DOCSLIB.ORG

A Writer on the Mountain

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Writer on the Mountain Cover Story | by Laura Emery, Field Editor A Writer on the Mountain Meet Deirdre Conroy, winner of the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association/ Cooperative Living Collegiate Writing Award. t’s not easy to describe the wonder “We’re pleased that Deirdre Conroy A sophomore at Virginia Tech, Conroy of standing at the summit of a enjoyed her hiking experience on Old Rag is pursuing a double major in Wildlife mountain, gazing out into the clouds Mountain, and we encourage other Conservation and Literature. With career that wreath its peak. The view is outdoor enthusiasts to explore all that our aspirations of becoming a field scientist, majestic, a sea of rippled peaks unfurled park has to offer,” says Claire Comer with Conroy hopes to combine her love of Iin waves across the horizon. the U.S. National Park Service. writing and outdoor recreation through Northern Virginia’s Deirdre Conroy wildlife conservation research and writing has experienced this feeling many times, of grants and research proposals. on multiple mountains. But it was her Conroy is vivacious and full of passion experience on Old Rag Mountain, a for the outdoors. She works part-time for great mass of exposed granite east of Venture Out, a resource center for outdoor the Blue Ridge crest in Virginia’s excursions at Virginia Tech. Her outdoor Shenandoah National Park, that inspired recreational interests include horseback her to transform her wonder into words. riding, kayaking, rock climbing, trail Conroy, 19, is the winner of this running, caving and backpacking. “In O year’s Cooperative Living Collegiate T becoming a caver, I have gained new O H Undergraduate Writing Award (for best P knowledge about myself and my limits, Y Virginia-specific essay), part of the R and have acquired a new appreciation for E M E Virginia Outdoor Writers Association’s Virginia,” she says. A (VOWA) annual writing contest. R The Virginia Outdoor Writers U A Conroy vividly describes her arduous L Association is a coalition of writers, 13-mile hike up Old Rag Mountain in Deirdre Conroy photographers and video/film producers her winning essay, “That Old who strive to increase knowledge and Mountain.” Judges selected her essay ‘In becoming a caver, understanding of the outdoors through from among dozens of entries their craft. “The writing was very written by students at Virginia colleges I have gained new enjoyable. It came pretty naturally because and universities. I was just writing about why I enjoy The Old Rag Mountain hike is one of knowledge about myself outdoor recreation so much,” Conroy the most popular hikes in the mid- explains. She expresses appreciation to Atlantic region, with many breathtaking and my limits, and Cooperative Living magazine and VOWA panoramic views and one of the most for the opportunity to share her passion challenging rock scrambles in the have acquired a new with others through her writing. Shenandoah National Park. Old Rag If you’re a high school or college student Mountain soars 3,284 feet above sea appreciation for and would like to enter the 2016-2017 level, and over 100,000 people visit the VOWA writing contest, visit the website at park’s most popular peak each year. Virginia,’ she says. www.vowa.org and click on contests. www.co-opliving.com September 2016 | Cooperative Living | 15 That Old Mountain by Deirdre Conroy There is a melancholy in the fields of among the boulders. There was a There is a unique peace and the Virginia countryside in the morning, quiet in the woods, a feeling that we stillness earned by an early morning a feeling almost bittersweet in its were up even before the birds. I hike, different from the regular hustle familiar ache. struggled between staring up to the and bustle of the forest by daylight. In As the cover of night inches away, glowing pinpoints of stars in the sky, the rosy dim, we reverted into a the grass changes from an aqua back seeing them as a map of sorts through primitive, natural state of movement. into deep green as the sun burns off the darkened woods, and watching Instead of words, we used body the morning fog. my footing along the technical single- language to communicate twists in It must have been around 4 a.m. track path. the trail. The only thing to break our when we set off, coffee mugs clutched focus was the steady crunch of leather in our palms, trying to slow the early Peaceful boots on the gravel underfoot. October chill from sucking all of the I had thought getting up quite that feeling out of our fingers. The car ride Morning early would be a rough start, but the began sleepily, heads supported by Hike movement in the crisp air had a spaghetti-weak forearms, but gradually feeling of rightness to it. My mind felt we grew more buoyant and excited as sharp, my legs strong, the weight of we flew down empty stretches of my pack nonexistent. We followed highway. We howled into the milky one switchback after another, until my morning sky. heart rapped against my ribcage. Part of me always longs for the We stopped to catch our breath at beauty of twilight to stay, although my a small, unassuming break in the love for the richness of the morning trees, only to be astounded by the K R coloring in autumn battles that longing. A view in front of us. It was a ruddy, P L The contrast between the spiraling A gorgeous impressionist painting N O I reds off the trees against the stark, T smeared across the backdrop of the A N dewy green of the grass is enough to Blue Ridge Mountains. In that H A make one blink to steady the focus, O moment, I could truly imagine their D N and swoon in the vibrancy of the late- A magnitude in the years when they N E year shades. H gave the Himalayas a run for their S F O We set off into the dark. I imagined money. I could sense the amazement Y S how we looked from a distance — the E of the first Anglo settlers setting T R little orbs of light from our headlamps U eyes on these mountains for the first O C bobbing away into the trees. As it was time. I could see the history of S O my first time up this particular trail, we T Appalachia steeped in the folds of O H were careful as we picked our way P their ridgelines. 