Blog
–––––
On A Clear Day You Can See Forever
by Patressa Kearns More than a half-decade ago Barbra Streisand proclaimed to the world in song that on a clear day, you can see…well, pretty gosh-darn far. Lucky you, the Shenandoah National Park visitor, because wintertime in the Blue Ridge is filled with...
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Fall Visit To Shenandoah
by Patressa Kearns Upon signing the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin said “…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Well, ol’ Ben, while right about a lot of things, was wrong about that one, because there is a third certainty in this...
Far From The Maddening Crowd: Off-The-Beaten Path Hikes
by Patressa Kearns Robert Frost was right: Taking the trail less traveled by does make all the difference. Especially in this busy national park in its busiest time of year. Nature is popular all year round, but it’s especially sought after in autumn, when trees...
Five Especially Excellent Shenandoah Overlooks From Which to View Fall Foliage
by Patressa Kearns Skyline Drive has nearly 70 scenic overlooks, all of them charming. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but here are five contenders: Thornton Hollow Overlook, mile 27.6 – A view to the east and the Virginia Piedmont, but mostly a stunning view of...
How to Enjoy Fall Even if You Are Not a Hiker
by Patressa Kearns “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of timeAny fool can do itThere ain't nothing to itNobody knows how we got to the top of the hillBut since we're on our way downWe might as well enjoy the ride” – James Taylor, “Secret O’ Life” Shenandoah...
Fall in Love with Summer Hiking in Shenandoah
by Patressa Kearns Ahh, summer in Shenandoah National Park, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. 1. You’re cooler than all the rest. – Temps in the mountains are usually 10 to 15 degrees below those in the Shenandoah Valley (to the west of Skyline Drive) and...
There’s No Time Like That First Time
(by Patressa Kearns) We get it. Planning a trip can be exhausting – almost as exhausting as hiking a trail or setting up a campsite. And when you’re planning that trip to a place you’ve never been before…well, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t let yourself...
So You Say You Want to See a Bear
by Patressa Kearns If you asked 100 Shenandoah National Park visitors what they most look forward to when they come to the Park, 99 of them are going to tell you it’s seeing a black bear. Seeing a black bear in its natural habitat is magical, every single time. ...
Shenandoah National Park Announces Spring 2021 Opening Dates
Facilities in Shenandoah National Park are beginning to open and will continue to open throughout the spring. Visitor Centers The park’s two visitor centers are now open with rangers providing information at outdoor contact stations and the Park Stores located inside...
The Songbirds of Shenandoah
(by Patressa Kearns) When winter starts to get old, even to those of us who love winter, spring seems mighty slow to come. “Slow as molasses” doesn’t begin to describe the sluggishness of spring’s arrival, when our moods...