Difference between revisions of "Shenandoah National Park" - New World Encyclopedia
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'''Shenandoah National Park''' is a beautiful historic national treasure that covers the crest of the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] for more than 75 miles in the northern part of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Virginia]]. This [[national park]], known for its inspiring panoramic views, is long and narrow, with the broad [[Shenandoah River]] and valley on the west side, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont on the east. Almost 40% of the land area (79,579 acres/322 km²) has been designated as [[Wilderness]] and is protected as part of the [[National Wilderness Preservation System]]. The park attracts more than 2 million visitors a year and has 500 miles of hiking trails including 45 miles of the popular Appalachian Trail. The highest peak is [[Hawksbill Mountain]] at 4,051 feet (1,235 m). The name “Shenandoah” is an Indian word meaning “Daughter of the Stars.” | '''Shenandoah National Park''' is a beautiful historic national treasure that covers the crest of the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] for more than 75 miles in the northern part of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Virginia]]. This [[national park]], known for its inspiring panoramic views, is long and narrow, with the broad [[Shenandoah River]] and valley on the west side, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont on the east. Almost 40% of the land area (79,579 acres/322 km²) has been designated as [[Wilderness]] and is protected as part of the [[National Wilderness Preservation System]]. The park attracts more than 2 million visitors a year and has 500 miles of hiking trails including 45 miles of the popular Appalachian Trail. The highest peak is [[Hawksbill Mountain]] at 4,051 feet (1,235 m). The name “Shenandoah” is an Indian word meaning “Daughter of the Stars.” | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ==Geography== | ||
| + | [[Image:shenandoah_deer_20050521_191017_1.3008x2000.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Deer at Tanner Ridge Overlook.]] | ||
| + | Authorized in 1926 and established in 1935, Shenandoah National Park is a preserve of 311 square miles (805 square km) in the northern [[Virginia]] [[Blue Ridge Mountains|Blue Ridge]] section of the [[Appalachian Mountains]]. The famous [[Skyline Drive]], which runs north to south for the length of the park, is known for some of the most fantastic views in the eastern U.S. and is a common get–away for an afternoon drive, especially in the autumn. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Flora and Fauna=== | ||
| + | There are four distinct seasons in the park making it an exciting place to visit any time of the year. The area is best known for its rich red foliage that begins in September and peaks in mid- to late October. Spring brings an abundance of wildflowers in April, while the leaves on the trees come out in May. | ||
| + | |||
| + | On southwestern faces of some of the southernmost hillsides, pine predominates and there is the occasional [[prickly pear]] [[cactus]], which grows naturally. In contrast, some of the northeastern aspects are most likely to have small but dense stands of moisture-loving [[Eastern Hemlock|hemlock]]s and [[moss]]es in abundance. Other commonly found plants include [[oak]], [[hickory]], [[chestnut]], [[maple]], [[tulip poplar]], [[mountain laurel]], [[milkweed]], [[daisy|daisies]], [[jack-in-the-pulpit]]s, [[lady slipper]] orchids, rose [[azalea]]s and many species of [[fern]]s. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The once predominant [[American Chestnut]] tree was effectively brought to extinction in the Park by a fungus known as the [[Chestnut blight]] during the 1930s – though the tree continues to grow in the park, it does not reach maturity and dies back before it can reproduce. Various species of [[oak]]s superseded the [[chestnut]]s and became the dominant tree species. [[Gypsy moth]] infestations beginning in the early 1990s began to erode the dominance of the oak forests as the moths would primarily consume their leaves. Though the moths are not as prevelant as they once were, they continue to affect the forest and have destroyed almost 10 percent of the oak groves. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Mammals include Whitetailed [[deer]], [[American Black Bear|black bear]], [[bobcat]], [[raccoon]], [[skunk]], [[opossum]], [[groundhog]], [[gray fox]], gray squirrel, and eastern cottontail [[rabbit]]. There are beliived to be [[mountain lion]]s in remote areas of the park. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Over 200 species of [[bird]]s make their home in the park for at least part of the year. About thirty live in the park year-round, including [[barred owl]]s, [[Carolina chickadee]]s, [[Red-tailed Hawk]]s, and wild [[turkey]]s. The [[Peregrine Falcon]] was reintroduced into the park in the mid 1990s and by the end of the 20th century numerous nesting pairs had formed. