Night Closures for Shenandoah's Skyline Drive

Night Closures for Shenandoah's Skyline Drive

Monday, November 4, 2013

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Park Superintendent Jim Northup announced today that portions of the Skyline Drive, the famed mountain road through Shenandoah National Park, will be closed at night during hunting season. He noted that this is the thirty-third year that this closure has been undertaken and stressed its importance in reducing illegal hunting activity within the park during the Commonwealth of Virginia hunting season outside the park.

Beginning Monday, November 11, 2013, and ending Sunday, January 5, 2014, the Skyline Drive between Front Royal (Mile 0 at U.S. Highway 340) and Thornton Gap (Mile 31 at U.S. Highway 211) and between Swift Run Gap (Mile 65 at U.S. Highway 33) and Rockfish Gap (Mile 105 at U.S. Highway 250) will be closed daily between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The central portion of the Drive, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, will remain open for overnight access to Skyland Resort until that facility closes on December 8. Beginning Sunday, December 9, 2013, and ending Sunday, January 5, 2014, the entire length of the Skyline Drive will be closed daily from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.

Superintendent Northup said, “Closing portions of the Skyline Drive enables rangers to concentrate patrols on problem areas and to increase contacts along the park boundary.”

Superintendent Northup also reminded the public that the park has a reward program to assist in combating illegal hunting in the park. "A reward will be paid to anyone who furnishes information which leads to the conviction of any person who hunts, transports, or attempts to transport illegally taken wildlife within the park," said Northup. Anyone with information about such activities should call the park (toll free 1-800-732-0911; or 540-999-2227). The identity of persons furnishing information will be kept strictly confidential, and a person does not have to reveal his or her name.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Driver Killed By Falling Tree On Skyline Drive

Driver Killed By Falling Tree On Skyline Drive

Friday, October 26, 2012

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NPS Digest is reporting that an SUV towing a camper in Shenandoah National Park was struck by a falling tree while traveling south on Skyline Drive on Tuesday evening. The driver attempted to avoid the tree by moving into the northbound lane, but it struck the windshield and the driver was impaled by branches. Rangers and local emergency squads responded. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The 58-year-old man from Tennessee was traveling with his wife, who was not injured in the accident.

Investigation determined the tree was a live Virginia pine that had root system failure.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Shenandoah to Implement Night Closures of Skyline Drive During Virginia Hunting Season 2011

Shenandoah to Implement Night Closures of Skyline Drive During Virginia Hunting Season 2011

Thursday, November 3, 2011

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Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Martha Bogle announced yesterday that portions of the Skyline Drive, the famed mountain road through Shenandoah National Park, will be closed at night during hunting season. She noted that this is the thirty-first year that this closure has been undertaken and stressed its importance at reducing illegal hunting activity within the park during the Commonwealth's hunting season outside the park.

From November 14, 2011, through January 8, 2012, the Skyline Drive between Front Royal (Mile 0 at U.S. Highway 340) and Thornton Gap (Mile 31 at U.S. Highway 211), and between Swift Run Gap (Mile 65 at U.S. Highway 33) and Rockfish Gap (Mile 105 at U.S. Highway 250), will be closed daily between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The central portion of the Drive, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, will remain open for overnight access to Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Campground until those facilities close on November 27. Then, beginning November 27, 2011, through January 8, 2012, the entire length of the Skyline Drive will be closed daily from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.

Superintendent Bogle said, "Closing portions of the Skyline Drive enables rangers to concentrate patrols on problem areas and to increase contacts along the park boundary."

Superintendent Bogle also reminded the public that the park has a reward program to assist in combating illegal hunting in the park." A reward will be paid to anyone who furnishes information which leads to the conviction of any person who hunts, transports, or attempts to transport illegally taken wildlife within the park," said Bogle. Anyone with information about such activities should call the park (toll free, 1-800-732-0911; or (540) 999-2227). The identity of persons furnishing information will be kept strictly confidential, and a person does not have to reveal his or her name.


For any boaters in Virginia it might be a good idea to get your *Virginia boating license*.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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New air quality webcam for Shenandoah N.P.

New air quality webcam for Shenandoah N.P.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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New webcam websites were launched early last week for Shenandoah and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks. These sites are now part of the NPS air quality webcam network (that includes the Great Smoky Mountains) and present current air quality and meteorological data in conjunction with digital images of current conditions at each of the parks.

NPS air quality webcam sites also provide links to NPS natural resource information and reach an average of half a million virtual visitors each month.

Shenandoah National Park has a long history of air quality concerns related to ozone, acid deposition, and visibility. The Shenandoah webcam looks northwest from near Skyline Drive across part of the park and over the Shenandoah River Valley:



For a live view please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Forest Fire in Shenandoah causes Trail and Skyline Drive Closures

Forest Fire in Shenandoah causes Trail and Skyline Drive Closures

Monday, February 21, 2011

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A fire in the North District of Shenandoah National Park has resulted in closures of several trails and portions of Skyline Drive.

