It’s more than appropriate that this year, the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, that when you visit the parkway you get out and take a hike. And Randy Johnson is ready to tell you where to go.

Mr. Johnson, a prolific writer based in Banner Elk, North Carolina, knows a little about the parkway and its hiking opportunities.

Ajar (a•JAR) Partially opened.

It’s mid-June and Sandy and I are at Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, where we’ve enjoyed some beautiful scenery, fine hospitality, and excellent wildlife watching.

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There’s a new structure showing up this summer in campgrounds bordering national parks, one that offers a higher level of comfort than the typical family camper or pop-up tent.

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Editor’s note:[i] Having driven the Blue Ridge Parkway and through Shenandoah National Park, our lodging experts, David and Kay Scott, are moving west on their 2010 odyssey across the National Park System. Early this week they were able to visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

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Boasting Skyline Drive, gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of trails, and many other attractions, Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is one of America’s most popular national parks. Here are some suggestions for maximizing the pleasure of your visit.

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Editor’s note:[i] Having driven the Blue Ridge Parkway and through Shenandoah National Park, our lodging experts, David and Kay Scott, are moving west on their 2010 odyssey across the National Park System.

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Editor’s note:[i] As our lodging experts, David and Kay Scott, continue on their 2010 odyssey across the National Park System, they get to sample some of the best lodging, food, and camping there is to be had.

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Editor’s note:[i] As our lodging experts, David and Kay Scott, continue on their 2010 odyssey across the National Park System, they get to sample some of the best lodging, food, and camping there is to be had.

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Editor’s note:[i] As our lodging experts, David and Kay Scott, continue on their 2010 odyssey across the National Park System, they get to sample some of the best lodging, food, and camping there is to be had.

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Hiking with kids can be fun, sometimes challenging, and for many adults a bit intimidating. Shenandoah National Park is hosting two “Hiking with Children” seminars this summer to help take a lot of the worry out of spending time on the trail with youngsters.

The event will be held on two Saturdays: June 19 and July 17 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

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