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.