Shenandoah National Park

I'm not sure which forum to put this in so if this is wrong, moderators can move it to the appropriate forum.

I'm going to be in Shenandoch National Park the beginning of May. Does anyone have suggestions on locations in and around the park for favorite photo locations or spots? Would especially like to hear from frequent visitors or locals to that area. Thanks in advance for your help.

John 20d, gitzo and stuff

My wife is the hiker in the family and she talks frequently about "Old Rag" Mountain in the Shenandoah as being a very challenging hike with beautiful views from the top. You can google it as I believe it's out towards Front Royal, Virginia

I went over a year ago and cant remember any names/places but this was my first day out with my 20D. I took over 500 shots from early 5:30am until about 4pm.

http://lwonder.com/she​nandoah/default.html

Big Meadows for wildlife (should be getting the Bambi's in early may...) and the Limberlost trail (around MP 43) - the mountain Laurel might not be in bloom yet, but it has a lot of downed wood that makes for interesting compositions. And theres the standard Dark Hollow Falls, right near Big Meadows if you are strapped for time, its alos rather crowded...but a nice waterfall. They have a nice little 2.00 pamphlet on waterfalls in the park that might be worth the investment to decide which ones you might like to see.

There is a fairly easy trail down to "Dark Hollow Falls". Ask at any ranger station or lodge and they can point it out. It is between Big Meadows and Skyline Lodge (closer to Big meadows, I think). Several nice waterfalls and and old deserted church. My favorite place in the park.

LOL, I should have scrolled down before answering. I see tcrank beat me to it. Oh well, Dark Hollow Falls is really pretty.

Ultra - Looks like I'll definitely have to take plenty of memory cards with me. 500!!! I looked at your pictures - some nice shots there. Hopefully mine will come out as well as yours. Thanks for responding.

John 20d, gitzo and stuff

TimC - thanks for answering. Will try to get to Old Rag Mountain while I'm there.

John 20d, gitzo and stuff

tcrank wrote in post #3075711
Big Meadows for wildlife (should be getting the Bambi's in early may...) and the Limberlost trail (around MP 43) - the mountain Laurel might not be in bloom yet, but it has a lot of downed wood that makes for interesting compositions. And theres the standard Dark Hollow Falls, right near Big Meadows if you are strapped for time, its alos rather crowded...but a nice waterfall. They have a nice little 2.00 pamphlet on waterfalls in the park that might be worth the investment to decide which ones you might like to see.

tcrank - Thanks! This is exactly the type of information I was looking for. I'm staying near Big Meadows. I really getting excited about going now. Thanks again!

john 20d, gitzo and stuff

PhotoFranz wrote in post #3076679
There is a fairly easy trail down to "Dark Hollow Falls". Ask at any ranger station or lodge and they can point it out. It is between Big Meadows and Skyline Lodge (closer to Big meadows, I think). Several nice waterfalls and and old deserted church. My favorite place in the park.

PhotoFranz - Thanks for the tip about the waterfalls and the church! Definitely the kind of stuff I would shoot.

john 20d, gitzo and stuff