Public Safety and Sobriety campaign begins at SNP

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive sign picture taken by employee of WZRV/WFTR used by permission

The National Park Service began an extended public safety and sobriety campaign on June 1st which will continue through November 15th for Shenandoah National Park.

Throughout the campaign, periodic checkpoints will be conducted with the primary focus of the stops looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment as well as valid operator licenses and essential safety equipment.

The checkpoints will utilize a neutral, predetermined mathematical formula to select vehicles for screening and ensure a fair and unbiased process for motorists.

The checkpoints will be placed along the 105 mile stretch of Skyline Drive and primary entrance stations including Front Royal.

In the announcement, acting chief ranger Eric Yount said, “Our goal is to create a safe environment for everyone using Skyline Drive… We want visitors to enjoy the overlooks and trails, but we have a zero-tolerance policy for driving while impaired in national parks.”

To view the full release, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Killahevlin

Samuel Carson, an Irish immigrant who established the dominant Carson Lime Company in Riverton in 1868, commissioned this home as a physical symbol of his success. The location, overlooking the booming industrial center he helped create at the confluence of the Shenandoah River’s forks, was a statement in itself.

Killahevlin

Memorial Day Means Free Admission to Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive sign picture taken by employee of WZRV/WFTR used by permission

If you’re looking for a Memorial Day getaway, Shenandoah National Park will offer free admission Monday along the entire length of Skyline Drive.

Park officials say it should be a perfect day for a scenic drive, hiking, waterfall visits, or picnics at campground areas, with comfortable late-May weather expected across the region.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

VDF celebrates a conservation win!

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry is celebrating a major conservation effort near Shenandoah National Park.

Through the Shenandoah Borderlands Project, more than 5,000 acres of forestland in Albemarle and Nelson counties are being permanently protected.

The project is a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Piedmont Environmental Council, and landowners.

This project is also supported by more than eight million dollars in federal funding through the Forest Legacy Program.

The newly protected land creates a buffer between I-64 and Shenandoah National Park, preserving scenic views, clean water, and critical wildlife habitat.

Officials say the project helps protect the region’s forests for future generations.

Park shutdown hits Shenandoah at peak season

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive sign picture taken by employee of WZRV/WFTR used by permission

The ongoing government shutdown struck Shenandoah National Park during its busiest month.

October usually brings nearly 25% of the annual visitors.

The Park remained open, but with severely reduced staffing.

The Park is set to lose an estimated 2 to 3 million dollars because it stopped collecting entrance fees.

This is a potential 10% cut to next year’s operating budget.

Funds for vital projects like trail restoration and bear box installation are being diverted to keep basic services running.

The Shenandoah National Park Trust is raising awareness and urging visitors to donate their usual entrance fee to help mitigate the long-term damage to the Park’s budget and conservation efforts.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Trail restoration funding secured for Dark Hollow Falls

october travel tips

Great news for outdoor enthusiasts!

The Dark Hollow Falls Trail in Shenandoah National Park is set for a major, multi-year upgrade, thanks to securing $126,000 in full funding.

The Shenandoah National Park Trust, the park’s official non-profit partner, will launch the project after receiving generous support from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation,  Arconic Foundation, and the 2025 All-Trails Stewards Fund.

The Dark Hollow Falls Trail is one of Shenandoah’s most popular hikes, attracting over 375,000 visitors annually with its challenging terrain and stunning waterfall
views.

Work is slated to begin in 2026.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here

The government shutdown causes changes in the Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive sign picture taken by employee of WZRV/WFTR used by permission

The Shenandoah National Park (SNP) is open despite the federal government shutdown.

However, according to the Shenandoah National Park Trust changes are to be expected.

Where roads, gates, trails are all open and accessible staffing will be minimal.

There will only be enough staff to maintain health, safety, and protect resources.

Visitor centers, restrooms, and facilities normally locked after hours are still closed.

Websites and social media will not be updated.

Only basic services are going to be provided, and emergency services will be reduced with slower response.

Visitors are asked to be prepared for lack of services and be stewards of the park by leaving no trace.

Old Rag will be open like most trails, but day passes are still required with a ranger on duty.

Skyland and Big Meadows are open according to Inside NOVA.

Meanwhile Governor Morrisey reports that thanks to a signed donor agreement, West Virginia’s National Parks will be fully operational.

New River Gorge and Preserve, and Harpers Ferry are open and will be at full operations if not already.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Med-Flight 1 executes rescue of injured hiker on Old Rag Mountain

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive sign picture taken by employee of WZRV/WFTR used by permission

On Wednesday, July 16, the crew of Med-Flight 1 executed the successful hoist rescue of an injured hiker on Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park in Madison County.

Med-flight 1 was initially notified by the National Park Service of the need for service at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Old Rag Mountain is approximately 80 nautical miles from Med-Flight 1’s home base in Chesterfield.

The hiker suffered a shoulder injury and could not make the hike back down the mountain.

The flight, staffed by Virginia State Police First Sergeant Jeffrey Weber, Chesterfield Flight Paramedic Chris Orr, and Chesterfield Firefighter Michael Burnett, rescued the hiker off of the mountain and flew the hiker to waiting EMS crews at the base of the mountain.

This is the fourth hoist rescue this year.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

SNP is going cashless for entrance and campground fees starting July 1

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive sign picture taken by employee of WZRV/WFTR used by permission

Beginning July 1, 2025, Shenandoah National Park (SNP) will shift to a fully cashless system for entrance and campground fees.

Visitors will be required to use mobile or electronic payments such as credit or debit cards when paying in person.

To streamline the process even further, visitors are encouraged to pay entrance, campground, and permit fees in advance through Recreation.gov.

While the park’s entrance stations and campgrounds will no longer accept cash, bookstores, concession-run gift shops, restaurants, lodging, and waysides will continue to offer cash payment options.

Park officials say entrance and campground fees are vital for maintaining and improving the park.

These funds support critical services such as road and facility repairs, trail improvements, and resource protection.

Going cashless also reduces time spent on handling cash, improves accountability, lowers risk, and increases the amount of
revenue available for park improvements.

For more information about planning a visit, go to www.nps.gov/shen.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Let Warren County help you celebrate Father’s Day!

Warren County Virginia new logo used by permission by Warren County Director of Technology Todd Jones

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day?

Head to Warren County this Sunday, June 16th, and make memories with Dad doing what he loves most!

Whether he’s an outdoor adventurer, a golf enthusiast, or a thrill-seeker ready to jump from the sky, Warren County has it all.

Hike the trails in Shenandoah National Park, kayak or fish the scenic Shenandoah River, or enjoy a mouthwatering meal with mountain views at a local eatery.

And if Dad’s more of a treasure hunter? Explore antique shops and local markets for unique finds.

This Father’s Day give Dad more than a gift. Make memories, right here in Warren County.