Shenandoah National Park runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Skyline Drive follows the top of the ridge for 105 miles, and the park has hundreds of miles of trails. In the middle of May, the forest is bright green and the streams are running.
This day started down in the woods near Old Rag. It ended high on the ridge, with clouds blowing over the rocks.
The woods below Old Rag
Old Rag is the most famous hike in the park. This walk stayed on the quieter trails nearby. Old Rag Shelter sits in a small clearing, with a log building, a picnic table and a stone fire ring.
Trail signs here are simple and easy to follow. At one junction, a brown sign points to Old Rag Parking one way and Berry Hollow Parking the other. New green plants covered the forest floor all around it.
Water in the woods
One of the best things about the park in spring is the water. A wooden walkway runs right beside this stream, and you can hear it long before you see it.
Up on the ridge
Skyline Drive makes it easy to get up high. Many of the overlooks have low stone walls, so you can pull over and look out across the valley. The hills seem to go on and on in layers of green.
Late in the afternoon, the weather put on a show. Clouds came up the side of the mountain and poured over the rocks at the top. Blue sky came and went in minutes.
The walk back was on a rocky trail through low, misty woods. It was a quiet end to a day that had a little of everything.
Practical Info
- Where: Along Skyline Drive in northern Virginia. Luray is one of the closest towns.
- Entry: You need a park pass. Check current prices with the National Park Service.
- Old Rag: The hike to the summit needs a day-use ticket in season, so check before you go.
- Trail rules: Signs here say overnight camping needs a permit and campfires are not allowed in the backcountry. Some trails do not allow pets.
- Weather: Clouds move in fast on the ridge. Bring a layer, even in May.
- Allow: A full day, because the drive is slow and there are many overlooks.