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Thirty-two species of [[fish]] have been documented in the park, including [[brook trout]], [[longnose dance|longnose]] and [[blacknose dance]], and the [[bluehead chub]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Seventy-four rare species and community types have been recorded in the park. According to the [http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/ Division of Natural Heritage (Virginia Department of Conservation)] “The significant number of natural heritage resources in Shenandoah National Park is testimony to its rich biodiversity. The park’s large area, range of elevations, varied topography, and assemblage of substrates provide diverse conditions suitable for more rare species and significant natural communities than any other Mid-Atlantic Region national park unit.” A few of the rare species recorded are the Shenandoah Salamander, birds such as the Winter Wren and Blackburnian Warbler, and plants and trees such as Blue Flag Iris, Speckled Alder, and the Leathery Grape-Fern. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Climate=== | ||
| + | The climate of Shenandoah National Park is typical eastern mid-Atlantic woodland and only the highest points of the mountains show much change or alteration of typical flora and fauna species as might be found at sea level. The park has an average annual [[rain]]fall of 39 inches with thunderstorms that occur throughout the year. The winter [[snow]]fall is fairly modest with an average of 29 inches per year. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park with pleasant [[temperature]]s averaging from the mid-40s to high 50s at night and low 70s to mid-80s during the day. It is usually 10 degrees warmer in the valley than in the mountain areas of the park. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Geology== | ||
| + | Geologists believe the mountains that make up the Shenandoah National Park to be more than 1 billion years old — some of the most ancient in the world. Due to the forces of wind, water, frost, and ice for millions of years, the mountains have been worn away to a top elevation of 4,051 feet (1,235 m). These same forces continue to sculpt and define the breathtaking scenery of the Shenandoah National Park today. Visitors of the park can see the [[granite]] component of this ancient rock at Old Rag Mountain and Mary’s Rock Tunnel. Other rock types that can be seen in the park include [[basalt]]s, made from [[lava]] flows, and sedimentary rocks such as [[sandstone]], [[quartzite]], and [[phyllite]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
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Since 1977, nearly half of the [[Green Springs National Historic Landmark District]], a nearby area affiliated with Shenandoah National Park, has been protected by preservation easements held by the National Park Service. | Since 1977, nearly half of the [[Green Springs National Historic Landmark District]], a nearby area affiliated with Shenandoah National Park, has been protected by preservation easements held by the National Park Service. | ||
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==Attractions== | ==Attractions== | ||
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| + | == Notes== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
| − | + | == References == | |
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* Radlauer, Ruth, Ed Radlauer, and Rolf Zillmer. 1982. ''Shenandoah National Park''. Parks for people. Chicago: Childrens Press. ISBN 0516077449 and ISBN 9780516077444 | * Radlauer, Ruth, Ed Radlauer, and Rolf Zillmer. 1982. ''Shenandoah National Park''. Parks for people. Chicago: Childrens Press. ISBN 0516077449 and ISBN 9780516077444 | ||
* Manning, Russ, and Russ Manning. 2000. ''75 hikes in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park''. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers. ISBN 0898866359 and ISBN 9780898866353 | * Manning, Russ, and Russ Manning. 2000. ''75 hikes in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park''. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers. ISBN 0898866359 and ISBN 9780898866353 | ||
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{{National parks of the United States}} | {{National parks of the United States}} | ||
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{{credit|142755805}} | {{credit|142755805}} | ||
Revision as of 06:34, 20 November 2007
- This article is about the national park in Virginia. For other uses of the term, see Shenandoah.
| Shenandoah National Park | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
  | |
| Location: | Virginia, USA |
| Nearest city: | Waynesboro |
| Area: | 199,017 acres (805 km²) |
| Established: | December 26, 1935 |
| Visitation: | 1,076,150 (in 2006) |
| Governing body: | National Park Service |
Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful historic national treasure that covers the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for more than 75 miles in the northern part of the U.S. state of Virginia. This national park, known for its inspiring panoramic views, is long and narrow, with the broad Shenandoah River and valley on the west side, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont on the east. Almost 40% of the land area (79,579 acres/322 km²) has been designated as Wilderness and is protected as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The park attracts more than 2 million visitors a year and has 500 miles of hiking trails including 45 miles of the popular Appalachian Trail. The highest peak is Hawksbill Mountain at 4,051 feet (1,235 m). The name “Shenandoah” is an Indian word meaning “Daughter of the Stars.”
