“ As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department works to assure that nonrenewable resources are developed and used wisely, that park and recreational resources are conserved, and that renewable resources make their full contribution to the progress, prosperity, and security of the United States—now and in the future. ”

“ When necessary they gather material for preparation of court cases to be heard before a park commissioner.
Signal when crossing the road to overlooks. Drive slowly on curves and in rainy weather when roads are slippery. In fog, observe “Travel Not Advised” warnings; they are posted for your safety. If you must proceed, use your driving lights.
The solid centerline in the road is for your safety. Keep to the right. Pass only when your sight distance permits.
Fires.
Build fires only in fireplaces at picnic areas and campgrounds. Be sure your campfire is out! Be careful with cigarettes ”

“ Because the Blue Ridge was dominated by man for over 200 years, wild animals both large and small became scarce. Now, under park protection, deer and bears, bobcats and foxes are increasing in number. ”

“ The answer is in the fundamental policy of the National Park Service to maintain the National Parks in their natural state. The landscape scars—remnants of roads and fences, and grazed-over land—will disappear in time. The forests will come back to cover the farmlands, and in its own way the wildlife will balance and adjust to this forest ecology. ”

“ While types of accommodations in the park are limited, there is a wide choice of cabins, tourist homes, motels, and hotels in nearby communities, which are available the year round.
Hotel-type accommodations may be obtained in the park at Big Meadows. Cabins, with rooms and private connecting baths, may be rented at Skyland, Big Meadows, and Lewis Mountain. These accommodations are closed during winter. There are no cabins equipped for housekeeping. ”

“ The Mammals of Shenandoah National Park describes the wildlife in the park with stories and photographs. The illustrated book, 101 Wildflowers of Shenandoah National Park, is an excellent flower guide. Topographic trail maps of north, central, and south sections of the park and a booklet describe 20 Circuit Hikes.
Describing not only Shenandoah, but all of our parks, is Freeman Tilden’s The National Parks.
What To Bring.
Summer sportswear for daytime; sweaters and topcoats for evening (tuck in a raincoat, too) . Bring sturdy shoes for walking ”

“ Even today the geologic forces continue, almost unnoticed, to change and shape the land.
PLANTS
Ninety-five percent of the Blue Ridge is wooded, and much of this forest is made up of scarlet, red, and chestnut oaks. On the ridges and dry slopes there may also be hickory, black locust, black birch, and scattered maple, black gum, ash, and pine. In moister coves there is a greater variety of species including white oak, maple, birch, yellow-poplar, sycamore, and basswood. In cooler coves and on north slopes, hemlocks are dominant. ”

“ The park maintains a series of open shelters along the trails, conveniently spaced a day’s hike apart. Each hiker should bring his own bedroll for use on one of the six spring-covered bunks furnished in most of the shelters. These bunks are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis.
Detailed hikers’ guides and maps of the trail system can be ordered by mail. (See p. 22, PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT.)
Horseback riding.
There are about 25 miles of scenic horse trails in the park. Horses (and ponies for children) can be rented at hourly rates at Skyland and Big Meadows. ”

“ When the railroad came to the Shenandoah Valley, heavy machinery and larger, more efficient industry came with it. Many mills and tanyards that served small communities through the skill and energy of one man or family became quiet, then decayed into the landscape. ”

“ STONY MAN 4010 HORSE TRAIL APPALACHIAN TRAIL NATURE TRAIL PARKING WHITEOAK CANYON SKYLINE DRIVE RESTAURANT RECREATION HALL OFFICE CAMPFIRE CIRCLE STABLE
Skyland, at 3,680 feet elevation, is the highest point on Skyline Drive. Here in the largest of the park’s developed areas are accommodations for 350 persons. The lodge is the center of the community, with groups of multiple-unit cottages scattered within walking distance along the ridge and under the trees. Besides dining room, coffeeshop, and gift shop, there 8 are lounges for use on chilly nights and a terrace for lazy sunning. ”

“ Today’s forest contains mostly small trees. The older oaks along the exposed ridge lines have been twisted and broken by ice and wind. In many places open fields are becoming overgrown with scrub pine, black locust, sassafras, and other early invaders. ”

“ Watch for them at Skyland, near the Whiteoak parking area, at Big Meadows, and at the edge of the forests, particularly in the northern part of the park.
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The woodchuck feeds all day long on the shoulders of the drive, but because he is the same color as the rocks, you may miss him. The friendly, noisy chipmunk you will find in camp and picnic grounds. Gray squirrels are numerous in the woods and cottontails in meadows and clearings. Flying squirrels are active only at night. ”

“ A filter is advisable when you are taking panoramic views, for haze is often present without your even noticing it. You will get better definition and more interesting shadows if you take your pictures in the morning or late afternoon, rather than in the flat light of midday. ”

“ You will find your hikes and walks greatly enriched by being able to identify the birds you see and hear, and you may introduce the whole family to a new interest that will reward you wherever you travel. ”

“ Only the very lowest or oldest rocks from this age are now found in the north and south districts of the park. They belong to the Chilhowee series, but throughout the central district even these have been stripped by erosion from the crest of the Blue Ridge. ”

“ The program describes the variety of park attractions—trails, wildlife, wildflowers, geology, and history.
Visitor Activities Program.
During the summer, ranger-naturalists conduct a number of field trips daily to points of interest and give nightly campfire programs at Skyland, Big Meadows, or Lewis Mountain. The entire family can enjoy these park-sponsored activities. In spring and autumn, park naturalists present evening talks at concession lodges. For the “do-it-yourself” visitor, self-guiding nature trails are open throughout the year. ”

“ Reservations and rates may be secured from the Virginia Sky-Line Co., Inc., Luray, Va. Whenever possible, lodging reservations should be made in advance, particularly from early July through October. You are urged to plan your trip to the park during the middle of the week to avoid congested periods over weekends.
Camping.
Campers and picnickers should bring camp stoves or fuel for fireplaces since wood is not always available. Food supplies, ice, charcoal burners, and fuel may be obtained at Big Meadows Wayside. Electricity is not available. ”

“ The Blue Ridge Parkway, when completed, will link Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a distance of 469 miles. A unit of the National Park System, the parkway is more than two-thirds complete. Short detours are well marked. Information on road conditions can be obtained at the entrance stations.
Bus service
is available at nearby towns all year. Virginia Trailways, Charlottesville, Va., operates tours to and through the park from late May through October. ”