Shared by Jamie Simo, intern for Shenandoah River State Park, as Guest Blogger.

Posted April 12, 2013 l Updated April 06, 2019

A veritable bouquet of spring wildflowers are just starting to bloom along the Cottonwood and Bluebell trails, including the titular bluebells themselves at Shenandoah River State Park. 

Virginia Bluebells at Shenandoah River State Park

Bloodroot is among the flowers you might see this spring

These native ephemeral, or short-blooming, wildflowers blossom in early spring when they can grab some rays before the trees regain their leaves and shade the forest floor.

This flower is known as the Toothwort

Spring Beauty is another beautiful flower you may see

Amphibians are also currently out and about enjoying the warmer weather. Stop by today and you might hear a chorus of spring peepers, one of the first frog species to emerge, or catch a glimpse of a salamander. 

Most salamanders in this area are mole or burrowing salamanders that spend most of the year underground, so it’s a real treat to see them emerge in the early spring to breed and lay their eggs in vernal pools.

This is known as the Jefferson Salamander

Come out and enjoy spring with us here at Shenandoah River State Park, you never know what you might see. For general park information click here, contact the park office at 540-622-6840.

Shenandoah River State Park is located at 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville, VA 22610.  The park is in Warren County, eight miles south of Front Royal and 15 miles north of Luray. It's off Rt. 340 in Bentonville.

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking online.

Posted April 12, 2013 l Updated April 06, 2019