The Call of Shenandoah National Park

“National parks make for great one-tank trips since many of them are basically in travelers’ backyards,” says Sandy Heilman, vice president of sales and marketing with ARAMARK Parks & Destinations. “There’s a huge opportunity there to explore and learn.”

About 75-miles from Washington, D.C., there is an oasis of sorts known as the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. And it’s here you can discover Shenandoah National Park (map). Encompassing about 197,000 acres, the park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails that winds through about 30 percent of the forest (incredible, considering how close it’s to D.C.). And if that isn’t enough, 101 of the 500 miles are on the Appalachian Trail. You even can step it up (no pun intended) some with a guided hike.

If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s the Skyline Drive, perhaps what the park is best known for. This 105-mile scenic drive provides views of not only the land, but wildlife as well.

The park has an abundance of other activities as well, such as guided horseback rides or you can bring your own horse to enjoy the trails. There’s opportunities to go biking or fishing, or both. Traveling with quisitive children? Introduce them to the Junior Ranger program where they can learn more about the park as well.

While Fall, with its changing colors and cool, crisp weather, is a popular time to visit Shenandoah National Park, don’t overlook spring or summer. At the Skyland Resort, there are a number of events planned, including Rainy Day Cooking Demos and the Wildflower Spring Celebration  (May 15). Both the Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge are hosting scavenger hikes, every Monday and Wednesday through November 3.

And while talking about the resorts, there are other overnighting options at the park as well.  Want something in between a lodge and camping? Consider a cabin. You can always pitch a tent or pull in a RV (only in three of the campgrounds.) Even if those options are too much, try roughing it by backcountry camping.

“You travel to a a destination to experience and enjoy it,” comments Heilman. “National parks are a great, wonderful getaway that get you out to really enjoy what’s there.”

There is a fee (PDF file) to enter Shenandoah National Park, $10/one to seven day vehicle, March – November; $10/one to seven day motorcycle, year round; $8/one to seven day individuals who enter on a bicycle. Don’t forget, the fee is waived for National Park Week, April 17-25.

If you want to stay at one of the resorts, be sure to check out the different packages.

photo credit: Both photos are courtesy of ARAMARK Parks & Destinations. (top right) Shenandoah Valley View; (middle left) white tail deer