Shenandoah River State Park Packs September With Fishing, Night Hikes, Pawpaws and More

From fly fishing and pawpaw hunting to owl pellets, spear throwing, and sunset yoga, Shenandoah River State Park has a busy September planned as its rangers invite local families to discover more of what the park offers.

Chief Ranger of Visitor Experience Megan Goin and Rangers Blake Thomas and Crystal Jewett recently visited the Royal Examiner studio to share details about upcoming activities at Shenandoah River State Park. The schedule includes programs for toddlers, families, homeschool students and adults, along with several events led by community volunteers.

One of the biggest events is the park’s first South Fork fly fishing tournament, organized with Down River Canoe Company. Goin said 26 people had already registered.

Participants will fish along the South Fork, and winners will be determined by the length of their catch. Prizes include a handmade trophy created by a park ranger, a cabin stay, flies and a fly-fishing bag.

The tournament was originally planned for May but was postponed because of high water.

“We’re pretty excited about that,” Goin said, adding that river conditions were looking much better for the rescheduled event.

For younger visitors, the park’s Little Wanderers program is turning its attention to one of the Shenandoah Valley’s native fruits — the pawpaw.

Jewett said the “Pawpaw Party,” designed for children ages 2 to 5, will include a short hike to look for ripe pawpaws, along with a craft, game and even a pawpaw song.

The park plans to continue offering a Little Wanderers program each month through the end of the year.

Pawpaws return to the schedule Sept. 27 with another hike beginning at 11 a.m. Thomas said visitors will learn about pawpaw trees and their fruit while searching for some along the trail — assuming wildlife hasn’t beaten them to it.

“They’re a fan favorite no matter what species you are,” Thomas joked.

Sept. 27 will be an especially active day at the park. At 2 p.m., Thomas will lead “Prehistoric Precision,” which he described as his favorite program.

Visitors will learn about the atlatl, an ancient spear-throwing tool, try throwing spears into hay bales, and learn about Indigenous history in the Shenandoah Valley.

Later, visitors can take part in yoga near the park’s overlook around sunset as part of a volunteer-led program.

Owls, Moonlight and Evening Adventures

Some of September’s programs will take place after the sun begins to go down.

Jewett will lead “It’s Owlementary, My Dear Watson” on Sept. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., an evening program centered on owls and owl pellets.

Participants will dissect pellets to discover bones, fur, and other material that an owl cannot digest. Each child will receive a pellet to examine. The group will then head outside for an evening hike and listen for species including eastern screech owls, great horned owls, and barred owls.

The owl program requires online registration and costs $5.

Thomas is also leading a Harvest Moon hike as part of the park’s Nights in Nature series. Participants will hike the overlook trail beneath the moonlight while learning what makes a Harvest Moon special.

The Harvest Moon hike coincides with National Public Lands Day, which Goin said will be a free parking day at the park.

While many park programs are free, some carry a small fee when materials are required.

The park is also working with community volunteers to expand its offerings. On Sept. 20, a local volunteer is scheduled to lead a women’s fall walk and stretch, giving participants a chance to exercise and spend time together outdoors.

Rangers are also taking programs beyond the park.

Jewett is scheduled to visit the Izaak Walton League in Browntown for a joint program. Goin said park staff also work with several libraries and organizations, including the Warren Heritage Society and a bat conservation group.

“We try to, you know, get out and meet new people and make people aware of the things we have in our community,” Goin said.

The park recently hosted a live bat program at its Discovery Center, while homeschool Junior Ranger camps have also been part of the September schedule.

Programs Continue Into Winter

The activities will not end when colder weather arrives.

Goin said park staff is discussing a future joint program with the Front Royal Grotto that would take participants to a cave, although no date has been set yet.

For Veterans Day, the park is planning a lantern walk with the Warren Heritage Society honoring local veterans from the past through the present.

A two-day Junior Ranger Winter Camp is also planned for late December, complete with winter activities and, Goyne noted, hot chocolate.

The rangers also shared how they found their way into careers with Virginia State Parks.

Thomas grew up in Scouting and became an Eagle Scout before a college professor helped connect him with an internship at Janes Island State Park in Maryland. He later returned as a seasonal ranger.

Jewett credited Goin with inspiring her career. She first worked with Goin as an intern while in college and decided she wanted to become a ranger after graduation.

Goin got her start with Virginia State Parks through the Youth Conservation Corps, a program that allows young people ages 14 to 17 to live and work in a state park. She later worked part-time at a park near Farmville before beginning her current career.

Together, the three make up part of the visitor experience side of a much larger team that keeps Shenandoah River State Park operating, from office employees who assist campers to maintenance rangers who care for the grounds and facilities.

For Goin, Thomas and Jewett, September’s crowded calendar offers another opportunity to get people outside — whether that means catching a fish, searching for a pawpaw, listening for an owl, or simply discovering a park close to home.

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