You are here

Home » Limited Parking At Whiteoak Canyon Boundary Parking Area In Shenandoah National Park
Share

Limited Parking At Whiteoak Canyon Boundary Parking Area In Shenandoah National Park

Published Date

October 1, 2018
Fall colors in Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park/NPS

Fall colors in Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park/NPS

Due to the washout of the bridge at the Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the boundary parking area remains closed.

The bridge was severely damaged during heavy rains earlier this summer. Cars are not able to cross the bridge, and so parking is restricted to the lower lot and is extremely limited. It is reduced to one-third of its normal capacity. Park staff are asking the public to access the Whiteoak Canyon area trails from Skyline Drive instead. The two parking areas on Skyline Drive are the Whiteoak Canyon Trail parking area at mile 42.6 and the Hawksbill Gap parking area at mile 45.5.

Through the cooperation with the landowner and the support of the Piedmont Environmental Council and Trout Unlimited, a new bridge is planned for construction to be completed in 2019. During Shenandoah's peak visitation in the fall, visitors are being asked to explore other waterfall options. More information about Shenandoah’s waterfalls can be found at https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm

Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Jennifer Flynn stated that, “We are grateful that our partners, the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and Trout Unlimited, are working closely with the property owner, Jimmy Graves of Graves Mountain Lodge, to build a new trout-friendly bridge. This new bridge will have the capability for fish to pass underneath, which will improve the habitat for fish and provide excellent visitor access to the Whiteoak Canyon trails.”

“The existing crossing is undersized and reaching the end of its useful life," said Seth Coffman, Trout Unlimited’s coordinator for the Shenandoah Headwaters Home Rivers Initiative. "The new structure will allow native brook trout to access over 3 miles of critical habitat in the park, have a greater capacity to handle flows associated with storm events, and provide more reliable access to the park for visitors to the White Oak Canyon trails.”

Related Stories:

A Day In The Park: Shenandoah National Park
Images Of America’s Historic National Park Lodges
Why Our Nation's Most Vulnerable Species Are At Risk

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.