Summer Ranger Programs in Shenandoah National Park

With a little over a month left before Ranger Programs shift to their fall schedule, the time is now to plan to get out and see Shenandoah National Park in the company of the professionals who know it best. This summer’s Ranger Programs calendar features a total of 23 regularly scheduled hikes, talks, and programs spread between each of the Park’s three districts. Here’s a sampling of what’s offered:

North District:

Terrace Talk: An informal ranger talk on various subjects. 20-30 minutes. Daily at 10:30 am at DickeyRidgeVisitorCenter (mile 4.6).

Wild About Bears: Learn about Shenandoah’s largest animal. 20-30 minutes. Daily at 2:00 pm at Elkwallow Wayside (mile 24.1).

Snead Farm Stroll: Leisurely hike to a former apple orchard and family farm and cemetery. 2 hours, 1.5 miles. Mon-Wed-Fri at 3:00 at the south end of Dickey Ridge Picnic Grounds (mile 4.6).

Mount Marshall Hike: Hike part of the Appalachian Trail to a spectacular view of Shenandoah Valley. 2 hours, 1.5 miles. Sun-Tues-Thurs-Sat at 3:00 at the MountMarshall parking lot (mile 15.9).

Central District:

Stony Man Hike: This moderately challenging hike takes you to an historic copper mine and to the home for some rare animals and plants. 2 hours, 2 miles. Daily at 10:00 am at the Stony Man Trailhead (mile 41.7).

Massanutten Lodge Open House: Explore a restored bungalow from the early days of Skyland resort. Open daily between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00 on the lower road at Skyland Conference Hall (mile 41.7)

Meadow Walk: An easy, guided stroll exploring the wonders of this rare high-elevation wetland. 1.5 hours, 1 mile. Daily at 11:00 am at ByrdVisitorCenter (mile 51). Evening walks Mon and Wed at 7:30.

Birds of Prey: Meet a live raptor and learn how protected lands like Shenandoah aid its survival. 30 minutes. Sun-Tues-Wed-Thurs-Sat at 10:00 am at Big Meadows Amphitheater (mile 51).

South District:

Blackrock Summit Hike: A moderately challenging short loop to a popular summit with great views of Shenandoah Valley. 1.5 hours, 1 mile. Daily at 10:00 am at the Blackrock Summit Parking Area (mile 84.8).

Bears, Bats, Bobcats, and More: A ranger talk on the wild creatures of Shenandoah. 20-30 minutes. Daily at 1:30 pm at Loft Mountain Wayside (mile 79.5).

For a complete listing, and more details about each offering, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies