Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park
Ski resorts, caverns, and the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson are easily accessible from Virginia’s Interstate 81, but just a few miles to the east, a much slower pace can be found in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.
Famous for: Beautiful vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Admission: December-February, $10/vehicle. March-November, $15/vehicle for a 7-day pass. Annual pass: $30. America the Beautiful Pass: $80.
Families with young kids will like: Ranger programs on various subjects and the opportunity to earn their own Junior Ranger badges.
Families with teenagers will like: Earthcaching in the park.
Other travelers will like: Hiking some or all of the 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run through the park.
Easy site seeing: The 105-mile Skyline Drive on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Best hotel in the park: Skyland Resort is at the park’s highest point. It includes a variety of lodging options and regional dining specialties.
Best campground in the park: Big Meadows is open from late March through November, and is near major facilities and trails.
Affordable lodging experience: Lewis Mountain Cabins are rustic living. Each cabin includes water and electricity but no stove, microwave, or refrigerator. All cooking must be done outside.
Best months to visit for weather: Summer, or fall when the foliage is turning colors.
Best months to visit to avoid crowds: Spring, when the wildflowers and trees are blooming but the crowds haven’t arrived yet.
Nearest major cities: Washington, D.C.
More information from the National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/shen/
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Photo courtesy of: National Park Service
Post written by: Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children