Some who visit Shenandoah have only a weekend to spend. They can average 50 miles a day and traverse the full length of Skyline Drive.
In this situation, it might be best to overnight at Big Meadows. Not only is this the largest campground, there is also a lodge for people who want indoor comforts. At milemarker 51, it is only a mile or so north of the halfway point on the Drive.
Allow yourself time to either hike or simply stop along the route. Many of the trails are loops that begin and end at the overlooks or parking lots. Be certain to make note of their roundtrip length and degree of difficulty. Hiking maps are free at all contact stations.
Packing is important here. Bring a flashlight, pocket knife and the all-important bug spray. Without protection, gnats will become irritating at times, and mosquitos swarm after it rains.
There are very few crossroads in the park, so it's likely you'll have to visit other nearby sites like Charlottesville before you arrive or after you depart Shenandoah. If you decide to leave and then return, the park entrance fee usually is good for five days.
Make good use of the well-staffed visitor centers, which are located near milemarkers 4, 51 and 79. Here you'll find people who could be making a lot more money "in town", but simply enjoy the lifestyle and landscape Shenandoah affords them.
Don't Forget Your Common Sense
Shenandoah is a destination easy on the pocketbook. A family of four easily can spend the weekend here for less than $100 USD.
It can become expensive if you're careless. Get caught littering or fishing without a license and the fines are as steep as the mountainsides. Break a limb climbing a waterfall and you'll pay for the medical attention and the long ride to a hospital.
It costs all of us every time someone creates a problem in the park. If you build a fire, don't leave it unattended. If you feed wild animals, they lose the natural fear of man and someone else could pay for it later.
The best policy is to leave everything at least as nice as you found it -- or even better. Do that, and the visionaries who set up this wonderful place are honored.
Nearby Attractions
University of Virginia in Charlottesville traces its roots and design to the genius of Thomas Jefferson. Campus tours are available, so check with the University for details.
Monticello, near Charlottesville: Speaking of Jefferson, you can visit a museum dedicated to his accomplishments free of charge. Touring his home does cost money. Check the Web site for Monticello to see current fees and other important details. Warning: on peak days, the wait to enter the house can approach two hours.
Luray Caverns near the town of that name is a place to see spectacular cave rooms. Check the Web site for tour prices. They leave every twenty minutes.
All photographs (c) 2001 Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com, Inc.
