Our overnight stay in Front Royal put us within two miles of the Shenandoah National Park entrance. The line was very short, but we could not renew our America the Beautiful park pass because of the government shutdown. We can still come into the park, but can’t pay for it. Lots of money being lost there.

Skyline Drive

This park is long and narrow in shape. The main road running from north to south is Skyline Drive. It has stone mile posts, and everything along the route, from the numerous viewpoints to parking spots and campgrounds is noted on maps by the mile number. Skyline drive is tree-lined, and has overlooks on both sides with views into the distance of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Absolutely gorgeous!

Fox Hollow Trail

Close to milepost 5 is Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, which was closed, but the restrooms and trash cans are being maintained. We walked across Skyline Drive to Fox Hollow Trailhead for our first short (1.2 miles) hike. There is a small Fox family cemetery along this trail, evidence of the homestead family who lived here previous to the park’s formation in 1935.

Snead Farm Trail

Walking through the picnic area led us to the Snead Farm Loop Trailhead for a 2+ mile hike. We passed a hedgerow with wildflowers still blooming and could hear the buzzing of busy pollinators.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Driving on, we stopped at one of the many overlooks. One can see why they are called “Blue” Ridge Mountains. Incredible view!

Whiteoak Canyon Trail

Up next was the long hike of the day at the Whiteoak Canyon parking area. There are quite a few waterfall hikes here, but when starting from the road, there is nowhere but down. Coming back up over 1,000 feet of elevation gain is a workout. At least we aren’t short of breath here like we are in the Rockies at high elevations. These peaks are around three to four thousand feet of elevation.

Big Meadows

Big Meadows will be our overnight home for the next two nights. Without electrical hook-ups, we are using our batteries for power. The mild temperatures at this time of year make it easy to do without A/C for the cats as long as we park in shade. And this park has lots of shade!

The camp stores are open during the government shutdown, but the visitors centers are not. Campgrounds can still be reserved online, but that is the only way to pay for a spot. That can be tricky as there is very little cell service here; fortunately we have dishy on the van to provide our internet connection. The park rangers are working reduced hours and volunteers are filling in to help.