Shenandoah Fall Foliage

Shenandoah National Park is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, on the eastern wall of theAppalachian Mountains. Thepark location is an ideal setting with the Shenandoah River flowing through the valley to the west, and Massanutten Mountain to the east of the park is a gem.

Shenandoah comes alive in the fall when warm amber, gold and oranges fill the landscape in a fiery display that cannot be missed. A drive along the 105-mile road Skyline Drive provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west.

For the enthusiast that cherishes partaking of the scenery by sight, touch and sound you will find more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail to feed all your senses. October is the time of year that leafs really start to change color and the perfect time to load up the family and head out for a truly marvelous experience in fall foliage. On the way don’t be surprised to see many animals, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, which flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory forest.

Lodging in Shenandoah books up early during this time of year. To be sure to get the lodging of your choice for your preferred dates, it is recommended that you book at least 60 to 90 days in advance of your planned date of arrival. Otherwise you might have to settle for less than satifactory lodging, or camping out under the stars, (which isn' much fun when overnight temps drop down into the 20's.

Also you should note that many lodges in the area may start charging a premium the closer it gets to peak fall foliage season.
By booking now you could save yourself a bundle!

Bringing the kids along? Be ready to explain why leaves change color...

While chlorophyll gives leaves their familiar green color, carotenoids produce yellow, orange, and brown colors. And while both chlorophyll and carotenoids are present in the chloroplasts of leaf cells throughout the growing season. It isn’t until chlorophyll production slows as the days grow shorter and the sun is less abundant that the colors produced by carontenoids become visible.

When you are visiting Shenandoah National Park in the fall be sure to bring a camera and plenty of film these colors show up great in pictures that will be treasured for years to come.

Camera Tips:
Take extra batteries and film or picture cards
Wouldn't you be crushed if your camera stopped? What if you ran out of film or filled up your picture card right at the crucial moment? The night before, check the batteries in your camera and snap a few pictures to make sure everything is working. Pack extra batteries and film or picture cards to take with you.

Take pictures, even in bad weather
Don't let rainy days discourage you from taking pictures. Polished by the rain, colors seem to glow. On overcast days, try to include a spot of color to brighten your picture.