Big Meadows
The open highland meadow in the middle of the park, home to the visitor center, lodge and campgrounds. A prime spot for watching deer at dawn and dusk and for stargazing.
Big Meadows lies at Mile 51 and is the park's only large open grassland. Herds of white-tailed deer often appear in the early morning and evening, and black bears are occasionally spotted. The Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center has exhibits on the park's history and ecology, where you can pick up maps and get trail information.
The Big Meadows Lodge is a stone-and-timber building from the 1930s, and its blackberry ice cream pie is the signature dish. There is little light pollution at night, which makes it an excellent stargazing spot. The trails to Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls both start nearby.
Opening hours
Open all day; visitor center approx. 09:00–17:00 (seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Dark Hollow Falls
- Rose River Falls
- Rapidan Camp
- Hawksbill Mountain
- Bearfence Mountain
- Skyland
- Whiteoak Canyon
- Stony Man