Virginia’s fall foliage is approaching its peak, and for many, that means it’s time for a trip to Skyline Drive. But with the ongoing federal shutdown, a trip to Shenandoah won’t be business as usual.
Furloughs and Limited Services Impact Parks
When the government shut down on October 1, the National Park Service announced that most parks would remain open. However, 9,296 of the 14,500 NPS workers nationwide were furloughed. This leaves parks with bare-bones staff and very few resources to maintain visitor services.
A federal shutdown in 2019 left parks with significant damage and overflowing trash, according to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).
“We’ve seen what happens when parks are left open without enough staff,” said Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of NPCA, in a news release. “It’s unsafe and unsustainable.”
Impact on Shenandoah
At Shenandoah, the shutdown comes at its peak season — especially as fall foliage starts to turn. The park can see as many as 300,000 visitors in October. It’s the second-most visited park around the country in the month of October, according to the Shenandoah National Park Trust (SNPT).
The gates to Shenandoah National Park are open, and entrance fees are not being collected. Most trails, lookouts, and roads (including Skyline Drive) remain accessible to visitors.
Old Rag also remains open, and there will be a ranger on site. That means you still need to reserve a time slot to access the trail.
Staffing is minimal and will only cover what is necessary to maintain health, safety, and resource protection, according to an October 1 post from SNPT. That means that visitors centers and restrooms could be inaccessible or operating with limited service. Rangers won’t be available for guidance, and there could be slower emergency response time.
“Should I visit Shenandoah during the shutdown? The short answer — no,” SNPT’s post said. “If you do choose to visit, you must be prepared to act as the park’s primary steward.”
That includes following the principles of leave no trace. Pack out any trash or waste, don’t disturb wildlife, and avoid off-trail hiking. It also means you’ll need to be self-reliant and carry maps, first aid supplies, and water for yourself.
Lodging Remains Open
While NPS-run resources are impacted by the shutdown, many of Shenandoah’s lodging options are run by outside company Delaware North. This means that lodging options at Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge, and Lewis Mountain Cabins remain operational.
Delaware North’s retail and food and beverage facilities, including the Big Meadows, Elkwallow, and Loft Mountain waysides remain open.
Consider Alternate Trips
During the shutdown, it could be a good time to consider other scenic trips that don’t involve Shenandoah.
If you’re looking to replace your leaf-peeping drive down Skyline Drive, consider alternate scenic routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Colonial Parkway.
For fall hikes and parks, consider exploring Virginia’s state parks like the Natural Bridge, Sky Meadows State Park, and Mason Neck State Park. There are also stunning hikes with fall foliage right in NoVA, including Burke Lake and Lake Accotink.
And, if you still want to enjoy the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley during fall, you can make a trip to nearby towns like Lexington, Luray, Waynesboro, and Sperryville. Take advantage of the region’s great wineries and breweries, and hunt for treasure at antique shops.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
