Shenandoah National Park Announces Spring Opening Dates

Late last week Shenandoah National Park announced that facilities closed during the winter season will begin opening this month and will continue to open throughout the spring.

Even though spring is just around the corner, park staff continues to clear snow from the unprecedented 2010 winter season. March opening dates below are tentative based on weather and successful snow clearing operations.

Visitor Centers will be operated as follows: Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center will open March 26; Dickey Ridge Visitor Center will open on April 1; Loft Mountain Information Center will open on May 14, operating weekends and holidays only.

Campgrounds will operate on the following schedule: Big Meadows Campgrounds will open on March 26; Lewis Mountain Campground will open on April 9; Mathews Arm Campgrounds will open on May 14; Loft Mountain will open on May 21, pending completion of a construction project to rehabilitate roads in the area.

Elkwallow, Pinnacles, South River and Dundo Picnic Grounds are currently open. The remaining picnic grounds will operate as follows: Big Meadows Picnic Grounds will open March 26; Dickey Ridge will open on April 1; and Lewis Mountain Picnic Grounds will open April 9. Loft Mountain Picnic Ground remains closed.

Concessioner-operated restaurants, lodges and associated facilities will operate as follows: Big Meadows Wayside will open March 19; Skyland Resort will open on April 1; Big Meadows Shower/Laundry will open on March 26; Lewis Mountain Cabins and Lewis Mountain Campstore will open on April 9; Elkwallow Wayside will open on April 16; Loft Mountain Wayside will open on April 30; Big Meadows Lodge will open on May 20; Loft Mountain Campstore and Loft Mountain Shower and Laundry will open on May 21.

For more information about planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park go to http://www.nps.gov/shen or call the park at 540-999-3500.


Jeff
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