Mountain Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, Front Royal VA

Entrance Sign at Front Royal VA

Shenandoah National Park home of the renowned Skyline Drive that travels the length of the park, similar to the Blue Ridge Parkway but there are four entry points.  Sometimes there is a little confusion between the two parks as they are similar in form and almost abut each other near Waynesboro VA.  We entered at the Front Royal station and exited mid-way near Luray VA.

One of many lovely views

Several ranges comprise the Blue Ridge Mountains and as part of the Appalachian Mountains, the oldest mountains in the world.  Erosion, ice ages, heat, and man have contributed to the steady decline in height and stature over the past 8-9 billion years. 

Lovely flower... Lupine family?

Trails were on tap for today as it is the perfect way to breathe in the scents, drink in the scenery, and discover wildlife.  Not to mention our bicycling legs are not ready for the steep climbs if we chose to pedal along the roadway.

Centipedes
in a tree stump 'pool'

A Luna Moth
that did not survive nature.

After a few short hikes it was time for lunch so why not visit Skyland with it's full service restaurant, lodge, conference center, cabins, and camping. This day the menu included pulled pork with fresh vegtables (for Marg) and chicken pot pie with salad (for Bill).  Yes, I recommend you plan a stop here to replenish your energy between those long hikes.

"I'm ready to tackle this salad."

After lunch we hiked several Skyland trails with fantastic views and lovely woods knowing we had traveled a few miles of the 500 miles of trails.

One Skyland Trail

Flowers, Ferns, and Shrubs
abound in early summer

With all this said, I'm certain you are ready to add the Shenandoah National Park to your next trip.

Grab your shoes and hit the trail!