Geography
Authorized in 1926 and established in 1935, Shenandoah National Park is a preserve of 311 square miles (805 square km) in the northern Virginia Blue Ridge section of the Appalachian Mountains. The famous Skyline Drive, which runs north to south for the length of the park, is known for some of the most fantastic views in the eastern U.S. and is a common get–away for an afternoon drive, especially in the autumn.
Flora and Fauna
There are four distinct seasons in the park making it an exciting place to visit any time of the year. The area is best known for its rich red foliage that begins in September and peaks in mid- to late October. Spring brings an abundance of wildflowers in April, while the leaves on the trees come out in May.
On southwestern faces of some of the southernmost hillsides, pine predominates and there is the occasional prickly pear cactus, which grows naturally. In contrast, some of the northeastern aspects are most likely to have small but dense stands of moisture-loving hemlocks and mosses in abundance. Other commonly found plants include oak, hickory, chestnut, maple, tulip poplar, mountain laurel, milkweed, daisies, jack-in-the-pulpits, lady slipper orchids, rose azaleas and many species of ferns.
The once predominant American Chestnut tree was effectively brought to extinction in the Park by a fungus known as the Chestnut blight during the 1930s – though the tree continues to grow in the park, it does not reach maturity and dies back before it can reproduce. Various species of oaks superseded the chestnuts and became the dominant tree species. Gypsy moth infestations beginning in the early 1990s began to erode the dominance of the oak forests as the moths would primarily consume their leaves. Though the moths are not as prevelant as they once were, they continue to affect the forest and have destroyed almost 10 percent of the oak groves.
- Mammals include Whitetailed deer, black bear, bobcat, raccoon, skunk, opossum, groundhog, gray fox, gray squirrel, and eastern cottontail rabbit. There are beliived to be mountain lions in remote areas of the park.
- Over 200 species of birds make their home in the park for at least part of the year. About thirty live in the park year-round, including barred owls, Carolina chickadees, Red-tailed Hawks, and wild turkeys. The Peregrine Falcon was reintroduced into the park in the mid 1990s and by the end of the 20th century numerous nesting pairs had formed.
- Thirty-two species of fish have been documented in the park, including brook trout, longnose and blacknose dance, and the bluehead chub.
Seventy-four rare species and community types have been recorded in the park. According to the Division of Natural Heritage (Virginia Department of Conservation) “The significant number of natural heritage resources in Shenandoah National Park is testimony to its rich biodiversity. The park’s large area, range of elevations, varied topography, and assemblage of substrates provide diverse conditions suitable for more rare species and significant natural communities than any other Mid-Atlantic Region national park unit.” A few of the rare species recorded are the Shenandoah Salamander, birds such as the Winter Wren and Blackburnian Warbler, and plants and trees such as Blue Flag Iris, Speckled Alder, and the Leathery Grape-Fern.
Climate
The climate of Shenandoah National Park is typical eastern mid-Atlantic woodland and only the highest points of the mountains show much change or alteration of typical flora and fauna species as might be found at sea level. The park has an average annual rainfall of 39 inches with thunderstorms that occur throughout the year. The winter snowfall is fairly modest with an average of 29 inches per year. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park with pleasant temperatures averaging from the mid-40s to high 50s at night and low 70s to mid-80s during the day. It is usually 10 degrees warmer in the valley than in the mountain areas of the park.
Geology
Geologists believe the mountains that make up the Shenandoah National Park to be more than 1 billion years old — some of the most ancient in the world. Due to the forces of wind, water, frost, and ice for millions of years, the mountains have been worn away to a top elevation of 4,051 feet (1,235 m). These same forces continue to sculpt and define the breathtaking scenery of the Shenandoah National Park today. Visitors of the park can see the granite component of this ancient rock at Old Rag Mountain and Mary’s Rock Tunnel. Other rock types that can be seen in the park include basalts, made from lava flows, and sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, quartzite, and phyllite.
