retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

The much better half and I are planning to visit the northern end of the Shenandoah National Park the end of this September. I want to take landscape and wildlife photos. Is this the right time of year – we can shift it a little? Where is the best place for wildlife shots/ birds , etc.? Any suggestions on where to stay (3 nights) – we will be driving down. All suggestions are welcome – thanks in advance.

ps: yes, I know about Google and will do research – just wondering if any fellow Hogs want to share their experiences, good or bad.

The emphasis is on wildlife photography.

al davis Loc: chesterfield virginia

Hello retlaw.I live here in Virginia and visit shenandoah national park 3 times a year.When I visit in the fall I go the last week in september or the first 2 weeks in October.This is the best time for wildlife action and foliage.As you know early morning or early evening is best for wild life.Also there are senic overlooks and trails to hike with some great waterfalls.Skyline drive is amazing you will not be dissapointed.
As far as a place to stay if you go in at the northen gap entrance wich is the far north entrance in Luray Virginia there is a yogi bear campground about 5 minutes from the park entrance.I have a 30ft travel trailer I pull behind my truck this is one place I stayed at a few times.They also rent cabins but call early the fill up fast.here is their link http://www.campluray.com/.If you go a little further south you can stay at big meadows lodge or cabins.This for me is by far the best place to stay.You have big meadows across the street from the lodge and cabins Early morning at the meadows is fantastic for wild life.here is their link http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm.What ever you decide to do you will not be dissapointed.It is just an incredible place I hope this helps.A couple of shots from 2010 in shenandoah.I do have more from other visits on flickr.I sell my photos to virginia living magazine along with the copy rights the bear photo is not the best one.click on my avatar for flickr link.

this is a tease (shenandoah 2010)


bear shenandoah (2010)

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Hi Al,

Thanks so much for your input and links. We are now totally looking forward to our trip. The pictures are inspiring – I will check out your others. Also, great tips on where to stay. We do not have a travel trailer so we will check the lodge. (Someday we may rent a trailer to try it.)

Hopefully I will take some shots as nice as yours – what week/month were they taken? BTW, I found that focus and exposure on black bears is difficult, especially when you only have seconds to get the shot; their fur seems to soak up the light. I will post some photos when I get back. Thanks again!

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Hi Al,

I took a look at your site – BEAUTIFUL photos, outstanding! I have a way to go but I keep trying.:) I noticed the Mandarin duck, very nice. Where was that photographed? Also, I checked the exif data on that Shenandoah photo and learned it was 10/7/10. The leaves are just turning – maybe September is too early.

pigpen

Shenandoah is nice, but for wildlife, I'd go to the Smoky Mountains. I've seen much more wildlife there than I have in Shenandoah. I'm not saying it's not there, but it's finding it.

SwedeUSA

Someone, unfortunately I don't remember who, just posted about the KIA owner's problem and got an answer from a BMW owner. Same here: he's going to the Shenandoah for crying out load!

pigpen

And your reply was a wealth of information about Shenandoah. What a stooge!

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Dear Pigpen and Swede,

I get both your perspectives and I do appreciate your inputs. While true that we plan to visit Shenandoah this time and that is our focus for now, hearing about other places is good too.

Best

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Retlaw - I lived in the DC area for nearly 10 years and was to Shenandoah many times throughout the year. You mention the northern end. I just want to point out this is the most heavily used / visited area. If you take one day during your visit, try to make it to the south end where it will seem more remote.

Hopefully, you plan for some hiking and not just driving and stopping along the roadway. You can find everything from 'easy' to 'extremely difficult' trails all through the park. I seem to remember more easy and waterfall related hikes on the northern end. Get a book or visit the NPS site for candidate hikes. And have a fun time!

SwedeUSA

And the invectives keep on coming! What's wrong with you "pigpen"?

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Thanks for the good suggestions, Chg Canon. We agree that we need to cover more of the park and like the idea of “more remote” --- the fewer people, the better the wildlife. So south end here we come! We will hike; which trail depends on which lens I take that day. ;)

Best

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You can mail order a Falcon Guide for Shenandoah. I don't know if it's available for mail order, but my preferred guide is Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park. They sell this pocket guide at the park.

I looked quickly and found I have notes on the following from my copy of the Circuit guide, broken out by park district. Old Rag is outside the park but is a pretty nice day hike on a somewhat lonely mountain away from the main ridge line.

Austin Mountain is my favorite but really hard. My notes from 2007 says it took me 8 hours.

(North) Thornton Hollow

(Central) Old Rag
(Central) Cedar Run - Whiteoak Canyon
(Central) Rose River Cascades

(South) RockyTop
(South) Austin Mountain - Furnace Mountain

Kestrel1029 Loc: Philadelphia, PA

Hi,

You're a bit early in the year for the color change, but the park is beautiful any time of the year. Landscapes opporunities are everywhere there, many scenic view pull-offs along the drive. Wildlife could be anywhere along the drive. Deer being the most common. Last time I was there I did get to see two bears at different locations. When a bear is sighted is causes what I like to call a "Bear Jam". Cars parked all along the road.


As far as where to stay, you can stay right on the drive at either Skyland or Big Meadows. They have cabin/hotel types of lodgings as well as restaurants there. The food is a little pricey but good.

Take your time while you are there and enjoy that beautiful scenery. Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.

Cheers,
Tim

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

I found both guides and a ton of info with maps etc online. Based on your reco, will order the Circuit hikes guide. I am glad you got me started on this now because I can see that choosing the right hikes is important considering my photo gear and time involved.

Thanks again.

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Hi Tim,
I think you are right about the timing and will move our departure one week. It may not be enough but that is what we can do for now.

Funny about the "Bear Jam" -- I have seen similar things before (get out of my way people :))

Really looking forward to those landscapes. Thanks for the advice and good wishes.