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Big Gem Park is a 68-acre park with hiking trails, swings, playground equipment, picnic tables, picnic shelters, benches, a gazebo, fishing in the pond, and grills are available. Find our Geo-cache location.
Most of this 68 acre park is undeveloped and provides many bird and wildlife enthusiasts with a place to see them in their natural habitat. 540-652-8164 Call for info. Reserving Town Facilities for Special Occasions How do I reserve a shelter or gazebo at one of the Town parks? Shelters are reserved by completing an application at Town Hall. You can obtain more information about reserving the shelters by calling (540) 652-8164. |
The Gazebo at Big Gem Park is reserved by completing an application at Town Hall. It is reserved on a first come – first served basis. You can obtain more information about reserving the gazebo by calling (540) 652-8164. Big Gem Park offers one (1) gazebo and (1) picnic shelter which may be reserved. There are also several free standing picnic tables available. A permanent grill is available for use. There is a portable toilet on site. The gazebo and shelter may be reserved for $40 a day and reservations may be made anytime of the year by completing a form at Town Hall.
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Big Gem Park, Town of Shenandoah
Description Elevation: 952 ft. During the late 1800's, Big Gem was the site of one of the largest pig iron furnace in the valley. At one time The Big Gem Cast Iron Furnace produced over 32,000 tons a year of pig iron that were then shipped from Shenandoah Iron Works via the Shenandoah Valley Railroad. The golden age of iron came to an end in the early 1900's and the land lay fallow for many years. In 1995, Luken's Steel Company donated the land to the Town of Shenandoah where it became known as The Big Gem. Plans for this area include a mix of developed and natural areas to provide a range of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Currently the lake and trail system provide a wonderful opportunity to watch birds like indigo buntings, Carolina wrens, and American goldfinches. During early morning and late evening hours, keep your eyes open for white-tailed deer grazing the edges of the trails. Pay particular attention to the area below the gazebo. Here native plants are being planted to highlight the habitats of the local area. This area and the less maintained areas up the trail provide excellent opportunities for viewing a host of native butterfly species and ruby-throated hummingbirds. If you have an afternoon to spend, fishing in the pond is a great past-time. The local belted kingfisher will come by to show you the best way to do it. The pond also serves as a great place to watch dragonflies which dart and dash all around you as you walk along the trail by the pond. Wood duck and heron have been seen visiting here as well. The Green Trail is now open to the public and is 8/10 mile long. The Clinton Lucas, Jr. Trail is a 1 mile single track perfect for mountain bike beginners. Thanks to David Duke for providing a video link and a blog about the merits of this trail.
Description Elevation: 952 ft. During the late 1800's, Big Gem was the site of one of the largest pig iron furnace in the valley. At one time The Big Gem Cast Iron Furnace produced over 32,000 tons a year of pig iron that were then shipped from Shenandoah Iron Works via the Shenandoah Valley Railroad. The golden age of iron came to an end in the early 1900's and the land lay fallow for many years. In 1995, Luken's Steel Company donated the land to the Town of Shenandoah where it became known as The Big Gem. Plans for this area include a mix of developed and natural areas to provide a range of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Currently the lake and trail system provide a wonderful opportunity to watch birds like indigo buntings, Carolina wrens, and American goldfinches. During early morning and late evening hours, keep your eyes open for white-tailed deer grazing the edges of the trails. Pay particular attention to the area below the gazebo. Here native plants are being planted to highlight the habitats of the local area. This area and the less maintained areas up the trail provide excellent opportunities for viewing a host of native butterfly species and ruby-throated hummingbirds. If you have an afternoon to spend, fishing in the pond is a great past-time. The local belted kingfisher will come by to show you the best way to do it. The pond also serves as a great place to watch dragonflies which dart and dash all around you as you walk along the trail by the pond. Wood duck and heron have been seen visiting here as well. The Green Trail is now open to the public and is 8/10 mile long. The Clinton Lucas, Jr. Trail is a 1 mile single track perfect for mountain bike beginners. Thanks to David Duke for providing a video link and a blog about the merits of this trail.