As a result of what is now known as the Smith Run Fire, Skyline Drive between Front Royal and Rt. 211 is now closed. The following trail closures are also in effect until further notice:

* Mt. Marshall Trail from Skyline Drive to the intersection at the Bluff Trail

* Appalachian Trail between Compton Gap and the Browntown Trail

* Lands Run Gap Fire Road

* Jenkins Gap Trail

The fire, located near Jenkins Gap near Milepost 12 on Skyline Drive, has burned approximately 1800 acres in the north district of Shenandoah National Park. It started on private property outside of the park boundary and was first reported at approximately 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 19. The fire's cause is currently unknown. The fire is moving on the surface of the forest floor where hardwood leaf litter and down trees have accumulated.

Beginning this morning, the interagency Southern Area Type 1 "Red" Incident Management Team will take over management of the fire. Roughly 78 fire personnel from a variety of state and federal land management agencies are currently fighting the fire. Along with the Smith Run Fire, the Red Team will also be taking over three fires now burning on the neighboring George Washington and Jefferson National Forest: the Pickle Branch Fire (325 acres) and the Coffman and Chestnut Ridge Fires (approximately 2,700 acres together). All four fires together will be managed as the Valley Complex.

The Smith Run Fire is estimated to be 15% contained. Fire managers will continue to build line and mop up with some burnout operations.

The rest of the park including the Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap (Rt. 211) south to Rockfish Gap (Rt. 250) remains open.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Shenandoah announces night closing of Skyline Drive during hunting season

Shenandoah announces night closing of Skyline Drive during hunting season

Friday, October 22, 2010

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Park Superintendent Martha Bogle announced yesterday that portions of Skyline Drive, the famed mountain road through Shenandoah National Park, will be closed at night during the upcoming hunting season. She noted that this is the thirtieth year that this closure has been undertaken and stressed its importance at reducing illegal hunting activity within the park, a sanctuary for wildlife, during Virginia's hunting season outside the park.

From November 8, 2010, through January 1, 2011, the Skyline Drive between Front Royal (Mile 0 at U.S. Highway 340) and Thornton Gap (Mile 31 at U.S. Highway 211), and between Swift Run Gap (Mile 65 at U.S. Highway 33) and Rockfish Gap (Mile 105 at U.S. Highway 250), will be closed daily between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The central portion of the Drive, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, will remain open for overnight access to Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Campground until those facilities close on November 28. Then, beginning November 28, 2010, through January 1, 2011, the entire length of the Skyline Drive will be closed daily from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.

Superintendent Bogle said, "Closing portions of the Skyline Drive enables rangers to concentrate patrols on problem areas and to increase contacts along the park boundary."

Superintendent Bogle also reminded the public that the park has a reward program to assist in combating illegal hunting in the Park. "A reward will be paid to anyone who furnishes information which leads to the conviction of any person who hunts, transports, or attempts to transport illegally taken wildlife within the park," said Bogle. Anyone with information about such activities should call the nearest Ranger Station or Park Headquarters (toll free, 1-800-732-0911; or (540) 999-2227). The identity of persons furnishing information will be kept strictly confidential, and a person does not have to reveal his or her name.

For more information on hiking in Shenandoah, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Shenandoah records 3 significant winter rescues in 2 months

Shenandoah records 3 significant winter rescues in 2 months

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

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The National Park Service is reporting that Shenandoah National Park staff have been involved in three winter-related search and rescue operations over the past two months:

* On December 18th, the park was forecast to receive substantial snow. In preparation for the storm, the park’s interior was evacuated and roads were closed. On the following morning, the park received a call for assistance from two hikers who had parked at the closed barricades and hiked seven miles into a backcountry cabin after the storm had begun. The hikers explained that they thought they were prepared for snow but that they had found they weren’t ready for the nearly four feet of snow that was on the ground. Rescue efforts involved bringing in the park plows to access the party and extract them. The plows encountered drifts up to seven feet high along Skyline Drive and took several hours to reach the stranded hikers. The hikers were cold and exhausted when the rescue personnel reached them later that evening.

* On January 15th, a man and woman were eating lunch below an ice covered cliff about ten feet off the Whiteoak Trail when a large chunk of ice broke free and fell about 25 feet, hitting the woman on the back. She sustained multiple bone fractures and other injuries, including a punctured lung. The roads and grounds crew plowed open a snow and ice covered fire road to expedite the evacuation, averting a lengthy carryout over icy terrain. The woman was then flown to the University of Virginia Trauma Center and was reported in stable condition the following day.

* On the evening of January 28th, the park received a report of an overdue day hiker on Old Rag Mountain. The man was reported to have significant medical issues and was not prepared for the extreme cold weather conditions that existed at the time. In addition, a winter storm was forecast for the following afternoon. Hasty searchers that night were unable to locate the man. Containment was set up overnight, with full search efforts beginning the following morning, including the utilization of USPP’s Eagle 1 helicopter for aerial search and hoist operations. Eagle 1 inserted a searcher on the summit using the hoist while four other ground teams searched the trail corridors leading to the summit. After several hours, the man was located near the summit by the searcher who was inserted. He was extracted by Eagle 1 in a Billy Pugh basket, transported to waiting a ground ambulance, then taken to the local hospital. A total of 14 NPS and 26 volunteer searchers ultimately were assigned to the search. Eagle 1 was piloted by Jeff Hertel and crewed by rescue technician/paramedic Timothy Ryan.

