Friday's Video

Below is a video and photo collage of Shenandoah National Park from Photo Trekker.

The video includes beautiful scenes from places like Dark Hollow Falls, Hawksbill Summit, White Oak Canyon and Luray Caverns:




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Shenandoah National Park Begins 75th Anniversary Celebration

Shenandoah National Park will launch a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of its establishment with a ceremony at McCormick Gap Overlook at milepost 102 on Skyline Drive at 2:00 p.m. on November 5, 2010.

Park Superintendent Martha Bogle will receive the "mantle of celebration" from Phil Francis, superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, whose 75th anniversary celebration took place in 2010. Due to limited space along Skyline Drive, parking for the event will be at Afton Mountain on Route 250, and shuttles will provide transportation to the ceremony at the McCormick Gap Overlook. Shuttle service will begin at 12:30.

The program will feature remarks by Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, followed by "A Journey Through the Decades," a program marking the milestones of achievements and honoring Shenandoah's partners. Among the participants will be Matthew Mesher, great-great grandson of President Herbert Hoover, whose Rapidan Camp retreat lies within what is now the boundary of Shenandoah National Park; Robert Jacobsen, former Shenandoah National Park superintendent; and Mike Breeden, descendent of former residents of the land from which the park was created. Hammered dulcimer player, Madeline MacNeil will provide entertainment at the overlook from 1:00 until 2:00.

In announcing the event, Superintendent Bogle remarked, "We are excited about the beginning of this year-long celebration of Shenandoah National Park. We look forward to remembering the vision and dedication of the park's early supporters, the sacrifice of the residents and landowners, and inspiring a new generation of park stewards."

A rededication of Shenandoah will occur on June 25, 2011.

For more information about the 75th Anniversary, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Shenandoah announces night closing of Skyline Drive during hunting season

Park Superintendent Martha Bogle announced yesterday that portions of Skyline Drive, the famed mountain road through Shenandoah National Park, will be closed at night during the upcoming hunting season. She noted that this is the thirtieth year that this closure has been undertaken and stressed its importance at reducing illegal hunting activity within the park, a sanctuary for wildlife, during Virginia's hunting season outside the park.

From November 8, 2010, through January 1, 2011, the Skyline Drive between Front Royal (Mile 0 at U.S. Highway 340) and Thornton Gap (Mile 31 at U.S. Highway 211), and between Swift Run Gap (Mile 65 at U.S. Highway 33) and Rockfish Gap (Mile 105 at U.S. Highway 250), will be closed daily between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The central portion of the Drive, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, will remain open for overnight access to Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Campground until those facilities close on November 28. Then, beginning November 28, 2010, through January 1, 2011, the entire length of the Skyline Drive will be closed daily from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.

Superintendent Bogle said, "Closing portions of the Skyline Drive enables rangers to concentrate patrols on problem areas and to increase contacts along the park boundary."

Superintendent Bogle also reminded the public that the park has a reward program to assist in combating illegal hunting in the Park. "A reward will be paid to anyone who furnishes information which leads to the conviction of any person who hunts, transports, or attempts to transport illegally taken wildlife within the park," said Bogle. Anyone with information about such activities should call the nearest Ranger Station or Park Headquarters (toll free, 1-800-732-0911; or (540) 999-2227). The identity of persons furnishing information will be kept strictly confidential, and a person does not have to reveal his or her name.

For more information on hiking in Shenandoah, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Wilderness Weekend at Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park will honor America's wilderness heritage during its 10th annual Wilderness Weekend, October 16 - 17, 2010. This year commemorates the 34th anniversary of Shenandoah's wilderness designation. Celebrate wilderness by viewing Shenandoah's wilderness from Skyline Drive, hiking a wilderness trail, joining a ranger program, completing the Wilderness Explorer Ranger Activity Guide, or exploring a visitor center exhibit.

