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Shenandoah Park Begins Reopening, but not for Overnight Use
Shenandoah National Park will begin a phased reopening on Saturday, May 23, for day use only in certain areas.
Overnight camping will be prohibited in the first phase, and the only trails open will be those accessible from Skyline Drive.
The park said in a statement here that boundary trailheads, such as the Appalachian Trail, will remain closed, along with visitors centers, picnic areas, campgrounds, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants. AT shelters in the park remain closed.
The park recommended that hikers stay at least six feet from others, and wear a face mask when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Two weeks ago Great Smoky Mountains National Park began a phased reopening that includes backcountry permits, but not Appalachian Trail thru-hiker permits. Four national forests in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia reopened trailheads and access points to the Appalachian Trail on May 22.
Featured photo courtesy of Kira Foxfeet Cotter
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