Shenandoah National Park Watersheds

At the broadest hydro-physiographic level, terrain in Shenandoah National Park comprises a portion of three major river systems in the Mid-Atlantic area (Shenandoah/Potomac, James, Rappahanncock). Each of these rivers flows into the Chesapeake Bay. As such, they constitute a significant portion of the greater Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Within park boundaries there are 70 watersheds. Park staff is in the process of developing attribute information for each of these watersheds including basin width and length, main channel length, stream density, land use, and elevation. Watershed sizes range from 0.2mi 2 to 12.1mi 2 . Most are in the range of 1-2mi 2 in size. There are 42 watersheds on the west side of the park and 28 on the east side.