Special events take place at Byrd Visitor Center, milepost 51 on Skyline Drive. Shenandoah National Park Trail Crews and PATC volunteers share their expertise in the traditional tools used to maintain trails in wilderness. Visitors can try their hands at using these tools and gain insight on the important role trail maintenance plays in protecting wilderness for future generations. Short talks by rangers during the day explore the history and values of Shenandoah’s wilderness.

Visitors are also encouraged to stop by park visitor centers for more opportunities to learn about Shenandoah's wilderness through exhibits and films. The highly interactive exhibit at Byrd Visitor Center, "Within a Day's Drive of Millions," tells the story of Shenandoah's establishment including the significance of wilderness designation. Visitors can explore the history and meaning of wilderness through a computer touch screen exhibit, "The Spirit of Wilderness." A newly released film narrated by Christopher Reeves, American Values: American Wilderness, will be available for viewing on request.

Shenandoah's wilderness was designated by Congress in October 1976. Forty percent of the park, almost 80,000 acres, is wilderness and represents one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern United States. Areas preserved as wilderness provide sanctuaries for human recreation, habitat for wildlife, sites for research, and reservoirs for clean, free-flowing water.

For more information on the weekend's events, please click here. For information on hiking in the park, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Water issues on the Appalachian Trail

I just wanted to pass on a couple of water issues along the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and Shenandoah National Park.

According to the latest Smokies update:

Water sources from campsite 113 to Spence Field are unreliable at his time. Water is currently available at Derrick Knob, which is approximately 23 miles from Fontana. Please plan your hike accordingly or consider planning a hike when water sources become more reliable again.

And in Shenandoah:

Water sources along the A.T. in the park are in danger of drying up. Hikers will find that most springs are not dependable and need to carry plenty of water with them. You can click here for a detailed list of water sources in the park.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Shenandoah Fall Programs schedule

Earlier in the week Shenandoah National Park published their ranger-guided Fall Programs schedule (covering September 7th thru October 31st).

The schedule includes campfire programs, discussions on various animals that live within the park, and several shorts hikes - with highlights that include Stony Man and Hawksbill Mountain.

Please click here to view the schedule.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Shenandoah Announces Hiking Program for Families with Children

Shenandoah National Park is hosting two “Hiking with Children” seminars scheduled for two Saturdays this summer, on June 19 and July 17 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. These programs are designed for parents that want to get outdoors to hike with their children and have a worry-free experience. Have you always wanted to hike with your family but were concerned about being safe? Do you wonder about keeping your little ones entertained and engaged? Are you making the right decisions about what to wear and what to take with you should unexpected situations arise? Guest speaker and expert hiker Jeff Alt, author of the celebrated A Walk for Sunshine, will share his expertise with you and your family. You will learn firsthand how to share nature with children for a fun and safe outdoor adventure.

At the “Hiking with Children” seminars, Jeff will provide tips on how families with children can experience nature together on the trails in Shenandoah National Park. Both programs include a short hike with Jeff and park rangers on one of the park’s trails.

The “Hiking with Children” program is free but reservations are requested. There is a $15-per-car entrance fee to the park, good for seven days. Saturday, June 19 is Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day and the park will waive entrance fees for those residents living in counties adjoining the park including: Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Madison, Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham, and Warren.

To register for a seminar, go to the Shenandoah National Park website at:

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/resource_seminars.htm

“Hiking with Children” is one of the Shenandoah National Park Resource Seminars designed for those who want to get to know their national park a little more personally. Seminars provide a more in-depth experience to learn from scientists, researchers, educators, and other experts about resource issues and recreational opportunities in Shenandoah National Park. Future seminars include The Basics of Family Camping, July 10 -11, and the science-based air quality seminar, What’s Up with the Air? on Saturday, August 14, 2010.

For more information on hiking trails in Shenandoah, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

National Trails Day at Shenandoah

Shenandoah National Park and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club will celebrate National Trails Day on June 5th. New hikers and experienced backpackers alike are invited to learn new trail skills and practice old ones at the Beyond the Trailhead event at the Byrd Visitor Center, milepost 51 on Skyline Drive. Come participate in hikes, demonstrations, and presentations throughout the day.

