Right now is a great time to explore the natural world. In not too long, we will be saying goodbye to the cold winter weather and hello to the wonder and beauty of spring. It’s the perfect time to start thinking about a trip to Shenandoah National Park, and there’s no better place to stay than here at the Foxfield Inn in Charlottesville, VA. Read on for our top ten reasons why you should include the Shenandoah National Park in your spring getaway itinerary.
- Fields of Wildflowers—You’d be hard-pressed to find a more lovely place to enjoy wildflowers in the spring. Blooms begin as early as late March and continue into the fall. There are 862 different flower species found in the park, so check out their wildflower calendar to make sure you’ll be able to see your favorites when they are in full bloom.
- Skyline Drive—This spectacular drive covers 105 miles and is the only public road in the park. It follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and takes about three hours to traverse. Make stops along the way to see all the hidden gems throughout the park
- Waterfalls—You will find many opportunities along Skyline Drive to stop and hike down to one of the countless waterfalls throughout the park. Each one is truly breathtaking and the sights and sounds are worth the hike back up to the car!
- Wildlife Sightings—Shenandoah is home to a fabulous array of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, amphibians, and insects. Depending on the time of day, you may spot a white-tailed deer, a black bear, a red-tailed hawk, or maybe even a Shenandoah Salamander, the only species in the park that is considered endangered.
- Hiking—There are over 500 miles of trails to choose from during your visit, so you’ll want your first step to be narrowing down the options with the help of their hiking guide. Once you’ve made your choice, prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular sights and sounds you’ll encounter in one of the country’s best hiking destinations.
- Education Programs—There are so many ways to enhance your experience by learning about the history of the park, the many creatures that call it home, and the ecological elements you’ll see during your visit. So attend a range program, check out the exhibits found in the visitor center, or take a self-guided field trip. Just make sure you check in about Covid restrictions as some programs are not available at this time.
- Go Fishing—With over 70 streams, Shenandoah National Park is an excellent place to spend a day relaxing and fishing. Check out their fishing regulations and consider doing a guided fishing experience through one of these permitted businesses.
- Bicycling—Bicycling along Skyline Drive is a great way to experience the park and get in a good workout while you’re at it. As with fishing, make sure to follow all regulations and consider going on a guided ride with these businesses.
- See Old Rag Mountain—This is one of the most popular spots in the park, and for good reason. Enjoy exciting rock scrambles, gorgeous views of the valley below, and an incredibly satisfying, if also strenuous, hike to the summit.
- View the Night Sky—Finish off your perfect day at the park with a little night sky viewing. The park is relatively far from urban areas so the light pollution is minimal. Count the stars, make a wish, or simply dwell on the vastness of the cosmos—there’s no wrong way to enjoy the night sky and you won’t want to miss this experience during your visit!
We love sharing the gorgeous natural beauty of the Virginia countryside with our guests. Start dreaming of your springtime getaway and book your stay with us here at the Foxfield Inn today!
