Carrying in Shenandoah National Park??

[USMCGunner]

Hey all, I'm new to the site and haven't introduced myself yet. But this was the first thread I visited and I felt compelled to comment. I'm an avid hiker. In addition to normal critter concerns, I am more concerned with the apparrent rash of violent crimes that have taken place in our National Park System; specifically VA. This past year I did several hikes in GWNF in both VA and WV. Each time I plan a trip, I contact the ranger station for the particular area I'm going to in order to find out specific restrictions (like fires or brun bans) as well as concealled carry regulations.

I will do more research and return to this thread (because I'm pretty sure I've seen in writing previously) but according to the rangers, concealled carry is permitted in the NF. In fact, the only way you can carry is concealled. According to their definition, open carry is considered being "afield" or on the hunt. This, obviously, requires a concealled carry permit. Additionally, once again according to the rangers and I will confirm with documentation if I can, WV is recipricates VA's CCL privilages. The only state bordering VA that does not recipricate is the People's Republic of Maryland; and of course DC.

My best advise until I can dig up the info is to contact ranger stations as I do. They will tel you what you can and can't do.