Shenandoah National Park
From LoveToKnow Travel
Shenandoah National Park is the only United States National Park located in the state of Virginia. In fact, it is one of only a few parks that are located in the eastern part of the country. The area was selected as a national park in part because of its uncompromising beauty and also as a way to provide those living in the eastern portion of the country with an enchanting natural playground in which they can play.
The Mountains of the Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park is set within the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, which form a portion of the Appalachian Mountains. The Massanutten Mountains are also part of the park. Between these two mountain ranges is a valley containing the Shenandoah River.
Skyline Drive
To visit the Shenandoah National Park, visitors travel along the 105-mile long Skyline Drive. This scenic road winds along the mountain crest and offers a multitude of spectacular vistas. Along the way, guests can stop off to explore more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Skyline drive is fantastic for families with children of all ages. Toddlers can easily conquer many of the trails and the simplicity of other trails makes it no problem for even a baby to be carried along. Some trails are even paved, making it possible to push small children in a stroller. Even children who do not want to hike the trails can enjoy the scenery during the 101-mile car ride. Many waterfalls, boulders, streams, and other natural areas to explore can be found by simply pulling the car over and getting out. In addition, it is not unusual to spot deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears along the side of the road.
Skyline Drive is also family friendly. Upon entering the Shenandoah National Park, guests receive a fairly detailed map indicating where restrooms and restaurants are located along Skyline Drive. There are many places to stop for a restroom break and the restaurants, such as Big Meadow Lodge and the Skyland Resort dining room, offer a great variety at a reasonable price. Alternatively, visitors can choose to have a picnic to go prepared at either of these locations. Another option is to have a light snack at the Elkwallow Wayside, the Panorama, Big Meadows Wayside, or Loft Mountain Wayside.
Lodging in Shenandoah National Park
A variety of lodging opportunities await guests who visit Shenandoah National Park. Many private businesses and even residents offer homes and cabins for rent outside of the park in town such as Front Royal, Virginia and Luray, Virginia. In addition, lodging is available within the park itself. Big Meadow Lodge, which is located at about the halfway point of Skyline Drive, offers guest rooms as well as suites. It also has a playground for the children.
The Lewis Mountain Cabins offer additonal accommodations within the park. These historic cabins provide a quiet retreat within the solitude of nature and are best used by families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. For those looking for a little luxury inside the park, Skyland Resort is a good choice. Here, guests can enjoy unique shopping opportunities, nightly entertainment, guided ranger activities, and a playground for the children. Guests can choose from standard rooms, suites, or cabins.
Skyline Caverns
Aside from the many trails located along Skyline Drive within Shenandoah National Park, visitors can enjoy a stop at Skyline Caverns. Skyline Caverns are located at the northern entrance of Skyline Drive. These magnificent caverns remain a comfortable 54 degrees throughout the entire year. In addition, they are home to the rare Anthodite formation. In fact, Skyline Caverns are one of only a few caverns in the entire world to boast this formation. The delicate, white Anthodites are a sight to behold as they twist in many different directions and seemingly defy gravity. Their rate of growth is estimated to be just one inch every 7,000 years.
Children enjoy browsing through the unique gift shop, as well as taking a ride on the miniature train. This ten-minute ride takes place on a one-fifth-scale train that takes riders on a loop overlooking Kissing Rock, Horseshoe Curve, Apache Flats, and Sinkhole Overlook. It even goes through the miniature Boothill Tunnel. The train is not a part of the cavern tour, but can be purchased to be enjoyed while waiting for the next tour.
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