Oh, Shenandoah

Less than 20 miles west of Monticello (see my last blog), there lies the south entrance of the 300+ square miles Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The word Shenandoah comes from Algonquian-Wakashian American Indians which mean Beautiful star daughter, or spruce-lined stream, or vast prairie.

The park resides in the northern section of the Blue Ridge Mountains which is a part of the 1,500 miles long Appalachian Mountains in eastern North America, running from the island of Newfoundland south-westward to Central Alabama. Blue Ridge earns its name because of the bluish color when seen from a distance. Technically, the distinct blue color and characteristic haze on the mountains come from the isoprene released into the atmosphere by the numerous trees of the range.

The best way to appreciate Shenandoah National Park is through hiking. With its massive trails of more than 500 miles long, one can choose short, half day or day hikes at easy or moderate or strenuous grade from trail heads off the 105 miles long Skyline Drive through the park. (For those who prefer the comfort of cars, the Drive offers 75 scenic overlooks and convenient views). Portions of the trails are a part of the 2,100 miles long popular Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia. On the trail, we did run into an old hiker who was carrying a 45 lb load on the way to New York from his North Carolina home, a 450 miles journey.

Hawksbill Summit (at 4050 ft) and Stony Man Summit (at 4010 ft) are two highest peaks in the park. Within one mile or two miles of hiking, one is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the mountain ranges and valley (see photo below). The park has many wildlife and wild flowers. You would almost certainly run into few white-tailed deer off the trails or on the meadows. You may see some eastern wild turkey. If you are lucky, you may see black bears crossing the Skyline Drive. We heard people who saw bobcats which are rare. Given the mere sixty miles short distance from Washington D.C. to the north entrance of the park, Shenandoah offers a relaxed long weekend break from brown urban and suburban life.


Before I go, here is “Oh Shenandoah” and its lyric, a popular 200+ year old American folk song. There are many versions and various interpretations of it. I like this one by Randy Granger, a talented Native American musician who delivered it with a deep emotion.



Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah,
I love your daughter,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I love your daughter, Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah,
I'm going to leave you.
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I'm going to leave you.
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.