16 | Cooperative Living | September 2016 www.co-opliving.com The awe ripped goosebumps It was a ruddy, gorgeous heart and psyche, inspiring a passion across my skin. My friend sensed my for the wise, wild places out there. amazement, having felt it herself on I hold in myself the tribulations and her first trip up the mountain. Hiking impressionist painting successes of hikes, rafting trips, and up the trail in the dark was enjoyable campouts in the comforting groves and and challenging enough, but smeared across the secret hideaways of one of the oldest following the top of that ridge, mountain ranges in the world. At the climbing across the boulders and backdrop of the Blue end of my days, it will not be financial canyoning between them was another triumphs or business awards that I will experience entirely. Boulders the size remember as the important moments, of Mack trucks and crevasses as wide Ridge Mountains. In that but I will recall standing at the summit as football fields have a way of of Old Rag, or whooping off cliffs into making a person feel insignificant. moment, I could truly the deep waters of Cedar Creek, of Counteracting that was the glory of laughing alongside the campfire with the breathtaking views earned after imagine their magnitude friends in the heart of Hazel country. scaling rock faces and traversing In the same way that those old canyons. By the time we scrambled to rugged mountains hold the stories of the summit, my hands were chalky in the years when they my coming of age, I am now equally and scratched, my knees were tired connected and present in the book of from the extensive uphill, and I was gave the Himalayas a stories contained in the Shenandoah’s hungry, but I felt the deep and age-old landscape. grounding satisfaction that only run for their money. challenging and extremely rewarding outdoor ventures can render. Shenandoah National Park As I gazed over the valleys of panoramas of the timeless valleys of With over 200,000 acres of stunning Shenandoah, I was struck with the Appalachia. Old Rag is not unique in wilderness, rolling mountains, cascading waterfalls, shady forests and quiet hollows, realization that hundreds had stood in this effect. White Oak Canyon is Shenandoah National Park is a haven for the same place before me, and many relentless in elevation gain, but hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park would follow. The magnitude of the stunning with its waterfall-carved features more than 500 miles of trails, environment, as well as the humbling canyons paralleling the trail. Angels including 100 miles of the Appalachian nature of the experience was enough Rest is not a casual climb, but the Trail. Take a hike, meander along Skyline to inspire me to seek out others that overlook at the summit lives up to its Drive, or picnic with the family. would challenge and impress me in impressive title. Dragon’s Tooth truly In August, the National Park Service the same way. That morning evoked exemplifies the dignified ferocity of celebrated its 100th birthday.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • County and Private Day Humpback County Placements
    Joint Subcommittee Visit for HHR Oversight Augusta Discusses CSA County and Private Day Humpback COUNTY Placements... Page 3 Rock... CONNECTIONS Page 5 Chamber of VACo The Newsletter of the Commerce Associate Virginia Association of Counties releases updated Member business plan... SPOTLIGHT Page 4 - AquaLaw... December 5, 2017 Page 7 Virginia Improves Ranking on Forbes.com “Best States for Business” List Governor Terry McAuliffe announced on November 28 that Virginia was ranked fifth on Forbes.com’s 2017 “Best States for Business” list, an improvement over its rankings in 2015 (when it ranked seventh) and 2016 (when it ranked sixth). Forbes.com rates states in six categories to establish the overall ranking: business costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects, and quality of life. Virginia scored particularly well in the labor supply, regulatory environment, and quality of life categories, ranking third, second, and eighth, respectively. Forbes calculates labor supply rankings based on high school and college attainment, net migration, population growth, union representation, and the proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds within the state’s population. States’ regulatory environments are scored based on rankings from several sources, including Moody’s bond ratings; analyses by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University of labor regulations, insurance coverage requirements, tort liability, and the state’s debt obligations; and an index by Pollina Corporate Real Estate measuring tax incentives and economic development efforts. Quality of life is determined based on cost of living, crime rates, commute times, and health measures such as air pollution, among other factors. Virginia’s scores were lower in the business costs and economic climate categories (29th and 33rd, respectively).
