Shenandoah National Park, first authorized in 1926, stretches out for a 105 miles along the Blue Ridge mountaintops. Heavily forested with Virginia hardwoods, this 300 square mile park typically extends for a few miles on both sides of the Skyline Drive Parkway. Access is spaced out among four park entrances found between Front Royal and Waynesboro.
   Shenandoah is well known for many scenic overlooks spaced out along the Skyline Drive. Over 500 miles of trails are also woven throughout the parkland. Among waterfall hikes, one of the most popular waterfall hikes leads to the 70 foot Dark Hollow Falls. The mile and a half round trip is a great intro to the park and starts out downhill on a gravel roadbed. About halfway to the falls, hikers will pass the Cave family cemetery. The Cave Cemetery is one of more than 100 cemeteries in Shenandoah, and descendants may still be buried in their family plot if they so choose.
   Much of Shenandoah National Park was once farmland, and more of these old remnants still remain. An interesting note suggests not all residents left willingly. In fact, some were removed by force. A few very stubborn individuals stayed through their dying day. Others conceded that losing their home was the price paid for one of the country’s most beautiful national parks.

     Park Maps