Architecture of Shenandoah National Park

Photographed for the 75^th anniversary of the park in June 2011.

In the forested uplands of northwestern Virginia, Shenandoah park overlooks the valley of the river for which it is named. Elevations range from 560 to over 4000 feet. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile parkway, traverses the ridges of the park. Following the dedication of Shenandoah National Park in 1936, a lodge and cabins for visitors were constructed at Big Meadows in a rustic, utilitarian style, yet which featured a dining room with elegant chestnut paneling. A second lodging area, Skyland, was later developed at the location of a small resort established in the 1880s.

		Big Meadows Lodge. Among the original National Park lodges, the historic hostelry was constructed in 1939.
		Rolling hills of Shenandoah. View from Hawksbill peak. Crescent Rock Overlook on Skyline Drive is visible in lower right.
		Gray birch at Big Meadows. Fierce winter conditions at the mountaintop meadow limit the growth of even the hardiest trees.
		Motel-style rooms, Birmingham lodgings, Skyland
		Balcony, Raven’s Nest lodgings, Skyland
		Entrance, Laurel lodgings, Skyland
		Entrance, Big Meadows Lodge
		Dining Room, Big Meadows Lodge
		Canyon lodgings in morning fog, Skyland
		Skyland Lodge in late evening
		Dining Room, Skyland
		Conference Hall, Skyland
		Trailhead, Limberlost Trail
		Plank trail over wetlands, Limberlost Trail
		Bridge on White Oak Canyon Trail
		Descent to White Oak Canyon
		South River Valley
		Original lodgings, Big Meadows
		Staff housing, Skyland
		Décor by Tap Room Lounge, Big Meadows Lodge
		Television Room, Big Meadows Lodge. Frozen in time.
		Stalwart tree on windswept ledge, Thornton Gap