A variety of hikes guided by experienced Trail Patrol members will be offered for people of all ages and experience levels: hikes suitable for families with children and easy, moderate, and advanced hikes for adults. Hikers will need to meet at the registration table at Byrd Visitor Center 15 minutes before the hike time to sign in. Hikers should wear footwear and clothing for the season, and bring plenty of water.

Click here for the schedule of hikes. For more information on many of the trails in Shenandoah National Park, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Wildflower Roundup

* The latest wildflower report from Tom Harrington has been posted on the Great Smoky Mountain Association's website today. The report includes wildflowers he saw on the Porters Creek Trail and on his hike to Mount Cammerer. Please click here to see the full report.

* The online Blue Ridge Parkway Guide has a wildflower bloom schedule on their site that offers what varieties can be seen on the Parkway, where to generally find them, and when to find them. Click here to view the schedule.

* Don't forget Wildflower Weekend in Shenandoah National Park will be held on May 8-9 this year. Several hikes, walks and wildflower related programs are scheduled throughout the weekend. More than 1,300 species of plants thrive within Shenandoah National Park. Please click here for more information.

* For more information on hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park, please click here. And for hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Shenandoah N.P. lodging offers BOGO deal during National Park Week

In honor of National Park Week and the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this month, Shenandoah National Park's Skyland Resort is offering a special promotion where guests can book one night and receive the second night free. The offer is valid April 18-29, 2010.

ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, recently announced several deals on lodging, tours and retail items in conjunction with the National Park Service's Fee-Free promotion and the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

In addition to receiving free entrance to the national parks April 17-25, visitors can take advantage of buy-one-get-one free offers on lodging and tours at select destinations managed by ARAMARK. Guests can also receive 40 percent off select 100 percent recycled tees at retail shops during the week of April 17-25 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.

Guests of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia can book one night at Skyland Resort, priced at $125, and receive the second consecutive night FREE. This offer is valid April 18-29, 2010. Please click here for more information.

ARAMARK is offering similar deals at other parks as well, including Mesa Verde National Park, Olympic National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, as well as the Togwotee Mountain Lodge near Yellowstone National Park. Please click here for more information.


> If you're planning on doing some hiking at Shenandoah, please click here for a list of trails and some recommended hikes.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

Wildflower Weekend at Shenandoah National Park

Most people familiar with the Great Smoky Mountains are aware of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage that takes place every April in the Park. If you can't get enough of the beautiful wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians you can head a little further north for the Wildflower Weekend at Shenandoah National Park the following month.

Wildflower Weekend in Shenandoah will be held on May 8-9 this year. Several hikes, walks and wildflower related programs are scheduled throughout the weekend. More than 1,300 species of plants thrive within Shenandoah National Park.

For more information, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Shenandoah National Park Announces Spring Opening Dates

Late last week Shenandoah National Park announced that facilities closed during the winter season will begin opening this month and will continue to open throughout the spring.

Even though spring is just around the corner, park staff continues to clear snow from the unprecedented 2010 winter season. March opening dates below are tentative based on weather and successful snow clearing operations.

Visitor Centers will be operated as follows: Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center will open March 26; Dickey Ridge Visitor Center will open on April 1; Loft Mountain Information Center will open on May 14, operating weekends and holidays only.

Campgrounds will operate on the following schedule: Big Meadows Campgrounds will open on March 26; Lewis Mountain Campground will open on April 9; Mathews Arm Campgrounds will open on May 14; Loft Mountain will open on May 21, pending completion of a construction project to rehabilitate roads in the area.

Elkwallow, Pinnacles, South River and Dundo Picnic Grounds are currently open. The remaining picnic grounds will operate as follows: Big Meadows Picnic Grounds will open March 26; Dickey Ridge will open on April 1; and Lewis Mountain Picnic Grounds will open April 9. Loft Mountain Picnic Ground remains closed.

