Shenandoah National Park - Ranger Programs (U.S. National Park Service)

A ranger shows a young hiker how to read the information on a stone trailmarker during a Ranger Program.

NPS John F. Mitchell

Explore Shenandoah with a Ranger

Ranger-guided programs give visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of the park with a Ranger. Programs are offered in spring, summer, and fall.

Discover the many stories of Shenandoah's past, take a walk through the splendor of a unique mountain meadow, or learn about the many animals and plants that thrive in Shenandoah National Park.

FALL RANGER PROGRAMS
September 2 - October 26, 2008

A - indicates an accessible program
Programs will be cancelled in the event of lightning or extreme weather.
Pets are not permitted on programs.
Bring water and wear appropriate shoes for hikes.

Click here for a printable schedule.

Dickey Ridge - mile 4.7		SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
Terrace Talk – Spend 10 minutes learning about a special feature of the park. Check at information desk for talk schedule. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.	A	Check at Information Desk for Talk Schedule.

Skyland Area – mile 41.7 and 42.5		SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
Junior Ranger Program – Unlock the mysteries of Shenandoah through fun and educational activities. Kids ages 7 and up. Parent/adult must accompany child. 1.5 hrs. Meet at Skyland Amphitheater.		10 am
Limberlost – Stories of change, hope, and loss are found in this dramatic forest. 1.3 miles. 1.5 hours. Meet at the Limberlost Trailhead (milepost 43).	A		10 am				10 am
Discovery Walk – Explore what’s blooming, peeping, crawling, or singing this week! 1 hr. Meet at Skyland Amphitheater.					10 am			10 am
Historic Massanutten Lodge – Tour the restored 1911 bungalow home of Addie Pollock and learn about the figures and forces of early Skyland Resort. 1 hour. Meet at Skyland Conference Hall (lower road).	A	10:30 am		10:30 am		2:30 pm
Wild About Bears – Learn about the unique lifestyle of Shenandoah’s largest mammals during this 20-minute talk. Skyland Dining Hall Terrace.	A		1 pm		1 pm		1pm	1 pm
Shenandoah Secrets – Shenandoah holds many secrets just waiting to be discovered. Learn about one special feature in this 20-minute talk. Topics Vary. Skyland Dining Hall Terrace.	A	1pm		1 pm		1 pm
Stony Man Hike – Some of the most incredible views in Shenandoah are closer than you think! Wear sturdy shoes and bring water on this hike to the park’s second tallest peak. 1.6 miles. 2 hrs. Meet at Stony Man Trailhead (mile 41.7).			2pm			10 am		2 pm
Ancient Volcano Hike – Imagine fiery lava and rivers of molten rock in Shenandoah! Walk along the remains of an ancient volcanic rift. 2 miles. 2 hrs. Meet at Timber Hollow Overlook (mile 43.3).		2:30 pm					2:30 pm
Evening Campfire Program – In September only, a ranger for this well-loved National Park Service tradition. Dress warmly for cold mountain nights. 45 minutes. Skyland Amphitheater.	A							7:30 pm through Sept. 27 only

Big Meadows Area – milepost 51		SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
Terrace Talk – Spend 10 minutes learning about a special feature of the park. Check at information desk for talk schedule. Byrd Visitor Center.	A	Check at Information Desk for Talk Schedule.
Kid’s Corner – Get to know Shenandoah a little better through a short activity. Ages 6 and under. Parent/adult must accompany child. 30 minutes. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center.		9:30 am
Rapidan Camp – Travel by bus to Rapidan Camp, President Herbert Hoover’s summer retreat. 3 hrs. 12-person limit. Reserve by phone (540-999-3283) or in person at Byrd Visitor Center.	A	1:30 p.m.	9 a.m.		9 a.m.		1:30 p.m.	9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Live Birds of Prey – Meet live raptors and learn about their vital role in the ecosystem. 1 hr. Big Meadows Amphitheater.	A			10 a.m.		10 a.m.		10 a.m.
Appalachian Trail Hike – Hike a portion of this famous mountain trail and discover its fascinating stories. 2 miles. 2 hrs. Meet at Milam Gap Parking Area (mile 52.8).			10 am			2 pm
More than a Meadow– Discover the wonders of a unique 130-acre meadow on this gentle walk. 1 mile. 1.5 hrs. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center.		10:30 am					10:30 am	3 pm
Bucks, Does, and Fawns – They may look tame, but these wild animals can be unpredictable. Learn more about Shenandoah deer in this 20-minute talk. Byrd Visitor Center.	A			11:30 a.m.		11:30 a.m.
Wild About Bears - Learn about the unique lifestyle of Shenandoah’s largest mammals during this 20-minute talk. Byrd Visitor Center.	A	2 pm		2 pm		2 pm		2 pm
Shenandoah Secrets – Shenandoah holds many secrets just waiting to be discovered. Learn about one special feature in this 20-minute talk. Byrd Visitor Center.	A		2 pm		2 pm		2 pm
Junior Ranger Program – Unlock the mysteries of Shenandoah through fun and educational activities. Kids ages 7 and up. Parent/adult must accompany child. 1.5 hrs. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center.								2:30 pm
CCC Stroll – Celebrate 75 years of the Civilian Conservation Corps legacy. Take a short walk to the site of a CCC camp. 45 minutes. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center.		3 pm		3 pm
Discovery Walk – Explore what’s blooming, peeping, crawling, or singing this week! 1 hr. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center.			3 pm		3 pm		3 pm
Evening Campfire Program – Join a ranger for this well-loved National Park Service tradition. Dress warmly for cold mountain nights. 45 minutes. Big Meadows Amphitheater.	A						7:30 p.m.	7:30 pm

Loft Mountain – mile 79.5		SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
Wild About Bears - Learn about the unique lifestyle of Shenandoah’s largest mammals during this 20-minute talk. Loft Mountain Information Center.	A							1 pm
Discovery Walk – Explore what’s blooming, peeping, crawling, or singing this week! 1 hr. Meet at Loft Mountain Amphitheater.								3 pm
Evening Campfire Program – Join a ranger for this well-loved National Park Service tradition. Dress warmly for cold mountain nights. 45 minutes. Loft Mountain Amphitheater.	A							7:30 p.m.