Eyes to the Skies: Late-fall Raptor Migrations in Shenandoah National Park
by Patressa Kearns Great news for birdwatchers: During the 10 weeks between September 15 and November 30, it’s nearly impossible not to see birds of prey, or raptors, flying over Shenandoah National Park! This is because the Appalachian Mountains, the chain of which the Blue Ridge Mountains are a link, serve as a key…
Rapidan Camp: History at the Headwaters
How is Rapidan Camp tied to a hobby? Read on to discover the history. It’s always good to have a hobby. But when times are tough it’s especially wise to have a pastime you love – knitting, baking, assembling model airplanes, collecting stamps – something to take your mind off your current woes and clear…
Do Nothing, or Do it All! Summer Activities and Events in Shenandoah
There is no shortage of fun summer activities to do in Shenandoah National Park. You can hit one of the Park’s 500-plus miles of hiking trails. Have a picnic at one of seven picnic grounds. Spend the night in Skyland or historic Big Meadows Lodge, or rough it just a bit more in one of…
Safe Summer Hiking in Shenandoah National Park
NOTE: Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive is now open with some restrictions. Visit the park’s official website for full details. According to George Gershwin, in summertime the livin’ is easy. Gershwin was right for the most part. In summer, not only are the fish jumpin’, but other fun conditions also prevail, including balmy weather and lots…
Surprises of Spring Hiking in Shenandoah
Coronavirus Update NOTE: Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive is now open with some restrictions. Visit the park’s official website for full details. by Patressa Kearns You could say that, really, only one condition is required to hike in Shenandoah National Park in the springtime: flexibility. And we’re not just talking about the limberness of muscles and…
How About a Winter Hike in Shenandoah National Park?
by Patressa Kearns Some people just don’t get winter hiking. What’s the point? they wonder. It’s cold and windy. The trees are bare, the ground hard, and there’s nothing much to see except boulders, ice, and frozen dirt. Songbirds aren’t warbling nor can you reasonably hope to spot a black bear. It’s too frigid to…
Skyline Drive Winter Wonders
A tour down Skyline Drive is one of the most popular trips in the Shenandoah Valley—for three seasons. But have you tried it in winter? A winter tour of Skyline Drive? Isn’t it full of snow and ice? Well, sometimes, yes. And Skyline Drive can be fully or partially closed because of the weather conditions,…
Black Bear Year in Shenandoah National Park: What Happens in the Winter?
by Patressa Kearns Let’s go ahead and admit it: in one way or another, most of us are card-carrying members of the black bear fan club. We yearn to catch a glimpse of a black bear along Skyline Drive. We can’t wait to spot a cub or two (or three!) scampering across the road and…
Planning a Summer Road Trip?
Skyline Drive is one of America’s favorite mountain drives, and it’s so easy to get to.
Plan Ahead for Fall Travel
Autumn is both a beautiful and a busy time in the Blue Ridge Mountains.