At a time when visitors usually trek to national parks in the Shenandoah Valley to take in the changing colors of the fall season, the SNP Trust is suggesting you find an alternative during the government shutdown.
October is the busiest month for travelers in the region with up to 300,000 people visiting during peak leaf season.
Instead of visiting the Shenandoah National Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Trust recommends supporting local communities this year including Elkton, Stanardsville, Sperryville, Front Royal, Harrisonburg and Waynesboro.
“Here in Waynesboro, we have seven city parks, the South River Greenway and Preserve, scenic local roads, the Blue Ridge Tunnel and lots of trees that are starting to turn,” according to a post on the city’s Department of Tourism social media. “We also have excellent local restaurants, lodging, shops, museums and entertainment.”
ICYMI
If you choose to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park during the shutdown, the Trust is giving you fair warning that many services will be unavailable.
While roads and lookouts may remain open, visitor centers, restrooms, programs and support service are not available. In the event of an emergency, the Trust also warns there may be slower response times.
“The absence of park employees during a government shutdown places greater responsibility on visitors,” the SNP Trust wrote on its website.
“If you’re not ready to be the park’s caretaker for the day, choose another fall adventure.
“If you are ready, plan carefully, stay safe, and leave no trace — so that Shenandoah can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Breaking it down
The park may be physically open, but staff capacity will be extremely limited.
- Roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will remain accessible. Shenandoah National Park’s gates are expected to stay open.
- Staffing will be minimal — only enough to maintain health, safety and resource protection.
- Visitor centers, restrooms and facilities that are normally locked after hours will remain closed.
- Websites and social media will not be updated (except for emergencies). No road or trail condition reports will be provided.
If you visit
- Visitor centers are closed
- Trash will not be collected
- Restrooms will be closed
- No rangers will be available for guidance
- Educational and interpretive programs will not take place
- Wildlife monitoring will be paused
- Slower emergency response time
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Crystal Graham
