Safety

Always check yourself for ticks, and properly remove them from your skin if bitten.

Courtesy of Virginia Department of Health

Make your fun adventure a safe and healthy one, too! Use the NPS Trip Planning Guide and Checklist to help plan your trip. Be aware of the common hazards in the Shenandoah Valley.

Dial 911 in case of emergency.

Weather

Check the weather forecast in advance of your trip, and plan accordingly. Summers in Virginia are often very hot with high heat indexes. Dress for the heat and for sun protection. Public water fountains are only available at Belle Grove Planation.

Ticks

Ticks that carry disease are abundant in Virginia. Park rangers suggest using repellent with DEET. Do you know how to take precautions against tick-borne diseases?

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer on the roadways and the occasional black bear. Do you know how to stay safe if you see a black bear?

Roads

The Valley Pike (U.S. Highway 11) is a busy modern route. Do not cross it on foot except at signal-regulated intersections.

If taking the self-guided or ranger-led battlefield tour be prepared to drive on curvy, narrow, unpaved state and county roads.