Shenandoah National Park installs automated entry stations

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

Shenandoah National Park announced that they will begin installing automated entry stations at all four of the park’s entrances throughout the fall.

Visitors may purchase 7 day passes for vehicles, motorcycles, bikes, or pedestrians at the machines using debit or credit cards.

Visitors with an existing pass or receipt can scan the barcode at the kiosk to access the park.

To purchase annual or lifetime passes, visitors must visit a staffed entrance booth.

Shenandoah National Park said the automated entry stations allow a convenient way to obtain a pass regardless of arrival time and strengthen emergency response efforts as each station includes a gate system that allows rangers to close Skyline Drive remotely when road conditions are dangerous.

In addition to convenience and safety measures, 80% of fees from the entrance stations are returned to Shenandoah National Park for projects to improve the visitor experience.

The automated entry stations were funded by donations from the Shenandoah National Park Trust.

For more information, click here.

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

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.

Fall foliage forecast

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

In Virginia, fall is practically a statewide celebration , and it’s all about scenic drives, crisp hikes, and jaw-dropping foliage.

According to SmokyMountains.com’s 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, peak leaf season in Virginia will hit between October 13 and 20, with some areas hitting their most vibrant just a bit later.

In Northern Virginia, colors are expected to approach peak by October 13, with the brightest, most vivid displays arriving between October 20 and 27.

After that, the leaves will begin to fade past their prime.

Want to track the colors in real time?

SmokyMountains.com offers an interactive map where you can slide through the weeks and watch the foliage forecast change across the country, a handy tool for trip planning.

Thanks to cooler-than-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall across the Northeast and Appalachians, forecasters say we’re in for an earlier peak and especially vibrant leaves.

Mountain areas, like the Blue Ridge, will turn first, often a week or more ahead of lower elevations nearby.

That means if you’re planning a leaf-peeping road trip, starting higher up could deliver a better show earlier in the season.

So whether you’re hiking Skyline Drive, winding through the Shenandoah Valley, or taking the back roads through Loudoun or Albemarle counties, October in Virginia is the perfect time to chase the colors.

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

Skyline Drive’s historic groundbreaking: July 18, 1931

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

Ninety-four years ago, on July 18th a defining moment in Virginia’s landscape and New Deal history took place!

The official groundbreaking of Skyline Drive near Front Royal.

That historic ceremony on July 18, 1931, ushered in the creation of a 105.5mile scenic byway that would stretch along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Although a field survey had begun earlier that year in January, July 18th marked the formal start of construction.

The Federal Drought Relief Administration initially funded the project to create a stunning route and provide jobs for Virginia farmers and apple pickers devastated by the severe 1930 drought.

Through the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a pivotal role in the development.

Work included grading slopes, building stone walls and overlooks, planting native vegetation, and constructing guardrails, signs, comfort stations, campgrounds, and picnic areas, efforts that shaped the Drive’s rustic charm and environmental sensitivity.

After the central section between Swift Run Gap and Thornton Gap opened in September 1934.

Subsequent construction pushed Skyline Drive north to Front Royal in October 1936 and south to Jarman Gap by August 1939.

The southernmost stretch connecting to Rockfish Gap was originally built as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1939 and later incorporated into Skyline Drive.

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

SNP is planning upgrades to Big Meadows

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

Shenandoah National Park (SNP) is working with Rappahannock Electric to upgrade infrastructure as part of an ongoing project for the Big Meadows water system.

Crews will replace 11 utility poles and install communication lines between the area’s wells and reservoir.

Intermittent power outages are expected Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Work will begin on April 28th and continue for up to two weeks.

Despite the outages, key facilities like the Big Meadows Wayside, gas station, and Byrd Visitor Center will remain open.

Restrooms will stay open, but showers will not be available during the outage.

Ice and firewood sales will be temporarily relocated to the Big Meadows Wayside.

Park officials appreciate visitors’ patience as they work to improve critical infrastructure in this popular area of Skyline Drive.

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

It’s Junior Ranger Day!

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

Looking for something fun and free to do this weekend?

Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day this Saturday, April 19th, and the best part?

Entry to all national park sites is fee-free to kick off National Park Week!

Head up to Shenandoah National Park for awesome activities at two visitor centers:

At Byrd Visitor Center at Big Meadows, mile 51 on Skyline Drive:

  •  All day long: Enjoy a scavenger hunt and pick up your Junior Ranger Booklet
  •  From 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Check out the touch table and art station
  • ·10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – See live fire engine hose demonstrations
  • 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Explore a search and rescue vehicle and a law enforcement patrol car
  • From 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. – Join the Young Naturalists Program

At Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, mile 4.6:

  • All day: The scavenger hunt and Junior Ranger fun continues
  • From 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Explore the touch table

Whether you’re a curious kid or just young at heart, there’s something for everyone this Saturday at Shenandoah!

So pack up the family, enjoy the great outdoors, and earn those Junior Ranger badges—for free!

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

News Maker Allysah Fox on SNP being open and ready for fall

Despite what you may have heard Shenandoah National Park (SNP) Skyline Drive is fully open and ready for the fall season.

We spoke with SNP Information Officer Allysah Fox about it in our latest news maker.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

Experience Warren County Where History, Nature, and Family Come Together.

Allysah confirms that SNP is open it is the Blue Ridge Parkway that had to shutdown due to Hurricane Helene.

She also explains how the 17 plus inches of rain from Helene in a short period of time affected the SNP.

Allysah shares with us the best way to expedite your entry into the park to enhance your fall experience on the Skyline Drive.

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