Shenandoah River SP, VA (2nd time)

The park is about 5 miles south from Front Royal, VA, right by South Fork Shenandoah River.  We camped here last year in the fall, I love this park.  The sites are large and private, there’s a  trail by the river and large field above it on the hillside.  Since it’s spring, we have a full view from the site, no leaves in place to block it.

The area had wildfires last few weeks, along the Shenandoah Ridge and in the valley by Luray. We decided to explore this park and still had work to do to set ourselves up in the camper.

Yesterday, we walked south along the River trail, so peaceful. We met up with three local hikers and had a great chat about local hiking trails.  They suggested using https://www.hikingupward.com/ website for VA, WVA, Maryland and NC hikes, it’s a very good site. It has difficulty, stream crossing and even solitude ratings.  Good addition to AllTrails or State Park and NPS maps.

Going north along the river, the trail is called Bluebell trail and it certainly lives up to its name. For over 3/4 of a mile, there are Virginia bluebells in great swaths on both sides. Smaller side trails take you closer to the river amongst the bluebells.  Magical!

We are off tomorrow, moving south chasing the warm weather as Tom would say.