    [Show full text]
  • Scenic Landforms of Virginia
    Vol. 34 August 1988 No. 3 SCENIC LANDFORMS OF VIRGINIA Harry Webb . Virginia has a wide variety of scenic landforms, such State Highway, SR - State Road, GWNF.R(T) - George as mountains, waterfalls, gorges, islands, water and Washington National Forest Road (Trail), JNFR(T) - wind gaps, caves, valleys, hills, and cliffs. These land- Jefferson National Forest Road (Trail), BRPMP - Blue forms, some with interesting names such as Hanging Ridge Parkway mile post, and SNPMP - Shenandoah Rock, Devils Backbone, Striped Rock, and Lovers Leap, National Park mile post. range in elevation from Mt. Rogers at 5729 feet to As- This listing is primarily of those landforms named on sateague and Tangier islands near sea level. Two nat- topographic maps. It is hoped that the reader will advise ural lakes occur in Virginia, Mountain Lake in Giles the Division of other noteworthy landforms in the st& County and Lake Drummond in the City of Chesapeake. that are not mentioned. For those features on private Gaps through the mountains were important routes for land always obtain the owner's permission before vis- early settlers and positions for military movements dur- iting. Some particularly interesting features are de- ing the Civil War. Today, many gaps are still important scribed in more detail below. locations of roads and highways. For this report, landforms are listed alphabetically Dismal Swamp (see Chesapeake, City of) by county or city. Features along county lines are de- The Dismal Swamp, located in southeastern Virginia, scribed in only one county with references in other ap- is about 10 to 11 miles wide and 15 miles long, and propriate counties.
    [Show full text]
  • Nomination Form
    VLR Listed: 12/4/1996 NRHP Listed: 4/28/1997 NFS Form 10-900 ! MAR * * I99T 0MB( No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8-86) .^^oTT^Q CES United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM 1. Name of Property historic name: Skyline Drive Historic District other name/site number: N/A 2. Location street & number: Shenandoah National Park (SHEN) not for publication: __ city/town: Luray vicinity: x state: VA county: Albemarle code: VA003 zip code: 22835 Augusta VA015 Greene VA079 Madison VA113 Page VA139 Rappahannock VA157 Rockingham VA165 Warren VA187 3. Classification Ownership of Property: public-Federal Category of Property: district Number of Resources within Property: Contributing Noncontributing 9 8 buildings 8 3 sites 136 67 structures 22 1 objects 175 79 Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register: none Name of related multiple property listing: Historic Park Landscapes in National and State Parks 4. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this _x _ nomination ___ request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property _x _ meets __^ does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant x nationally __ statewide __ locally. ( __ See continuation sheet for additional comments.) _____________ Signature of certifying of ficial Date _____ ly/,a,-K OAJ.
    [Show full text]
  • Shenandoah N a T > ° N a Vjrginia 1
    SHENANDOAH N A T > ° N A VJRGINIA 1 . SHENANDOAH 'T'HE Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are famed in song and tradition for their scenic loveliness, romantic setting, and historical as­ sociation. In the heart of these mountains is the Shenandoah National Park, established in 1935, the first wilderness area east of the Mis­ sissippi to be created a national park. Comprising 182,854 acres, the park extends for 75 miles in a narrow strip along the crest of the Blue Ridge from Front Royal on the northeast to the vicinity of Waynesboro on the southeast. The altitude varies from 600 feet above sea level at the north entrance to 4,049 feet at the summit of Hawksbill Mountain. The Skyline Drive It is for the far-reaching views from the Skyline Drive that the park is most widely known. The drive, macadamized and smooth, with an easy gradient and wide, sweeping curves, unfolds to view innumerable sweeping pano­ ramas of lofty peaks, forested ravines, meander­ ing streams, and the green and brown patchwork A TYPICAL SECTION OF THE FAMOUS SKYLINE DRIVE fields of the valley farms below. SHOWING THE EASY GRADIENT AND FLOWING CURVES. Virginia Conservation Commission Photo Built at a cost of more than $4,500,000, the famous 97-mile scenic highway traverses the LATE AFTERNOON ON SKYLINE DRIVE. KAWKSBILL, HIGH­ entire length of the park along the backbone of EST POINT IN THE PARK, IS SILHOUETTED IN THE DISTANCE. the Blue Ridge from Front Royal to Jarman Virginia State Chamber of Commerce Photo Gap, where it connects with the 485-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, now under construction, that will link Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina.
