Big Meadows Site

Big Meadows Site is an archaeological location in a high mountain meadow within Shenandoah National Park where researchers have collected objects from past peoples over many years. The finds spread across the grounds come from different periods of human settlement.

Researchers discovered remains from prehistoric times at this location, showing that people had lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains for thousands of years. The importance of these finds led to the site's official recognition as a historic place in 1985.

The artifacts found here show how Indigenous peoples lived in this mountain region and what activities mattered in their daily lives. The objects tell stories of their paths, tools, and plants they used.

The location is accessible via Skyline Drive, where a visitor center provides information about the archaeological discoveries. The best time to visit is when the weather is sunny and dry, since the site sits at high elevation and can be windy.

The high elevation of the site has kept organic materials like wood and bone in remarkably good condition. This allows scientists to reconstruct a much more detailed picture of earlier inhabitants' lives than is usually possible at other dig sites.

Location: Madison County

GPS coordinates: 38.51667,-78.43111

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:42