Though winter has not released its grip on Shenandoah National Park and staff continues to work on clearing the Skyline Drive of snow and ice, spring is almost here! Park employees are gearing up for a busy season of protecting park resources and welcoming visitors. Facilities in Shenandoah National Park will begin opening this month and will continue to open through the spring.
Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center will continue serving visitors on weekends (weather permitting) until March 28 when the visitor center will begin operating 7 days a week. The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center will open 7 days a week beginning April 4.
Campgrounds will operate on the following schedule: Big Meadows Campground will open March 27; Lewis Mountain Campground will open April 3; Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain campgrounds and group camping at Dundo will open May 6.
Elkwallow, Pinnacles, South River, and Dundo Picnic Grounds are currently open. The remaining picnic grounds will operate as follows: Big Meadows will open March 27; Lewis Mountain will open April 3; and Dickey Ridge Picnic Grounds will open April 4.
Concessioner-operated restaurants, lodges, and associated facilities will operate as follows: Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Wayside will open March 26; Big Meadows Shower/Laundry will open April 27; Lewis Mountain Cabins and Lewis Mountain Campstore will open April 3; Loft Mountain Wayside will open April 9; Elkwallow Wayside will open on April 16; Loft Mountain Campstore and Loft Mountain Showers and Laundry will open May 6; Big Meadows Lodge will open May 15.
For more information about planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park go to http://www.nps.gov/shen or call the park at (540) 999-3500.