    [Show full text]
  • Climbing Guidelines in Shenandoah National Park
    Shenandoah National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 2/2018 Climbing Guidelines Overview People are drawn to Shenandoah National Park Rock climbing is a unique experience that for many different reasons; some want to take creates a special bond between the climber and in the beautiful scenery along Skyline Drive, the rock face. To have a great experience and others want to enjoy nature and the feelings of ensure that those after you do as well, follow solitude and renewal that wilderness brings. the guidelines and recommendations below. Why Guidelines? The Shenandoah Climbing Management These guidelines will allow us to: Guidelines have been developed to protect • Manage recreational use. Shenandoah’s natural resources, while also • Protect natural resources. providing visitors opportunities for rock • Provide climbing opportunities in the Park. climbing, bouldering, and ice climbing within • Protect the backcountry and wilderness the Park. experiences of other Park visitors. Rules & Regulations Prohibited Activities: Fixed Anchors (including belay/rappel • Using motorized equipment to place bolts, stations): anchors or climbing equipment Fixed anchors are prohibited in all locations • Chipping or gluing. where temporary, removable protection can be • Removing vegetation to “clean” or improve a used. The installation of fixed anchors should route, or access to a route. be rare parkwide, especially in wilderness areas. • Leaving fixed ropes or other equipment for longer than 24 hours. Group Size Limits: • Using non-climbing specific hardware (i.e., Groups may contain a maximum of 12 people. concrete anchors, home-made equipment). Emergency 1-800-732-0911 • Information 540-999-3500 • Online www.nps.gov/shen Rules & Regulations If forced to install a fixed belay and/or Trees as Anchors: (continued) rappel station, follow these rules: Do not cause physical damage to trees or plants.
    [Show full text]
  • Rock Outcrop Management Plan Environmental Assessment/Assessment of Effect
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Shenandoah National Park Virginia Rock Outcrop Management Plan Environmental Assessment/Assessment of Effect September 2008 This page intentionally left blank Cover photo courtesy of Gary P. Fleming National Park Service Rock Outcrop Management Plan Shenandoah National Park Environmental Assessment/Assessment of Effect U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Rock Outcrop Management Plan Environmental Assessment / Assessment of Effect Shenandoah National Park Luray, Page County, Virginia SUMMARY Proposed Action: : Shenandoah National Park has prepared this Environmental Assessment/Assessment of Effect to analyze alternatives related to direct the future management of rock outcrop areas in the Park. The purpose of taking this action is to address the need to protect, restore, and perpetuate rock outcrops and natural resources associated with the outcrops while providing a range of recreational opportunities for visitors to experience. Several feasible alternatives were considered. Alternative B, the NPS preferred alternative, proposed to establish a balance between natural resource protection and visitor use. Actions under this alternative would allow visitor use of selected rock outcrop areas while minimizing impacts to natural resource conditions. Implementing the preferred alternative would have negligible to moderate impacts to geological and soil resources, ecological communities, rare, threatened and endangered plants, rare, threatened or endangered species, wilderness
    [Show full text]
  • Central Virginia
    CENTRAL VIRGINIA LOVEWORK Farmville DID YOU KNOW? Athlete, physician, civil rights activist, philanthropist and tennis advocate – these are just a few of the civic accomplishments of Dr. Robert Walter “Whirlwind” Johnson. He was the first Black doctor to receive staff privileges at Lynchburg General Hospital. And because of the segregation served up on white-owned tennis courts, Johnson built his own courts and supported young players – including Arthur Ashe and Althea Johnson, CENTRAL the first Black man and woman to win Wimbledon. INSTAGRAM-WORTHY Your hopes for a photo op will climb as you make VIRGINIA the ascent to Stone Mountain Vineyards. Situated 1,700 feet high in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, the tasting room gives away free, soul-refreshing views that stretch uninterrupted over Virginia’s Piedmont. The vineyard takes advantage of the location, too, since the steep mountain slopes prevent vine damage from spring frost and summer humidity. You’ll appreciate this distinction as you sip the delightful wines and snap awe-inspiring pics. ASK A LOCAL RVA PADDLE SPORTS Richmond “What I love about my region is taking friends from elsewhere who BUCKET LIST have always heard Picture whitewater rafting and you probably envision rivers far from a big city. about the Blue Ridge Not so with the James River, which flows right through downtown Richmond. It Mountains to see them. spills over ancient rocks and challenging rapids to offer natural class III and IV We visit one of the whitewater rafting. Given the forested banks and wildlife cameos – including many wineries with breathtaking views of our bald eagles and great blue herons – you might forget you’re in the city.
