October is a busy time at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Campgrounds fill up and Skyline Drive sees an increase in traffic. Everyone wants to marvel at the fall beauty of the mountains and forests. The park is over 100 miles long and spans a wide elevation range. Fall color conditions can vary dramatically from area to area. Weather affects the color from day to day and even hour to hour. If this feels frantic to you, don’t worry. Shenandoah has many trails and overlooks where you can settle down and find a peaceful moment, looking up at the streaming sunlight and the fluttering autumn leaves. Photo by N. Lewis, National Park Service.

Everyone can enjoy cruising along Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. There are so many gorgeous places to stop and enjoy waterfalls, wildlife, trails and amazing views. Photographer Stephen LaVine enjoyed every minute of his visit: “My wife took me to the park for a couple of days for my birthday, so it was a really special time. Each night we went out in search of a sunset to watch and capture and this one definitely did not disappoint!” Photo courtesy of Stephen LaVine.

Nature Photography Day is a special moment for us. We love sharing the amazing landscapes and fascinating wildlife found on public lands and waters across the country. We’re lucky to work with talented photographers and employees who capture wonderful moments and let us share them with you – our Interior community! Thanks for supporting public lands, leaving no trace and respecting wildlife. Photo of two cute raccoons at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia by  D. Machado, National Park Service.

Shenandoah National Park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. Two peaks, Stony Man and Hawksbill, exceed 4,000 feet. The range of elevation, rocks, soils, precipitation and latitude create a mix of habitats. Tens of thousands of living creatures make their homes in the park, from black bear resting beneath rock overhangs to tiny aquatic insects darting through cool mountain streams. Take your time and explore the deep forests and rugged mountaintops on your next adventure. Photo by National Park Service. 

This sunrise photo was taken last year, but it paints a lovely picture of what Shenandoah National Park will look like as the weather gets warmer. Over 850 species of flowering plants grow in the Virginia park. The variety of colors and petals are fun to discover as you wander the trails and enjoy the gorgeous mountain views. Photo by N. Lewis, National Park Service.

Happy National Public Lands Day – the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands. Today and everyday, celebrate the beautiful landscapes, history and wildlife that public lands protect. Whether you spend the day volunteering or recreating, it’s the perfect day visit a public land near you. Photo of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia by National Park Service.

This time of year, the sunrises around 6 am at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. For those early risers who wake in time to watch the dawning of a new day, they’re treated with an amazing show. The sun’s first rays kiss the rolling mountains, revealing the valley below. Where is your favorite spot to watch the sunrise in the park? Photo from Shenandoah’s Hazel Mountain Overlook by National Park Service.

Start your spring outdoor adventure with a sunrise at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With waterfalls, wildlife, history, hiking trails and amazing views along the famous Skyline Drive, the park is a feast for your eyes and spirit, and will keep you coming back for more. Photo from Thornton Hollow Overlook by N. Lewis, National Park Service.

Skyline Drive curves around mountaintops and pushes through clouds at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With plenty of spots to pull off and take in the view, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a mountain sunrise. The speed limit is 35 mph, so plan to take your time and make sure to watch for wildlife in the road. Photo by N. Lewis, National Park Service.

It’s the first day of fall, and we’re looking forward to amazing autumn colors. Soon, public lands across the country will transform into a tapestry of red, orange and gold. Where is your favorite place to go leaf-peeping? Here’s a breathtaking shot from a previous fall at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Photo by N. Lewis, National Park Service.