Shenandoah National Park, WV

The Hillside Motel is very close to the Thornton Gap entrance of the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). After checking out of the motel in the morning, I drove into the SNP for a vsit. The America The Beautiful National Parks and Federal Lands Pass lifetime pass for seniors (aka Interagency Senior Lifetime Pass) got me in for free, otherwise I would have to pay $30 for a 7 day pass. The senior pass is good for all national parks and federal lands (national forests, Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds) and all campsites are 50% off for the cardholder. My $80 pass has paid for itself many times over! Also, making reservations online is pretty easy on https://www.recreation.gov/. This is one federal website that appeared to have gotten the concepts of user experience right. Or, perhaps I had gotten used to the quirks of the website, having used it so often the past two years.

I have been to SNP many many years ago and could not remember much about it. Had thought about camping there for the kayaking trip, but the few campsites with electric hookups were sold out. Stopped at the visitor center, then drove around one part of the huge park only since I wanted to get home before dark. However, I did take the time to hike one of the many trails to a small waterfall. It was good exercise on a beautiful sunny day.