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Shenandoah National Park :-
Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the
Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian
Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The Shenandoah River flows through
the valley to the west, with Massanutten Mountain, 40 miles long, standing
between the river's north and south forks. The rolling Piedmont country
lies to the east of the park. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds
along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides
vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west. The park holds more
than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Trails may follow a ridge crest, or they may lead to high places with panoramic
views or to waterfalls in deep canyons. Many animals, including deer, black
bears, and wild turkeys, flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory
forest. In season, bushes and wildflowers bloom along the Drive and trails
and fill the open spaces. Apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries
are reminders of the families who once called this place home. Shenandoah
National Park has many stories waiting to be told, and a world of beauty
that can renew and bring peace to the spirit.
ACCESSIBILITY
Most facilities and services in the park are accessible or accessible with
assistance. Detailed information is provided in the expanded park web pages
and through the connection to the concessioner web pages under each facility
or service.
Limberlost Trail (milepost 43), is ADA accessible, with a crushed green
walkway on a gentle grade. This circuit hike of 1.3 miles is for people
of all ages. The trail passes through forest and a stand of mountain laurel
- stunningly beautiful when it blooms in June. The forest is ever-changing!
Once tall hemlocks and oaks shaded this trail, but most have been killed
by insect invaders: the wooly adelgid and the gypsy moth. Recent storms
have felled many of the dead trees. Today, notice what lives, including
birches, maples, white pines. Look for wildflowers, from the bluets and
violets of April to the yarrow, yellow hawkweed, and wild columbine of summer;
discover ferns and mushrooms; listen for birds. And contemplate the resilience
of nature.
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