Shenandoah National Park was established in 1935 using lands donated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its forest, once devastated by logging and farming, has returned and now covers more than 95 percent of the park, and Congress designated two-fifths of the park as wilderness in 1976. More than 500 miles of trails lead beyond Skyline Drive to secluded places in this recycled land. Skyline Drive, one of the most famous scenic roads in America's national parks, has for decades given millions of visitors easy access to the mountains and sky of Shenandoah National Park. Following the winding backbone of the Blue Ridge for 105 miles, it offers dramatic views in clear weather east over the rolling Piedmont plateau and west over the Shenandoah Valley and the Appalachian Mountains beyond. Designed for enjoyment rather than the shortest route between two points, it invites stops at overlooks and exploration of park trails.