Concessioner-operated restaurants, lodges and associated facilities will operate as follows: Big Meadows Wayside will open March 19; Skyland Resort will open on April 1; Big Meadows Shower/Laundry will open on March 26; Lewis Mountain Cabins and Lewis Mountain Campstore will open on April 9; Elkwallow Wayside will open on April 16; Loft Mountain Wayside will open on April 30; Big Meadows Lodge will open on May 20; Loft Mountain Campstore and Loft Mountain Shower and Laundry will open on May 21.

For more information about planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park go to http://www.nps.gov/shen or call the park at 540-999-3500.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Shenandoah National Park bans outside firewood

Officials at Shenandoah National Park announced that they will be instituting a ban on outside firewood beginning on Monday, March 1.

A park news release said the ban will attempt to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle.

The beetle is responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of ash trees throughout the Midwest, according to park officials, and has been documented in Fairfax County, about 55 miles from the park’s northern boundary.

White ash trees, comprising approximately four percent of the park’s overall forest, are found in 16 forest communities that together cover 65 percent of the park’s acreage. Given what is known about EAB infestations, an outbreak in Shenandoah National Park could lead to the loss of white ash in the park and surrounding areas.

The wood regulation will require that visitors not bring firewood into the park. Dead and downed firewood in the park may be used and wood can be purchases at park stores.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a somewhat similar ban in place as well. Although not a complete ban, firewood from the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec can not be brought into the park.

The ban in the Smokies was put in place to prevent the spread of the Emerald ash borer and the Asian longhorned beetle into the park.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Shenandoah records 3 significant winter rescues in 2 months

The National Park Service is reporting that Shenandoah National Park staff have been involved in three winter-related search and rescue operations over the past two months:

* On December 18th, the park was forecast to receive substantial snow. In preparation for the storm, the park’s interior was evacuated and roads were closed. On the following morning, the park received a call for assistance from two hikers who had parked at the closed barricades and hiked seven miles into a backcountry cabin after the storm had begun. The hikers explained that they thought they were prepared for snow but that they had found they weren’t ready for the nearly four feet of snow that was on the ground. Rescue efforts involved bringing in the park plows to access the party and extract them. The plows encountered drifts up to seven feet high along Skyline Drive and took several hours to reach the stranded hikers. The hikers were cold and exhausted when the rescue personnel reached them later that evening.

* On January 15th, a man and woman were eating lunch below an ice covered cliff about ten feet off the Whiteoak Trail when a large chunk of ice broke free and fell about 25 feet, hitting the woman on the back. She sustained multiple bone fractures and other injuries, including a punctured lung. The roads and grounds crew plowed open a snow and ice covered fire road to expedite the evacuation, averting a lengthy carryout over icy terrain. The woman was then flown to the University of Virginia Trauma Center and was reported in stable condition the following day.

* On the evening of January 28th, the park received a report of an overdue day hiker on Old Rag Mountain. The man was reported to have significant medical issues and was not prepared for the extreme cold weather conditions that existed at the time. In addition, a winter storm was forecast for the following afternoon. Hasty searchers that night were unable to locate the man. Containment was set up overnight, with full search efforts beginning the following morning, including the utilization of USPP’s Eagle 1 helicopter for aerial search and hoist operations. Eagle 1 inserted a searcher on the summit using the hoist while four other ground teams searched the trail corridors leading to the summit. After several hours, the man was located near the summit by the searcher who was inserted. He was extracted by Eagle 1 in a Billy Pugh basket, transported to waiting a ground ambulance, then taken to the local hospital. A total of 14 NPS and 26 volunteer searchers ultimately were assigned to the search. Eagle 1 was piloted by Jeff Hertel and crewed by rescue technician/paramedic Timothy Ryan.

The success of all three of these rescues was dependent on the continuously displayed teamwork and effectiveness of all of the park’s divisions and on outside resources coming together with them and accomplishing difficult tasks.




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.