Story of the Forest Nature Trail is an interpretive loop trail that is self-guided. Twenty-two signs along the path tell about the succession from meadow to forest. It is a good hike for able-bodied children.

Directions: From Front Royal, VA, Skyline Drive travels the entire length of Shenandoah National Park. Mile markers are placed along the right-hand side of the road heading south. They are numbered from north to south beginning at the northern terminus in Front Royal, Virginia. Facilities, trails and park features use the mile markers as points of reference. Park at milepost 51.2 in the Byrd Visitor Center. Trail begins across the Drive from the north entrance.

Elevation: 3,425 feet

Elevation Gain: 290 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Expert Review of Story of the Forest Nature Trail

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Family Review of Story of the Forest Nature Trail

Away Travel Expert: Meagan Francis

Family Expert Favorite
FamilyExpert Rating Recommended for:
Children of all ages

FamilyExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• The Byrd Visitor Center, from which the trail originates, also hosts a museum, junior ranger programs, and a variety of information, programs, and activities for visitors.

An easy trail with a length (just under 2 miles) that's doable for kids, the Story of the Forest Nature Trail at Big Meadows (Mile 51 on Skyline Drive) highlights the natural history of the forest. Deer, chipmunks, rabbits, foxes, and a variety of

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An easy trail with a length (just under 2 miles) that's doable for kids, the Story of the Forest Nature Trail at Big Meadows (Mile 51 on Skyline Drive) highlights the natural history of the forest. Deer, chipmunks, rabbits, foxes, and a variety of birds are all frequent visitors along this 1.5-hour (or so) hike, and you'll pass everything from a bog (Big Meadows Swamp) to an open meadow (Big Meadows). Signs along the way interpret the surroundings for self-guided hikers, and guided tours are also available—contact the Byrd Visitor Center for more details.

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