Shenandoah, << `shehn` uhn DOH uh, >> National Park lies in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Most of the park is wilderness. Nearly all of the park is at least 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level, and it has about 60 wooded mountain peaks. The highest is Hawksbill (4,049 feet, or 1,234 meters). The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles (169 kilometers) through the park along the crest of the mountains. Trails lead from the drive into the mountains. Azaleas, mountain laurel, dogwood, and other wildflowers grow in the park. Wildlife includes black bears, red and gray foxes, squirrels, opossums, skunks, minks, weasels, and ground hogs.
Shenandoah National Park is rich in history. George Washington passed through the area during the French and Indian wars. Battlefields of the Civil War lie on both sides of the mountains. The park was approved by Congress in 1926 and established in 1935. For area, see National Park System (table: National parks) .