History
Prior to being a national park, the Blue Ridge Mountains for centuries were home to native Americans who gathered nuts and berries and hunted game on the land. They left behind little evidence of their presence. Soon after the first expedition in 1716, Europeans started to arrive and by the mid-1700s settlers had cultivated the land for farming and grazing. Remnants of old farms still remain in several places. Later, some owners purchased land in the mountains for the mining of iron, copper, and manganese. The state of Virginia slowly acquired the land by Virginia eminent domain laws and procedures from landowners and then gave it to the U.S. Government provided it would be designated a National Park. On May 22, 1926, President Coolidge signed into law a bill authorizing the creation of Shenandoah National Park. However, it wasn’t until December 26, 1935, nearly 10 years later, that the federal government officially accepted title to the land and the park was fully established.
In the creation of the park and Skyline Drive, a number of families and entire communities were required to vacate portions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many residents in the 500 homes in eight affected counties of Virginia were vehemently opposed to losing their homes and communities. Most of the families removed came from Madison County, Page County, and Rappahannock County.
The development of the park and the construction of Skyline Drive created badly needed jobs for many Virginians during the Great Depression. Nearly 90 percent of the inhabitants worked the land for a living. Many worked in the apple orchards in the valley and in areas near the eastern slopes. The work to create the National Park and Skyline Drive began following a terrible drought in 1930, which destroyed the crops of many families in the area who farmed in the mountainous terrain, as well as many of the apple orchards. Nevertheless, it remains a fact that they were displaced, often against their will, and even for a very few who managed to stay, their communities were lost. A little-known fact is that, while some families were removed by force, a few others (who mostly had also become difficult to deal with) were allowed to stay after their properties were acquired. The last to die was Annie Lee Bradley Shenk who died in 1979 at age 92. Most of the people displaced left their homes quietly. According to the Virginia Historical Society, 85-year-old Hezekiah Lam explained, "I ain't so crazy about leavin' these hills but I never believed in bein' ag'in (against) the Government. I signed everythin' they asked me." [2] The lost communities and homes were a price paid for one of the country's most beautiful National Parks and scenic roadways.
In the early 1930s, the National Park Service began planning the park facilities and envisioned separate provisions for "colored guests," as African Americans were described in contemporaneous government documents. At that time, in Jim Crow Virginia, racial segregation was the order of the day. In its transfer of the parkland to the federal government, Virginia initially attempted to ban African Americans entirely from the park, but settled for enforcing its segregation laws in the park's facilities.
By the 1930s, there were several concessions operated by private firms within the park, some going back to the late 19th Century. These early private facilities at Skyland Resort, Panorama Resort, and Swift Run Gap, of course, were operated only for whites. By 1937, the Park Service accepted a bid from Virginia Sky-Line Company to take over the existing facilities and add new lodges, cabins, and other amenities, including Big Meadows Lodge. Under their plan, all the sites in the parks, save one, were for "Whites Only." Their plan included a separate facility for African Americans at Lewis Mountain—a picnic ground, a smaller lodge, cabins, and a campground. The site opened in 1939, and it was substantially inferior to the other park facilities. By then, however, the Interior Department was increasingly anxious to eliminate segregation from all parks. Pinnacles picnic ground was selected to be the initial integrated site in the Shenandoah, but Sky-Line continued to balk, and distributed maps showing Lewis Mountain as the only site for African Americans. During World War II, concessions closed and park usage plunged. But once the War ended, in December 1945, the NPS mandated that all concessions in all national parks were to be desegregated. In October 1947 the dining rooms of Lewis Mountain and Panarama were integrated and by early 1950, the mandate was fully accomplished.
Since 1977, nearly half of the Green Springs National Historic Landmark District, a nearby area affiliated with Shenandoah National Park, has been protected by preservation easements held by the National Park Service.
