Summer 2009 Shenandoah National Park Shenandoahshenandoah Overlookoverlook
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National Park Service Park Visitor Guide U.S. Department of the Interior Summer 2009 Shenandoah National Park ShenandoahShenandoah OverlookOverlook Park Emergency Number America at Its Best . 1-800-732-0911 “…with the smell of the woods, and the wind Shenandoah Online in the trees, they will forget the rush and strain of all the other long weeks of the year, To learn more about Shenandoah, and for a short time at least, the days will be or to plan your next visit, visit our good for their hearts and for their souls." website: www.nps.gov/shen –President Franklin Roosevelt speaking about vacationers to national parks in his speech at Shenandoah National Park’s dedication, July 3, 1936. aaaaaaah… the sound of relief, winding down, changing perspective. There’s no better place to do it Athan Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah was designed from the ground up for an escape to nature. As you enter the park and navigate the gentle curves of Skyline Drive, you have to slow down! For one thing, the speed limit is 35mph, but even if it weren’t you’d be compelled to let up on the gas to take in the breathtaking views at every turn and the wildlife grazing by the road. And if one of those views tempts you to pull off at an Overlook, get out of your car, Your Pet in the Park take a deep breath and say, “Aaaaaaaah.” Pets are welcome in the park—if they do not disturb other visitors or the It seems that these days, more than ever, we all need a place animals who call this park home. To to get away from the stress of daily life, to “forget the rush American as the Declaration of Independence: that the most ensure this, keep your pet on a six- and strain of all the other long weeks of the year.” A quiet magnificent and sacred places in our land belong not to royalty foot lead at all times. If you need a evening watching the sun sink into the distant ranges or an or the rich, but to everyone and for all time. All that is required leash, you can find one in the book- early morning skirting Big Meadows to hear the symphony of of us is that we visit this property once in a while and check it store section of the visitor centers. migratory birds will go a long way toward renewing the spirit out, and that we pass it on to our children.” and reminding us of cause for optimism in our nation: our Pets are not permitted on Ranger-led national parks. This film is filled with the stories of people from all walks of programs. In addition, to ensure life who have sought their parks in times of joy and in times your pet’s safety and the safety of Writer Wallace Stegner wrote, “National parks are the best of trouble and made incredible personal connections and others, pets are not permitted on idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, memories that last a lifetime. The film is a reminder of the the following trails: they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” And it’s a significance and value of our national parks. great time to focus on America’s best. Legendary documentary - Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6) maker Ken Burns agrees. His newest project, The National So, thanks for stopping by to check on your property! We - Traces Trail (mile 22.2) Parks: America’s Best Idea, airs in 12 parts on public television hope your time here becomes one of those memories that last - Stony Man Trail (mile 41.7) in 2009. “National parks embody an idea as uniquely a lifetime. - Limberlost Trail (mile 43) - 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) See the Park . Really See the Park - Old Rag Ridge Trail - Old Rag Saddle Trail Attending a Ranger-led Program will truly enhance your visit to Shenandoah National Park. You’ll discover the stories of These trails total only about 14 Shenandoah’s past, or take a walk through a mountain miles! Since the park has over 500 meadow, or meet face-to-face an owl and other birds of miles of trails, you and your pet on a prey. You may ride down to Rapidan Camp, where President leash can have a wonderful time Hoover and his wife spent happy weekends relaxing and hiking in the park. working. Perhaps you’ll climb up Stony Man Mountain to the amazing view at the top, or walk the accessible Limberlost Trail with its abundant mountain laurel, wildflow- ers in season, and unique history. These programs and many more are all led by Rangers who will help you make a closer and more personal connection with this very special place that is Shenandoah. For a complete schedule of Ranger Programs, see the back page of this issue. