporary by Ann and Rob Simpson photographs

Herbert Hoover’s Hideaway: The Story of 2012 Shenandoah National Park Calendar, President Hoover’s Summer Retreat, revised beautiful photos of Shenandoah all year long! with new photos and updated information

www.nps/gov/shen Shenandoah Overlook 7 Ranger Programs: September 6 – October 30

► Pets are not allowed on Ranger Programs. ► Programs will be canceled in the event of severe weather.

Dickey Ridge (mile 4.6) SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Terrace Talk - Spend 10 minutes learning about a special feature of the park. Check at the Information Desk for talk schedule. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.

Skyland (miles 41.7 and 42.5) SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Ancient Volcano - Imagine fiery lava and rivers of molten rock in Shenandoah National Park! Walk along the remains of an ancient volcanic rift. 2 miles. 2 hours. Meet at Timber Hollow 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Overlook (mile 43.3).

Stony Man Hike - Hike to the park’s second-tallest peak to hear Stony Man’s stories. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. 1.6 miles. 2 hours. Meet at Stony Man Trailhead (mile 41.7, the 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. north entrance to Skyland Resort).

Story of the Limberlost - Stories of change, loss, and hope are found in this dramatic forest. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1.2 miles. 1.5 hours. Meet at the Limberlost Trailhead (milepost 43).

Wild About Bears - Learn about Shenandoah’s largest mammal during this 20-minute talk. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Skyland Amphitheater.

Celebrate Shenandoah National Park - Consider the treasures that make Shenandoah 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. special as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary during this 20-minute talk. Skyland Amphitheater.

Discovery Walk - Discover the plants and animals that make Shenandoah a special place. 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 1 hour. Meet at Skyland Amphitheater.

Massanutten Lodge Celebrates 100 Years - Discover the stories of early Skyland Resort as you tour the restored bungalow of Addie Pollock. 1 hour. Meet at Skyland 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Conference Hall (lower road). Tours end for the year on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

Campfire Program - Join a Ranger for this National Park Service tradition. Dress for cool 7:30 p.m. mountain nights. 45 minutes. Skyland Amphitheater.

Big Meadows (milepost 51) SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Terrace Talk - Spend 10 minutes learning about a special feature of the park. Check at the Information Desk for talk schedule. Byrd Visitor Center.

Appalachian Trail Hike - Experience this legendary mountain trail on a gentle hike. Wear 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. sturdy shoes and bring water. 2 miles. 2 hours. Meet at Milam Gap Parking Area (mile 52.8).

Birds of Prey - Meet live raptors and learn about their vital role in the ecosystem. 1 hour. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Big Meadows Amphitheater, in picnic grounds.

Discovery Walk - Discover the plants and animals that make Shenandoah a special place. 10:00 a.m. 1 hour. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center.

Historic Rapidan Camp - Travel by bus 30 minutes to President Hoover’s summer retreat. Visit the historically refurnished President’s cabin. 3 hours. 12-person limit. Reserve by phone 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. (540-999-3500, ext. 3283) or in person at Byrd Visitor Center. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center. Tours end for the year on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

Wild About Bears - Learn about Shenandoah’s largest mammal during this 20-minute talk. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Byrd Visitor Center.

Celebrate Shenandoah National Park - Consider the treasures that make Shenandoah 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. special as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary during this 20-minute talk. Byrd Visitor Center.

Junior Ranger Program - Investigate the mysteries of Shenandoah through fun and educa- 2:00 p.m. tional activities. Ages 7-12. Adult must accompany child. 1.5 hours. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center.

Meadow Walk - Discover the wonders of a rare high-elevation wetland meadow on a gentle 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. walk. 1 mile. 1.5 hours. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center.

CCC Walk - Celebrate the Civilian Conservation Corps legacy on this walk to a CCC-era 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. structure. 1.2 miles. 1.5 hours. Meet at Upper Hawksbill Parking Area (mile 46.7).

Campfire Program - Join a Ranger for this National Park Service tradition. Dress for cool 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. mountain nights. 45 minutes. Big Meadows Amphitheater, in picnic grounds.

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5) SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Campfire Program - Join a Ranger for this National Park Service tradition. Dress for cool 7:30 p.m. mountain nights. 45 minutes. Loft Mountain Amphitheater, near campground.

8 Shenandoah Overlook www.nps/gov/shen