Attractions
The park is best known for Skyline Drive, a 105 mile (169 km) road that runs the entire length of the park along the ridge of the mountains connecting at the south end with the 469 mile (755 km) Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive is particularly popular in the autumn when the leaves are changing colors. Also in the park are 101 miles (162 km) of the Appalachian Trail. In total, there are over 500 miles (800 km) of trails within the park. Of the trails, one of the most popular is Old Rag Mountain, which offers a thrilling rock scramble and some of the most breathtaking views in Virginia. There is also horseback riding, camping, bicycling, and spectacular waterfalls. The Skyline Drive is designated as a National Scenic Byway.
Stony Man Trail
This is one of the most scenic trails in the Skyline drive. It ends up at a cliff and offers a beautiful overlook. It is ideal for watching the sun set. Pets and horses are not allowed on this trail.[1]
- From the top of stonyman summit.jpg
From the top of stony man cliff
- Starting point of Little stony man nature trail.jpg
Beginning of the trail
Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Dark Hollow Falls is another scenic trail of the Skyline drive and ends up in waterfalls. It is located near the Byrd Visitor Center and is a steep ¾-mile hike. The trail is at the edge of a stream, which enhances the enjoyment. Birds, butterflies, deer, and occasionally black bear and timber rattlesnake may be seen on this hike, but have not been known to harm any visitors.
- Darkhollow2007.jpg
Dark Hollow Falls
- Wildlife at Dark Hollow.jpg
Wildlife at Dark Hollow
- The dark hollow trail.jpg
The stream leading to the Dark Hollow Falls
- SkylineWaterTrail.jpg
The trail leading to the Dark Hollow Falls
Waterfalls
|
File:Rose river falls 20030906 145007 1.jpg Rose River Falls File:Shenandoah - south river falls.jpg South River Falls File:Darkhollow2007.jpg Dark Hollow Falls |
Lodges are located at Skyland and Big Meadows. The Park's Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center is also located at Big Meadows. Another visitor center is located at Dickey Ridge. Campgrounds are located at Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain.
Rapidan Camp, the restored historic (circa 1931) presidential fishing retreat of Herbert Hoover on the Rapidan River is accessed by a 4.1-mile round-trip hike on Mill Prong Trail, which begins on the Skyline Drive at Milam Gap (Mile 52.8). The NPS also offers guided van trips that leave from the Byrd Center at Big Meadows.
Shenandoah National Park is one of the most dog-friendly in the national park system. The campgrounds all allow dogs, and dogs are allowed on almost all of the trails including the Appalachian Trail, if kept on leash. Park rangers are very friendly and helpful. They organize several programs from spring to fall. These include ranger-led hikes. Interesting discussions of the history, flora, and fauna are all part of these ranger programs.
Notes
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Radlauer, Ruth, Ed Radlauer, and Rolf Zillmer. 1982. Shenandoah National Park. Parks for people. Chicago: Childrens Press. ISBN 0516077449 and ISBN 9780516077444
- Manning, Russ, and Russ Manning. 2000. 75 hikes in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers. ISBN 0898866359 and ISBN 9780898866353
- Shelton, Napier. 1975. The nature of Shenandoah: a naturalist's story of a mountain park. [Harpers Ferry, W. Va.]: Office of Publications, National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior.
- Butcher, Russell D., and Lynn P. Whitaker. 1999. Guide to national parks. Northeast region. NPCA national park guide series. Guilford, Conn: Globe Pequot Press. ISBN 0762705728 and ISBN 9780762705726
- Blackley, Pat, and Chuck Blackley. 2003. Shenandoah National Park impressions. Helena, MT: Farcounty Press. ISBN 1560372303 and ISBN 9781560372301
External links
- National Park Service. Shenandoah. Retrieved August 17, 2007.
- National Park Service. When Past is Present : Archaeology of the Displaced in Shenandoah National Park. Retrieved August 17, 2007.
- Earth Observatory. Shenandoah National Park. Retrieved August 17, 2007.
- Earth Observatory. National Park, Virginia. Retrieved August 17, 2007.
- Virginia is for Lovers. Shenandoah National Park. Retrieved August 17, 2007.
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|---|---|
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