Safety

Make your fun adventure a safe and healthy one, too! Use the NPS Trip Planning Guide and Checklist to help plan your trip. Be aware of the common hazards in the Shenandoah Valley.

Weather

Check the weather in advance of your trip, and plan accordingly. Summers in Virginia are often very hot with high heat indexes. Dress for the heat and for sun protection. Pack lots of water.

Ticks

Ticks that carry disease are abundant in Virginia. Rangers highly recommend using repellent with DEET. Do you know how to take precautions against tick-borne diseases?

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer on the roadways and the occasional black bear. Do you know how to stay safe if you see a black bear?

Roads

The Valley Pike (U.S. Highway 11) is a busy modern route. Do not cross it on foot except at signal-regulated intersections.

If taking the self-guided, ranger-led, or battlefield app tour, be prepared to drive on curvy, narrow, unpaved state and county roads.