    [Show full text]
  • Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report Summary
    USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program VEGETATION OF SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS Final Report (v1.1) 2006 Prepared for: US Department of the Interior National Park Service Prepared By: John Young US Geological Survey Leetown Science Center Kearneysville, WV 25430 Gary Fleming Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Natural Heritage Richmond, VA 23219 Phil Townsend and Jane Foster Department of Forest Ecology and Management University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI 53706 * This document is designed to be viewed in color * USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Shenandoah National Park Table of Contents: LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………… iii LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………………. iv LIST OF CONTACTS AND CONTRIBUTORS……………………………………. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………………. vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS………………………………….. vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY……………………………………………………………..viii 1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………1 1.1. Background..............................................................................................2 1.2. Scope of Work..........................................................................................5 1.3. Study Area Description……………………………………………………...7 2. METHODS………………………………………………………………………....11 2.1. Environmental Gradient Modeling……………………………………….11 2.2. Sample Site Selection............................................................................19 2.3. Field Survey Methods………………………………………………………20 2.4. Plot Data Management and Classification
    [Show full text]
  • Mike Vaughn's Top Ten Day Hikes in Virginia
    I’ve been hiking in Virginia since the early 1980’s. Here is a summary of my personal favorite hikes, listed in order, starting with the most scenic. Mike Vaughn, RATC Hikemaster Ten Best Day Hikes in Virginia 1. Mount Rogers (7.7. miles) One of the premiere hikes in the U.S. Most of this hike is on the A.T. and is over 5,000 feet in elevation. This hike starts at Massie Gap in Grayson Highlands State Park. The trail follows the open mountain bald of Wilburn Ridge to the heavily wooded summit of Mount Rogers, at 5,729 feet, the highest point in Virginia. There are many semi-wild ponies in the open meadows along the trail. In addition, a profusion of rhododendron is usually in bloom in June along the trail. Directions to trailhead: (From Roanoke) Take I-81 south for 98 miles to exit 45 (Virginia route 16). Take left (route 16 east, towards Troutdale) for 28 miles to Virginia route 58. Make right on route 58 and go 7 miles to entrance to Grayson Highlands State Park on right. Enter the state park and go 3.4 miles to trailhead parking area on right at Massie Gap. Trail map: Mt Rogers Topo map 2. Old Rag Mountain (8.4 miles) Located in Madison County, north of Charlottesville, this is a strenuous hike up a granite domelike mountain that can be seen for miles around. This trail is usually crowded on the weekends. It begins with a steady climb through hardwood forest. At around 2.5 miles the trail opens up and the rock scrambling begins.
