Ranger Programs

 

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Learn and Explore

Ranger-guided programs give visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of Shenandoah with a Ranger. Discover stories of Shenandoah's past, take a walk through a unique mountain meadow, or learn about the animals and plants that thrive here. You never know what you'll learn next!

 

Ranger Programs

In-person ranger programs are typically offered in the spring, summer, and fall. See this season's schedule on our bulletin, calendar, and below.

Virtual Ranger Programs

Can't make it to Shenandoah? We've got you covered. You can still follow a Park Ranger as they teach you about a variety of topics in our series of virtual ranger programs designed to give you the full ranger program experience from wherever you are in the world.

Rapidan Camp Tours

Rapidan Camp tours are typically offered in the spring, summer, and fall. If you can't attend in person, check out our virtual tours of the Brown House and the Prime Minister's Cabin.

Rapidan Camp is the former summer retreat of President Herbert and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Hike to Rapidan Camp following a recommended day hike to explore the grounds and gardens within this historic landmark. Check our ranger programs schedule below for tours and porch talks.

 

Fall 2022 Ranger Programs

Schedule begins Tuesday, September 6 and ends Sunday, October 30.

   Dickey Ridge (mile 4.6)

Fall 2022 Dickey Ridge Ranger Programs

Ranger Program	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
All Things Shenandoah Ranger Talk - Come and enjoy this short talk on the various subjects that make Shenandoah great. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Dickey Ridge Visitor Center Lawn (mile 4.6), 20-30 min	11:00 a.m.	11:00 a.m.	11:00 a.m.	11:00 a.m.	11:00 a.m.	11:00 a.m.	11:00 a.m.

   Mathews Arm (22.2), Elkwallow (24)

Fall 2022 Fall Mathews Arm Ranger Programs

Ranger Program	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
Wild About Bears! - Celebrate Shenandoah’s largest mammal at this short talk. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Elkwallow Wayside (mile 24), 20-30 min	1:00 p.m.	1:00 p.m.	1:00 p.m.	1:00 p.m.	1:00 p.m.	1:00 p.m.	1:00 p.m.
Young Naturalists Program - Discover Shenandoah at this hands-on program designed for ages 5-12, but all children are welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Mathews Arm Campground Amphitheater (mile 22.2), 45 min, less than ½-mile walk							4:00 p.m.
Traces Trail Hike - Join us for a family-friendly exploration of this forested loop hike. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Mathews Arm Campground Amphitheater parking lot (mile 22.2), 1 hr, 1.7-mile easy loop trail							10:30 a.m.
Appalachian Trail Hike - . Join a Ranger for a hike along the famous Appalachian Trail to a great view. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Meet at parking area south of Hogback Overlook at the kiosk for the A.T. trailhead (mile 21), 1-½ hrs, easy 1.6-mile out and back	10:30 a.m.
Mathews Arm Evening Program - Join a Ranger for a national park tradition. Check visitor centers for topics. Dress for cool mountain nights. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Mathews Arm Campground Amphitheater (mile 22.2), 45 min						6:30 p.m.
Mathews Arm Star Party - Join a Ranger for an exploration of the night sky. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Mathews Arm Campground Amphitheater parking lot (mile 22.2), 45 min							8:30 p.m.

   Skyland (miles 41.7 and 42.5)

Fall 2022 Skyland Ranger Programs

Ranger Program	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
Stony Man Hike - Stony Man has stories, both historic and natural. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Stony Man Trailhead (mile 41.7), 2 hrs, 2-mile hike							10:00 a.m.
Limberlost Trail Hike - Learn about geology and nature on this gentle, accessible hike. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Meet at Limberlost parking lot (mile 43), 1.5 hrs, 1-mile					2:00 p.m.
Massanutten Lodge Open House - Tour Addie Pollock’s restored bungalow and hear the stories of early Skyland. Wheelchair Accessible. Ends October 23. Located at Skyland lower-level (mile 42.5). Park near Skyland Conference Hall	2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.					2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.	2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Skyland Evening Program - Join a Ranger for a national park tradition. Check visitor centers for topics. Dress for cool mountain nights. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Skyland Amphitheater (mile 42.5), 45 min						7:30 p.m.

   Big Meadows (mile 51)

Fall 2022 Fall Big Meadows Ranger Programs

Ranger Program	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Walk - Learn the ABCs of the CCC boys in this 45-min easy walking tour. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51)	9:30 a.m.					9:30 a.m.
Meadow Walk - Experience a high-elevation wetland meadow on this gentle walk. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51), 1-½ hrs, 1-mile walk			9:30 a.m.				9:30 a.m.
Wild About Bears Talk - Celebrate Shenandoah’s largest mammal. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51), 20 min	11:30 a.m.	11:30 a.m.	11:30 a.m.	11:30 a.m.	11:30 a.m.	11:30 a.m.	11:30 a.m.
All Things Shenandoah Ranger Talk - Come and enjoy this short talk on the various subjects that make Shenandoah great. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51), 15-25 min	1:30 p.m.	1:30 p.m.	1:30 p.m.	1:30 p.m.	1:30 p.m.	1:30 p.m.	1:30 p.m.
Young Naturalists Program - Discover Shenandoah at this hands-on program designed for children (accompanied by an adult). Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51), 1-½ hrs , less than 1-mile walk							2:30 p.m.
Big Meadows Evening Program - Join a Ranger for a national park tradition. Check visitor centers for topics. Dress for cool mountain nights. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Big Meadows Amphitheater (mile 51), 45 min							7:30 p.m.
Big Meadows Star Party - Join a Ranger for an exploration of the night sky. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Park at Rapidan Fire Road (mile 51.2), 45 min					8:30 p.m.		8:30 p.m.
Historic Rapidan Camp - Join a Ranger at Rapidan Camp for an informal chat to discuss the life, presidency, and summer retreat of Herbert Hoover. Assistive Listening Available. Brown House porch, must hike 2 miles to Rapidan Camp on own. Park at Milam Gap (mile 52.4).	10:00 a.m. to noon -and- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.	10:00 a.m. to noon -and- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.			10:00 a.m. to noon -and- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.	10:00 a.m. to noon -and- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.	10:00 a.m. to noon -and- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

   Loft Mountain (mile 79.5 )

Fall 2022 Loft Mountain Ranger Programs

Ranger Program	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
Loft Mountain Evening Program - Join a Ranger for a national park tradition. Check visitor centers for topics. Dress for cool mountain nights. Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). Loft Mountain Amphitheater (mile 79.5), 45 min							7:30 p.m.