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Welcome! On the Rocks . Shenandoah National Park New Superintendent Martha The many rocks and rock formations in Shenandoah are Bogle welcomes you to old—granite over a billion years, greenstone and quartzite Shenandoah Overlook is published for the Shenandoah National Park. Ms. 500 million or more years. Rocks, like the plants and ani- park visitor by Shenandoah National Park Bogle arrived in the park last fall mals, are protected in the park, so you should not take a Interpretation and Education Division, with and is looking forward to seeing rock away: it belongs here! Moreover, rock outcrop and funding from the Shenandoah National Park Association and ARAMARK, the lots of summer visitors enjoying cliff areas, so popular with visitors, support rare plant and official park concessioner. Shenandoah. “I encourage you animal populations. to participate in one or more of Additional funding provided by: Shenandoah’s Ranger-led pro- A comprehensive study of these areas (2005-2007), called Brookside Restaurant, Luray, VA grams and walks. I feel confident the Rock Outcrop Management Project (ROMP), is leading Days Inn, Luray, VA to a plan that will help the park protect natural resources Front Royal Visitor Center that your visit will be much more rewarding by doing so.” Luray-Page Co. Chamber of Commerce while still providing for visitor enjoyment of cliffs and rock Merck & Co., Inc., Elkton, VA Born and raised in Tennessee, Ms. Bogle began her career outcrops. Rockfish Gap Outfitters, Waynesboro, VA as a seasonal Park Ranger in Great Smoky Mountains Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Luray, VA National Park. She brings to her new position over 30 years of experience in 11 National Park Service sites. Editors: Joanne Amberson, Park Volunteer Claire Comer, Interpretive Specialist Layout and Design: Neal Lewis, Visual Information Specialist Photographs: Ed Knepley, Park Volunteer Bob Kuhns, Park Ranger John F. Mitchell, Park Volunteer Shenandoah National Park Archives Contributors to this issue: Skyline Drive Joanne Amberson, Julena Campbell, Wendy Cass, Claire Comer, Rolf Gubler, Ann Kain, Karen Michaud, Greta Miller, Skyline Drive, the famed roadway through Shenandoah Helen Morton, Gordon Olson National Park, dates from the 1930s. Some sections are now being resurfaced—in the North District from mile 0 to Printed by: mile 10.4 and in the Central District from mile 31.5 to mile Shenandoah Publications, Inc., 65.5. During working hours, some sections of the Drive Woodstock, VA may be reduced to one-lane traffic and you may have to Shenandoah National Park wait a bit, perhaps up to 15 minutes. 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, Virginia 22835 But tomorrow is coming! The reconstructed Drive will be (540) 999-3500 ready for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the www.nps.gov/shen park in 2011. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Shenandoah National Park Trust Park Accessibility The Shenandoah National Park Trust is The funds raised at this and other simi- used to create a cache of rescue equip- one of the park’s partner organizations. lar events, as well as through donations ment on Old Rag Mountain, giving park Restrooms and Buildings The Trust’s mission is to support medical personnel the ability to reach Most are accessible or accessible with Shenandoah through fostering public injured hikers more quickly. The Trust assistance. awareness, encouraging private philan- has also funded several educational pro- Lodging thropy, and seeking public support. jects, a historic preservation project, and Accessible overnight accommodations the restoration of the CCC-built Old Rag are available at Lewis Mountain, Skyland These are exciting times for the SNP Overlook (pictured below) at mile 46.5. Resort, and Big Meadows Lodge. Trust. Early last spring the Trust joined (800) 999-4714. with another of the park’s partners, If you’d like to know more about the Picnic Grounds and Campgrounds WVPT, to host Ken Burns at a fund- Shenandoah National Park Trust and its Accessible sites are available at all park raising gala where he previewed his exciting future projects, visit their web- picnic grounds and campgrounds. film on national parks and inspired site at www.snptrust.org, or contact: Accessible shower and laundry facilities both groups with his commitment to are available at Big Meadows, Lewis our national parks and his special con- and endowments, will be used to sup- Susan Sherman Mountain, and Loft Mountain camp- grounds. Restrooms at picnic grounds are nection with Shenandoah. Shenandoah port special projects in Shenandoah.