Places to visit in Virginia - Shenandoah National Park

In my last post, I talked about my visit to Virginia Safari Park, which is one of the top attractions in Virginia. If you have missed it, please check out that post here.

So after a successful, memorable and fun trip of the Safari Park, it was time to visit the top natural destination of Virginia, “Shenandoah National Park”.

Shenandoah National Park lies along the Blue Ridge Mountains in north-central Virginia.
The park stretches for 105 miles along the scenic Skyline Drive from near the town of Front Royal in the northeast to near the city of Waynesboro in the southwest.

Main Attractions
The main attractions of the park are -:
1. Skyline Drive
2. Hiking
3. Camping
4. Waterfalls
5. Wildlife, which includes deer, black bears, foxes, birds and other animals.

My experience
I started the scenic drive from the northern entry point of the Park, which is situated near the town of Front Royal.
The entry fee is $25 per vehicle and is valid for a week from the start date.

We got a map which had the information about different scenic points where you can stop your vehicle and enjoy the endless natural beauty of the lush green mountains

As it was sunset time so I was very excited to get some stunning view of the Park and I was not at all disappointed. The sky was covered with layers of orange, blue and white, and the sun rays falling on the mountains covered in the blanket of green, made the whole view breathtaking.

We drove for around 20 miles and experienced the stunning views but now it was time for something else, the “FOG”.
Yes, as we drove ahead the endless fog welcomes us and the visibility at some points became just nil.
Driving through the fog was like sailing through a cloud, a lifetime experience indeed.

We took a U turn from 30 miles as it was getting dark and too much foggy.

And last but not the least, we were fortunate to see the wildlife too.
There were two instances of spotting a black bear, one when an adult black bear was crossing the road and the second was of a young one ambling on the sides of the road.
We also saw a deer and a different species of bird which was of a size of a vulture.

It was definitely a successful, super thrilling, adventurous, beautiful and memorable visit to “Shenandoah National Park”.

Tickets & Fees
The entry fee for the park is $25 for a car for 7 days.

Connectivity
The Skyline has two entry points, one near the town of Front Royal in the northeast and other one near the city of Waynesboro in the southwest.

Food
There are no food junctions, cafes, restaurants or any facility where you can get food.

Stay
I was staying in the town of Front Royal where there are a lot of decent motels available. Also there are lodges along the skyline drive.

Now time for some gyan from Explorer Lens
1. Visit the park during either sunset or sunrise to experience those amazing views.
2. It gets foggy in the evening so plan your visit accordingly.
3. Don’t plan for the complete 105 miles stretch of the Skyline, until you are not short of time.
    As the speed limit is only 35 miles/hr so it will easily take you 5 hours to cover the complete
    stretch.
4. There are black bears all over the park, so if you are planning for camping or hiking, do take all the
    safety measures beforehand.

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Places to visit in New Jersey - Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area

Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area is one of the most picturesque places in New Jersey. Located in the Hunterdon County, this place has been included among the “Top ten most beautiful places in New Jersey” by New Jersey monthly magazine.

With steep slopes, swiftly flowing river water, beautiful trails, huge rocks and a variety of flora and fauna, it is a paradise for hikers, photographers, fishing enthusiasts and people who love camping.

The place is beautiful, tranquil and easily accessible.
The South Branch of the Raritan River is at its finest as it tumbles through the Gorge.
Among the trails, the Columbia trail and the one that runs through the Gorge are the best.
If you are lucky you can also spot different species of deer and black beer.
It is also a good place for cyclists.

Also the surrounding area upto 5 miles is beautiful and provide a lot of good photography opportunities, nice tracks for cyclists and great camping spots.

Tickets & Fees
This place is free to public.

Connectivity
Easily accessible but the parking is limited so during rush hours who can find it difficult to get a spot.

Food
There are no cafes or food junctions nearby so plan your meal accordingly.
The best thing is to bring your own food and enjoy it in the lap of nature.

Now time for some gyan from Explorer Lens
1. It is a place which can be visited in any season.
    During winters, witness the stunning scene created by the ice buildup on the rocks on the either
    side of the river.
    Spring and Summer are the time when birds return to their nests along the riverbanks and also a
    great variety of beautiful ferns start showing up.

    Without any doubt also one of the best places in New Jersey to view fall colors.

2. A great site for fishing so do get your rods.

3. Lastly the route to this place is equally amazing so always keep your cameras ready.

4. A great picnic and family spot.

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A visit to Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Overview-:Ichetucknee Springs State Park is one of Florida’s outstanding natural wonders.
In 1972, the U.S. Department of the interior declared the Ichetucknee Spring a National Natural Landmark.
The nearly transparent Ichetucknee River flows six miles though the dense forest before it joins the Santa Fe River and provides great opportunity for tourist activities.

It is around 90 miles from Jacksonville, the city where I stay.

There are 2 entrances for the park, The North and South Entrance. North one is more popular than the south because it is home to more tourist points.

Activities to do-:1. Tubing
     Tubing down the river is the most popular and premier activity in the area.
     You get rented tubes for around $7 from the shops nearby. There are different spots which are
     called springs from where you can start your tube adventure. Scenic views of the vast jungle from

     the middle of the river is one hell of an experience. I couldn’t take my camera or mobile with me 

      in the tube as there was danger of those devices falling in the river if my tube tumbles.

2. Canoeing & Kayaking
    There are canoeing spots from where you can start paddling your canoe.
     Canoe’s can be rented but most of the people were seen bringing their own.
     Similar to tubing they are also a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the river with an
     opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife.

3. Swimming
    There are lots of springs where you can swim and have fun. The water is cold and deep at few
     places so better get into the depths only when you are an expert in swimming.

4. Snorkeling
    The points where water is deep, snorkeling can be exercised, Blue Hole Spring is one of the most
     popular spots.

5. Picnicking
    There are arrangements for reunions on both the entrances. Areas are equipped with picnic tables
    and grills.

6. Hiking
    Hiking is not popularly practiced here but there are 3 hiking points on the north entrance.
    a. Blue Hole Trail
    b. Trestle Point Trail
    c. Pine Ridge Trail

Points to remember -:1. Canteen is available only at the south entrance hence carry a good amount of stuff to eat.
2. Bring lot of water to drink as you have to walk around a lot.
3. Bring extra pair of clothes.
4. Try to reach as early as possible as the tubing limit is only 750 people which fills up fast.
5. Take good amount of guidance from someone who had already gone before as the map provided to
     you at the gate is a bit confusing and you can have a hard time finding different spots.

Credit - Here

Credit - Here

Credit - Here

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