Shenandoah National Park is easily one of the most famous natural attractions in Virginia. Boasting inspiring mountain views, fascinating history, and expansive wilderness, it's a place that belongs on everyone's bucket list. And yet, as is the case with most vast parks, it can be a dangerous place to explore if you're not adequately prepared. In fact, Shenandoah National Park search and rescues rank relatively high among the nation's parks. Here's a bit more about the ranking and how you can best prepare for a fun and safe park visit.
Ancient mountains, craggy overlooks, rushing waterfalls, and hidden streams — these are just a few phrases to describe the grandeur of Shenandoah National Park.
The park is made up of 200,000 acres of protected lands, offering visitors from all over the opportunity to explore the wilderness in the greatest sense of the word.
As is true with all wild spaces, however, safety and responsibility are required. These woods hold intrigue, mystery, and unfortunately, the potential for danger.
The publication Outforia put together a list of the top search-and-rescue hotspots in the U.S., and Shenandoah National Park ranked number 15, close behind Glacier National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.
According to the site, 131 search-and-rescue incidents took place between 2018 and 2020.
Most of the search-and-rescues that are issued are to find people who have explored the backcountry of the park. The trails aren't as maintained as the park's other areas.
Fortunately, a vast majority of those that go missing in the park are found. The best measures to ensure safety are to hike with a buddy, or at least let someone know where you plan to hike, bring a phone or map, and all the necessary gear for a safe hike: water, food, and dry layers.
With a few precautions, your experience at Shenandoah is bound to be a positive one. Be sure to respect this beautiful park and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Have you visited Shenandoah National Park recently? What did you enjoy most about your experience there? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments - we would love to hear from you! For more information, including helpful guides, maps, and tips for planning your trip, be sure to check out the official National Park Service website.
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