Freelance Article Sent in by Site Reader Sally Hillside

Shenandoah National Park is an incredibly beautiful place to explore the very best of the natural beauty that Virginia has to offer. From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains vistas, to the silent wilderness walks.  No matter whether you’re in the area for a few hours or for a couple of weeks, you’ll find something to see and do within the confines of the beautiful National Park region. The Cave Hill Farm B&B is perfectly located to be the ideal base for your trip. Depending on the length of your trip and your interests, here are just some of the highlights of activities available within the Shenandoah National Park:

Stop By The Visitor Centre

Before you begin your adventure within the National Park, be sure to stop by the visitor centre. Here you’ll be able to pick up a copy of the Park Ranger’s schedule of events happening in the park that day, speak to the expert staff and get some suggestions of the best hiking routes and activities for you, and pick up a map of the National Park. You’ll also find a book store and rest rooms, enabling you to get access to all the services and supplies you need.

Explore the Wilderness

A whopping 40% of the Shenandoah National Park has been designated as wilderness area, meaning that the plants and tree life are left to form their own path, and the land is untouched by human hand. Many of the walking and hiking trails in the park are in that designated wilderness area, offering outstanding opportunities to relax and embrace the solitude, and take a moment of peaceful rest from your daily life. You won’t hear anything other than the sound of your own breathing, the rustling of the leaves, and the murmurings of the wildlife that chooses to make the Wilderness area their habitat.  Hike along the Stony Man Trail, which is in the wilderness area, and is one of the most scenic trails in the whole national park: you certainly won’t be disappointed. Unlike most national parks, Shenandoah is a place where settlers lived for over a century. This means that you may well see traces and signs of where former settlers and Native Americans have lived in the region as you explore, adding an interesting extra dimension to hikes through this region.

Enjoy Some Bird Watching

There are over 200 different recognised species of birds living within the Shenandoah National Park, meaning that the park regularly attracts keen bird spotters from all of the country hoping to capture a glimpse of some of the rarer species. As well as a vast number of native birds (the park is a permanent home to more than 30 different varieties of warblers) Shenandoah also provides an essential habitat for neotropical migratory birds: this makes the park a massively exciting place for bird enthusiasts, as you never know what kind of incredible bird species you might spot as you travel through the park.

Be Prepared

Because the Shenandoah National Park is in a relatively remote location, it’s important to prepare and pack everything you need with you before you visit the area.  Carry a small first aid kit with you so that you can treat yourself should you injure yourself or get any scratches or scrapes whilst you’re enjoying your vacation.  Visit the ATM to withdraw some cash or collect your travel money, so that you always have the security of having money in your pocket should you need it: National Parks generally aren’t equipped with ATMS! Finally, don’t forget to carry a small hiking back pack with a bottle of water, some high calorie snacks, and any other essentials you need for a day in the National Park. The Cave Hill Farm B&B is located conveniently close to the entrance to the Shenandoah National Park, meaning that you will be in the perfect position to leave the most of your supplies in your room and not have to carry too many supplies with you.

Why not book a stay at the Cave Hill Farm B&B and explore the very best of the Shenandoah National Park? Offering a warm welcome and a wealth of local knowledge, we can help enhance your visit and ensure you enjoy every minute.