The success of all three of these rescues was dependent on the continuously displayed teamwork and effectiveness of all of the park’s divisions and on outside resources coming together with them and accomplishing difficult tasks.




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Biggest College Basketball Game of the Year

Biggest College Basketball Game of the Year

Friday, December 19, 2008

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Tomorrow is the biggest game of the young college basketball season. Tomorrow, on CBS, at 2:00 PM EST, my Xavier University Musketeers will take on Duke.

Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating just a little, but this really is a huge game for us. Besides playing arguably the best program in the country, Xavier owes a little revenge on the Blue Devils. Duke knocked Xavier out in a nail-biter in our first ever bid to make the Final Four in 2004. We lost 66-63 in an absolute heart-breaker, which most Xavier fans still haven’t gotten over. We also lost to Duke in the second round of the 1987 tournament, 65-60.

Tomorrow, however, I believe the Muskies will change this trend and leave the Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ, victorious. Here are my reasons:

Although the roster of the Duke Blue Devils is loaded with McDonalds All-Americans, Xavier is filled with Skyline All-Cincinnatians! For those of you not familiar with Cincinnati, Skyline Chili is the national cuisine for Cincinnatians. Ask any ex-pat and chances are they’re craving the Greek-style chili right now.

Skyline also happens to be the official sponsor of the "Crosstown Shootout", the annual game between the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. Since Xavier has already won this year’s game, and has more or less dominated the series in recent years, I have unofficially bestowed upon the team the title of “Skyline All-Cincinnatians” in order to give our guys a little more national recognition and respect.

Xavier also has a bit of serendipity working on its side. This past Wednesday (December 17), Duke beat UNC Ashville after a layoff of 11 days for exams. They just missed the century mark by 1 point. Last year, on the exact same date, after a 9 day layoff for exams, Duke scored over 100 points when they beat Albany 111-70. The interesting part about this analysis is that on Duke’s next game, played on December 20 (same day as this years Xavier-Duke game), in New York City (just across the Hudson from East Rutherford), the Blue Devils lost to Pittsburgh, which happens to be the alma-mater of Xavier’s coach, Sean Miller.

Moreover, Duke, at the time of their loss to Pitt, was ranked #6. Duke is currently ranked # 6 in both the AP and the USA Today polls.

As you can plainly see, the stars are completely aligned for the Musketeers! I’m sorry to say, but Dickie V, Jay Bilas and Billy Packer will be crying in their beer once the final horn blows.

Go Muskies!

Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Wilderness Weekend at Shenandoah National Park

Wilderness Weekend at Shenandoah National Park

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

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Shenandoah National Park will honor America’s wilderness heritage during its 8th annual Wilderness Weekend, October 18 - 19, 2008. This year commemorates the 32nd anniversary of Shenandoah’s wilderness designation.

Forty percent of the park, or almost 80,000 acres in Shenandoah were designated as wilderness by Congress in October 1976, representing one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern United States. Wilderness areas provide sanctuaries for human recreation, habitat for wildlife, sites for research, and reservoirs for clean, free-flowing water. More than 107 million acres of public land are currently protected in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Wilderness Weekend is a partnership between Shenandoah National Park, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), and the Shenandoah National Park Association (SNPA). PATC volunteers will be stationed at several overlooks along Skyline Drive to share information about Shenandoah’s wilderness with visitors enjoying the park’s fall foliage. On Saturday, volunteers from the Society of American Foresters will also be at overlooks sharing information about forest conservation.

Visitors will be able to celebrate wilderness by viewing Shenandoah’s wilderness from Skyline Drive, hiking one of the many trails, joining a ranger program, completing the new Wilderness Explorer Ranger Activity Guide, or exploring a visitor center exhibit.

Two special events will take place at the Byrd Visitor Center at milepost 51 on Skyline Drive. The first event will be a traditional tool display and demonstration from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Shenandoah National Park Trail Crews and PATC and SNPA volunteers will share their expertise in the traditional tools used to maintain trails in wilderness. Visitors will be able to try their hands at using these tools and gain insight on the important role trail maintenance plays in protecting wilderness for future generations. The second event will be a series of 20-minute ranger programs held at 11:30 and 3:30 each day. These programs will explore the history and values of Shenandoah’s wilderness.

Visitors can also explore the history and meaning of wilderness through a computer touch screen exhibit, “The Spirit of Wilderness.” A newly released film narrated by Christopher Reeves, American Values: American Wilderness, will also be available for viewing upon request.

For more information on Wilderness Weekend or Shenandoah National Park, visit the park’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/shen



The Undying Past of Shenandoah N.P.



Hiking Shenandoah N.P.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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