Things to do in Shenandoah National Park
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Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is easy on the eyes, set against a backdrop of the dreamy Blue Ridge Mountains, ancient granite and metamorphic formations that are more than one billion years old. The park itself is almost 70 years old, founded in 1935 as a retreat for East Coast urban populations. It is an accessible day-trip destination from DC, but stay longer if you can. The 500 miles of hiking trails, 75 scenic overlooks, 30 fishing streams, seven picnic areas and four campgrounds are sure to keep you entertained. Skyline Drive is the breathtaking road that follows the main ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and winds 105 miles through the center of the park. It begins in…
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Loft Mountain
The landscape of Loft Mountain ranges from bucolic grassland to challenging hills and is home to a variety of wildlife, especially deer and bears. Here you'll find a wayside, camp store, gas station, picnic area and campground that's much less crowded and more secluded than Big Meadows. A 4.4km (2.7mi) nature hike loops around the northeast summit of Loft Mountain and makes for an enjoyable family excursion.
Getting to the trailhead takes a bit of doing, however. Park at the Loft Mountain wayside lot and walk north on Skyline Drive. After passing the Patterson Ridge Trail on the left, look for a dirt road on the right. Take that road past the PATC maintenance building to …
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Riprap Trail
A most enjoyable 2-day obstacle course to scamper along. There's no chance of encountering lions and tigers here, but bears? Absolutely. Along with the Riprap Trail, hikers will trek along a portion of the Applachian Trail, as well as the Wildcat Ridge Trail. If you have two cars, you might want to leave one at the Wildcat Ridge parking area in order to shorten the hike.
This trail could be tackled in one day, but if you had to choose just one overnight adventure in Shenandoah, this hike is the one. Pull those backpack straps tight and hold on.
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Skyline Caverns
The interiors of these caves are decked with unusual anthodites (‘cave flowers’). Unlike stalactites and stalagmites, these spiky nodes defy gravity and grow in all directions, one inch every 7000 years.
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Luray Caverns
The eastern US’s largest and most popular caves, the Luray Caves are located 9 miles west of Luray on Rte 211.
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Oasis Winery
The sparkling wines produced here have a solid reputation. Located off Rte 635 near Front Royal.
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Elkwallow Wayside
Camp store with supplies and ice, plus a counter serving sandwiches and grilled items.
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