Yes, the weather is gorgeous, and the fall colors haven't yet peaked, but the folks at Shenandoah National Park are glancing at the calendar and will be closing some facilities in the not too distant future.

Shenandoah Superintendent Martha Bogle says many facilities will begin closing at the end of October, although the Dickey Ridge and Harry F. Byrd Visitor Centers will remain open until November 27.

Campgrounds will operate on the following schedule: Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain Campgrounds will close on October 30, Lewis Mountain Campground will close on November 6, and Big Meadows Campground will remain open until November 27.

Concessioner-operated restaurants, lodges and associated facilities will operate as follows: Loft Mountain Campstore and Loft Mountain Showers/Laundry will close on October 30; Elkwallow Wayside, Big Meadows Lodge, Lewis Mountain Cabins, Lewis Mountain Campstore, and Loft Mountain Wayside will close on November 6. Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Wayside, and Big Meadows Showers/Laundry remain open until November 27.

This winter the following picnic grounds will remain open year round, weather permitting: Elkwallow, Pinnacles, South River, and Dundo Picnic Grounds.  Lewis Mountain Picnic Grounds will close on November 6. The Dickey Ridge and Big Meadows Picnic Grounds will close on November 27. Loft Mountain Picnic Grounds remains closed.

Skyline Drive is open year round; however, the Drive may be temporarily closed on short notice due to winter weather conditions.  During weather closures, park staff will work to open the North and Central Districts (from Front Royal to Route 33) first, followed by the South District (from Route 33 to Route 250).