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Shenandoah National ParkA yellow and orange sky meets islands of mountains in a fog ocean.
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Shenandoah, a wilderness oasis in the busy east . . .

Gazing across the horizon from the peaks of Shenandoah National Park it’s hard to believe you are just 75 miles from the bustle of our nation’s capital. Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness.

 
Animal tracks in forest snow.

Winter in Shenandoah

Visiting Shenandoah National Park in the winter can be a magical experience. With the leaves gone from the trees, one can see far into the forest. Where summer foilage once blocked the view, a whole new world becomes visible to the careful observer.
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A young visitor studies his GPS unit while earthcaching at Blackrock summit.

What's New on Shenandoah's Website

EarthCaching! Find out more about a fun new way to explore Shenandoah using GPS! Shenandoah now has five posted EarthCaches including Old Rag and Stony Man. Join this world-wide phenomenon!
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An adult bear and her cub frolic in the summer grass of Shenandoah.

Shenandoah Nature & Science

Discover Shenandoah's Natural World! Learn more about Shenandoah's animals, plants, environmental factors, and natural features.
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Emerald Ash Borer graphic

Firewood Ban in 2010

In an effort to slow the spread of the highly destructive Emerald Ash Borer, Shenandoah National Park will enact a FIREWOOD BAN beginning March 1, 2010. Visitors who want to have a campfire will have to gather or purchase firewood in the park.
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Write to

Park Superintendent
3655 US Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835

E-mail Us

Phone

Information Line
(540) 999-3500

Emergency Line
(800) 732-0911

Climate

The mountains in Shenandoah National Park are usually 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. Winters can be severe with snow and ice, and summer showers may be sudden. Layered clothing is always suggested.
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The green sharply serrated leaves of chestnut shoots can be found throughout the park.  

Did You Know?
American chestnut trees, whose trunks were killed off by a fungus blight long ago, still send up shoots that you can see along many of Shenandoah National Park’s trails.

Last Updated: November 16, 2009 at 07:19 EST