Almost 200 species of birds are resident or migratory including Red-tailed Hawks, Wild Turkeys and Canadian Geese. Over 50 species of mammals live in the park including Black Bears, Bobcats and White-Tailed Deer. Today, popular activities include horseback riding, hiking, camping, fishing, photography and wildlife observation. In 2018, Shenandoah welcomed over 1 million visitors. Shenandoah NP covers 197,438.76 acres with 79,579 acres as designated wilderness. The Great Smoky Mountains NP (1940) and Shenandoah NP (1935) provides tourist access for the south and east. But it would take the creation of the National Park Service (1916), 8 western parks and finally Acadia NP in the east, before Congress and Calvin Coolidge authorized the NPS to acquire land for 2 parks. Surrounding Skyline Drive, the Shenandoah National Park was 1st envisioned in 1901. A 35 mph speed limit is strictly enforced due to cars sharing the two lane road with bicycles, horses, leaf-peepers and occasional wildlife. Since then it has been placed on three lists: 1.National Register of Historic Places (1997), 2.National Scenic Byway (2005) and 3.National Historic Landmark (2008). Work began on Skyline Drive in 1931 and it was completed in 1939. This 105 mile road mostly follows the ridge tops starting near Front Royal and ending in Rockfish Gap where it connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah National Park is probably best know for Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive in the Fall / NPS / Public Domain Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
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