“It is a wonder way over which the tourist will ride comfortably in his car while he is stirred by a view as exhilarating as the aviator may see from the plane.”
-U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd (Virginia)
Shenandoah, a wilderness oasis in the busy east . . .
brought to you by: AHMTRAVEL.COMGazing across the horizon from the peaks of Shenandoah National Park it’s hard to believe you are just 75 miles from the bustle of our nation’s capital. Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness.
This is the fall color report for Shenandoah National Park as of September 19, 2009.
Fall has arrived in Shenandoah bringing shorter days and cooler temperatures to the mountains of Virginia. The colors and textures of autumn change daily. The most visible changes this week are in the higher elevations of the park and especially in the Skyland, Hawksbill, and Big Meadows areas. But no matter where you look right now, you are sure to see the colorful signs of fall.
Fall wildflowers are displaying their seasonal hues along the Skyline Drive and many park trails. Aptly named Goldenrods and huge patches of showy Purple Asters are blooming vibrantly.Deep cinnamon colored ferns and a variety of yellowing plants are very visible on the forest floor this week.
At the lower elevations of the park, deep purple Dogwoods, dark red Sumacs, and the bright red Virginia Creeper vines, that wind their way up trees and along rocky outcrops, are stealing the show with their colorful displays against a still mostly green background. At milepost 61, the Virginia Creeper vines are especially dramatic as the blood-red vines cling to the rocks alongside Skyline Drive. The smaller understory trees like the dogwoods and sumacs tend to change first, and these changes are very visible along the strenuous Riprap trail in the southern end of the park as the Cherry trees turn to shades of deep red.
Approximately 10 to 20% of the foliage along the Skyline Drive and at the higher elevations of Shenandoah is showing off fall color, often in the form of a single branch or clump of leaves that have changed hues. But many large trees have entire sections that have changed colors. The yellows and oranges of Hickories, Birches and Striped Maples provide a beautiful backdrop to the occasional bright Red Maple that stands out and captures your attention with what is just the beginning of its radiant autumn cloak. You can see many of these maples along the Limberlost trail near milepost 43. In fact, any hike in the Skyland area will yield views of beautiful autumn colors.
So when is the best time to come visit the park? Tough question! Shenandoah National Park is over 70 miles long, and due to the varying elevations along the many hollows, ridges and summits on the mountains, it’s impossible for us to pick a “peak date” for the entire park. History has shown us, however, that sometime around the 2nd and 3rd weeks of October, the colors of fall seem to be at their most brilliant stage here in Shenandoah. But why wait until then to come experience a taste of fall in the mountains?
It’s not just the plants and trees that are changing! A visit to the park at this time of year will also reveal the many ways that animals prepare for winter in the mountains. Many birds have already migrated to warmer areas. Those animal residents who will hibernate or spend much of the winter resting are out in full force eating and gathering bountiful crops of acorns, hickory nuts and fruits. Many park visitors are surprised to look up and see black bears gorging themselves on acorns while holding tight to the upper most branches of our many Oak trees.
Some of the white-tailed deer of Shenandoah have already donned their winter coats of dark gray, which allow them to blend in easily with tree trunks, as well as the pavement of the Skyline Drive. Their undercoat of insulating hollow hairs reminds us that at this time of year, it’s important to dress warmly for a day in the mountains. Temperatures have been dipping into the 50s at night and only reaching the 60s during the day. So wear layers, pack your jacket, and come experience the beginning of the autumn beauty of Shenandoah National Park.
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