Field Trip: Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadow

The drive to the Big Meadows inside Shenandoah National Park from Fairfax is just over two hours.  This area has been chosen for its wildlife, landscapes, waterfalls and other diverse nature photography opportunities.  It also happens to be one of the best destinations we can occupy to avoid COVID. June is a particularly fortunate time as the fawns should be out frolicking with mamma doe.  The trails surrounding Big Meadows campgrounds have also frequently reported black bears.  The nearby waterfalls may not have as strong a flow, but they should also provide unique opportunities for those who are looking for a hike to go with their photography.  Others will find many opportunities to pull off the side of Skyline Drive to find inspirations a few hundred feet from the side of the road.  (Skyline Drive is about 106 miles long and takes about 3 hours to drive.  Add in frequent stops and you’re looking at a better part of a full day of shooting.) The Shenandoah Valley also makes for a spectacular subject should conditions present themselves for a sunset shot or nighttime astro-photography. In fact, this field trip offers so much to photograph that you might just want to include an overnight stay at the Big Meadows Lodge or at a nearby accommodation. Big Meadows Lodge Skyline Drive Mile 51 Shenandoah Natl Park, VA 22835 https://www.goshenandoah.com/lodging/big-meadows-lodge Note: new COVID cancellation policies include no-charge cancellations “by 4:00 pm EDT 2 days before the scheduled arrival date.” What: As mentioned above, this destination is abundant in all things wild, from wildlife to wildflowers.  On June 12 (or June 13 in case of rain), we’ll meet in the afternoon at the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center to plan our late afternoon photography activities.  From there, we’ll decide if it’s best to trek the Big Meadows loop trail across the road for deer, explore the campground trails for bears, or start the landscape hunt early.  We’ve timed this field-trip in hopes of capturing the fawns and cubs that inhabit the Big Meadows area, but there are opportunities for other nature inspired photography you may not want to miss. Sunrise is expected at 5:49 a.m. (EDT) Sunset is expected at 8:38 p.m. (EDT) Milky Way will be visible for most of the night. Moon will be in a Waxing Crescent Phase (4%, New moon on June 10)  https://www.moongiant.com/calendar/june/2021/ Equipment:

• Any lens between 18-200mm will satisfy most landscape needs. For wildlife captures, I recommend 300mm+.  Wildlife are accustomed to humans, but you still need to keep your distance.
• Astro-photographers should bring fast wide angle lenses. ( f/5.6 okay, f/4 better, f/2.8 even better )
• I never leave the house without a polarizer.  Bring your other neutral density and graduated filters to help balance your exposures.
• Tripods are allowed everywhere.
• Don’t forget a spare battery and memory card(s).
• Bring a light jacket for higher altitude temperatures and comfortable shoes.
• Bring a mask and some personal hand sanitizer

Remember, fuel is available near the visitor center, but it can be a bit expensive.  Be sure to fuel up prior to entering the park as there only three gas stations along the drive (milepost 24, milepost 51, and milepost 79). When: Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 3pm – 8pm Rain date on Sunday, June 13, 2021 from 3pm – 8pm Where: We will meet outside the Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center (main parking lot) at 4pm for a meet and greet.  We’ll also discuss the conditions and review plans for the late afternoon and evening. The visitor center will be staffed outside by rangers from 9am – 5pm.  The building itself is not expected to be open.  Restrooms are expected to be open at the visitor center. Parking is free at the visitor center, however Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter.

• $30 / car provides unlimited entry for the vehicle and all passengers for the next seven days.
• $0 if you have either a Shenandoah Annual Pass or America the Beautiful (aka inter-agency pass)

We hope you can join us! Tammy Tideswell and Steven Glintz Field Trip Coordinators 2020-2021 *Wildlife photos by Stan Bysshe *Landscape photos by Alan Goldstein