reservations at Shenandoah National Park

I was a bit put off by some previous posts regarding lack of cleanliness and bad meals at the lodging, but others have said they%26#39;re okay. I%26#39;m trying to get on a wait list for one of the lodges for later this summer - but all I can find is the main private number for the lodges, which takes a 10% commission! Anyone know if there%26#39;s another way to contact them without paying that commission? Thanks!

reservations at Shenandoah National Park

Reservations for the lodges, Skyland and Big Meadows, are handled by Aramark. The number for phone reservations is 888-896-3833 or you can check online at visitshenandoah.com/lodging-food/index.cfm. Don%26#39;t know what 10% you refer to unless it%26#39;s Aramark%26#39;s profit margin or other travel service trying to make a buck by handling your reservation. The lodges are comparable to most lodging in other National Parks, usually clean %26amp; comfortable but not 5 star. If nothing opens in SNP, consider Front Royal, Luray, or Charlottesville. Good luck, and by the way....love the name of your town!

reservations at Shenandoah National Park

Thanks so much - this is very helpful. The 10% was for the number given on the website and I couldn%26#39;t find another one, for some reason. By the way, in addition to living in Normal, I%26#39;m a psychologist!!! Normal actually refers to a teaching university - ISU, a large state university is here, which is what leads me to be here, which I certainly would never have been otherwise!

worldapart,

You must admit, you have a great ice breaker story....

Enjoy Shenandoah NP and if you are interested in hiking, post again we%26#39;ll be happy share some favorite trails.

Happy trails

It certainly is a good icebreaker - I end up talking with reservations people about it sometimes, when they take my address and notice it... I%26#39;d love to have some info on your favorite trails! Thanks!

Here are a few trails to consider depending on your interests, available time, abilities, etc.

Dark Hollow Falls, milepost 50.5 near Byrd Visitor Center, one of most popular trails in SNP (not a favorite of mine due to crowds but a very nice hike to beautiful waterfall), moderate, 1.4 mi roundtrip.

Rose River Loop, I prefer this to Dark Holllow, 4 mi, milepost 49.4, moderate, interesting trail with 800%26#39; elevation change, lots of water views.

Whiteoak Canyon milepost 42.6, 4.5 mi roundtrip, moderate, waterfall, popular trail

Little Stony Man, 1 mi roundtrip to summit, lots of view for very little hiking but steep, milepost 39, moderate.

Others to consider include Hawksbill (great views), Bearfence (cool rock scramble), Blackrock Summit (beautiful views for very little effort), Frazier Discovery Trail (pleasant, interesting, scenic)

You may get some other trail suggestions from area hikers, you really can%26#39;t go wrong it%26#39;s a great park. Stop in one of the Visitor Centers and discuss your interests with a ranger, they will point you in the right direction and provide trail maps.

Happy trails

Hey, thanks a lot! Maybe I%26#39;ll get back to you and let you know how a Normal woman does. Laurie

Thanks for the smile. The only way I could refer to myself as a Normal woman would be if I lived there....even then I think my nose would grow!

Enjoy Shenandoah.