There were trails. Flattened gravel cutting through an otherwise steep sloping hill leading down into a lake. We followed the trails for a bit but the real adventure started when we crossed the road and river to get to the other side. On the other side, the trail was overgrown and constantly twitching at our ankles. We didn’t mind. This was what we came here for. As we pushed farther into the forest, the Silence grew. Eventually it got so loud that I had to stop walking, as the sound from my feet was disturbing a great stillness over the grounds. Standing there, my breath was silent, the air was still, and the world seemed to have stopped turning. It was there that I got my first sensation of true wilderness in a long time. Being together but alone, isolated but blanketed gave me one of the greatest senses of peace. Wilderness has the ability to shed light and open eyes of those who otherwise could not on their own.
Sincerely,
Shenandoah National Park
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, Shenandoah features rolling tree-lined hills, wooded hollows, spectacular waterfalls and a diversity of wildlife, all easily accessible from the scenic Skyline Drive. The park preserves a remarkable slice of southern Appalachian natural history and beauty with a dazzling array of recreational opportunities.
State(s): Virginia
Established: 1935
“they open eyes. ”
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Greetings from Shenandoah National Park
I can't believe this photo was from a decade ago. One decade ago, I recreated a trip with my parents (and my kids), that my parents took me on about four decades ago. We visited Luray caverns and drove through Shenandoah National Park. On the drive, it was fun, even…
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