    [Show full text]
  • Peakbagger's Challenge Hike Information
    Peakbagger’s Challenge Hike Information James Madison University Recreation Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge Don’t forget to log your hike at ONcampuschallenge.org with a photo and "Peakbagger's Challenge: (Hike Name)" as the title. HIGH KNOB This hike is short with a big pay-off. High Knob, at elevation of 4,107 feet, offers incredible views all the way around. The old fire detection tower was built by World War I veterans and the Civilian Conservation Corps and was once used by fire wardens for spotting fires. The tower was renovated in 2001-2003 and today is a beautiful reminder of our past; with population increases, fire wardens are no longer necessary in our national forests. http://www.vawilderness.org/high-knob.html FRIDLEY GAP Fridley Gap, in the George Washington National Forest, has a little bit of everything. From gentle mountain streams to ridge climbs and a great swimming hole, this hike has it all. Time: ~ 6.5 hours; Elevation gain: 2,780 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/fridleygap/ ELLIOT KNOB Elliot Knob is the highest point in Augusta County, and one of the highest peaks in Virginia. Just west of Staunton and secluded in Buffalo Gap, this hike features two waterfalls, several great views to the west and east, and a grass covered summit. If you're lucky, this hidden treasure can be all yours for a day. Time: ~ 5.5 hours; Elevation gain: 2,425 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/ElliotKnob/ BIG SCHLOSS Big Schloss is another treasure in the George Washington National Forest, relatively easy at only 4.4 miles and 1,000 vertical feet.
    [Show full text]
  • Geology of the Shenandoah National Park Region
    39th Annual Virginia Geological Field Conference October 2nd - 3rd, 2009 Geology of the Shenandoah National Park Region Scott Southworth Christopher M. Bailey U. S. Geological Survey College of William & Mary L. Scott Eaton Gregory Hancock James Madison University College of William & Mary Meghan H. Lamoreaux Ronald J. Litwin College of William & Mary U. S. Geological Survey William C. Burton Jennifer Whitten U. S. Geological Survey College of William & Mary 1 Thornton 78˚ 30’ W Gap Blue Luray • 211 2009 Ridge Washington D.C. New Marys Rock • Market Gap VGFC • t Ridge n o & Roanoke m d ie Valley P VA 340 Hershberger Stony Man • Hill n i Stanley a t n u Hawksbill • o Old Rag M Big Mtn. Meadows • 1 38˚ 30’ N 81 Syria Shenandoah Do Long Ridge uble Mtn. n • Hazeltop top e • tt Grindstone Mtn. u e iv n r a D s e n •7 s li y a k M S • Lewis Mtn. Elkton Dean Kirtley er Mtn. • Mtn. 33 iv R h • a o Hanse d an Mtn. n e • Saddleback h S Mtn. Swift Run • rk 340 o Gap F th Sou 230 2 • • Hightop • 6 Rocky Mtn. • • Flattop Stanardsville 5 • Mtn. 29 • Loft Mtn. 38˚ 15’ N • Brokenback 33 ive Mtn. Dr e • in yl Big Flat k Mtn. S • 4 Ruckersville 3 • • Trayfoot Mtn. • 0 5 10 Fox Mtn. Field Trip kilometers N 0 5 10 Stop 78˚ 45’ W Pasture Fence Mtn. • 7 miles Figure 1. Shaded relief map of the Shenandoah National Park region and stop locations at the 2009 Virginia Geological Field Conference.
    [Show full text]
  • National Park Virginia
    National parks. Shenandoah Shenandoah NATIONAL PARK VIRGINIA fLEET BRANCH JUL 5 INTRODUCTION TO THE PARK Like a great hazy shadow against the sky, the Blue Ridge Mountains rise between the Piedmont and the Valley of Vir- Shenandoah ginia. More than 300 square miles enclose some of the highest and most beautiful sections that form Shenandoah National NATIONAL PARK Park-75 miles long and from 2 to 13 miles wide. The greater part of the park is about 2,000 Feet in elevation, but 60 peaks within its boundaries rise 3,000 to 4,000 feet. CONTENTS The Skyline Drive, 105 miles in length, roughly follows the Page crest of the Blue Ridge. Seventy-five overlooks along the way WELCOME. 2 give you long-distance views of the Piedmont to the east and INTRODUCTION TO THE PARK 3 the Shenandoah River Valley to the west. From Hogback FUN IN THE PARK . 3 Overlook, on a clear day, you can count 11 bends in the river AT HOME IN THE PARK 6 and look down on the fertile valley areas where Indian villages sto~d. SKYLAND . 7 But the park is more than just the Skyline Drive. To dis- BIG MEADOWS 8 cover its secrets, we suggest you park your 200-horsepower car LEWIS MOUNTAIN. 8 and hire a I-horsepower dobbin. Better yet, be more primitive THE SKYLINE DRIVE 10,11,12,13 and walk. Get away from the noisy thoroughfare into priceless GEOLOGY 14 quiet. You will uncover the gifts of nature that' lie beyond the highway between the drive and the park boundaries.
    [Show full text]