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Discover the art of basket making in Shenandoah National Park with Clyde Jenkins. Craft a functional piece while immersing yourself in Appalachian tradition — a perfect addition to your outdoor adventure.
Discover the art of basket making in Shenandoah National Park with Clyde Jenkins. Craft a functional piece while immersing yourself in Appalachian tradition — a perfect addition to your outdoor adventure.
Book with Shenandoah National Park
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Shenandoah National Park · Stanley, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, offers far more than scenic drives and hiking trails. Tucked within its rugged landscape lies a chance to connect with centuries-old crafts through Clyde Jenkins’s basket-making workshop. Over five hours, participants step into a world where natural materials and tradition intertwine, learning to craft sturdy, beautiful baskets from white oak. This hands-on experience provides a rare glimpse into Appalachian artisan culture, steeped in history dating back generations.
Clyde guides students through selecting the right wood, shaping, and weaving, resulting in a functional masterpiece. The process reveals the deep relationship locals have with their environment—each piece of oak tells a story. The workshop station, surrounded by the park's lush greenery, offers an inspiring backdrop for creative expression.
What makes this experience unique is the opportunity to forge a tangible connection to Shenandoah’s natural bounty while gaining a new skill. Perfect for craft enthusiasts and curious adventurers alike, this is more than just a workshop; it’s a cultural immersion. The park’s diverse flora and fauna thrive nearby—deer, turkeys, and hawks are common sights—and the setting emphasizes stewardship of these resources.
Whether visiting Shenandoah for its iconic Skyline Drive or its sprawling trail system, this basket-making class adds an enriching layer to any outdoor adventure. It’s a test of patience, craftsmanship, and creativity—a meaningful way to take a piece of Shenandoah home.
For those looking to engage fully with the area's heritage and natural environment, Clyde Jenkins’s workshop cements a memorable experience that balances tradition with nature.
Moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.
No prior experience is needed; all skill levels are welcome.
All supplies for basket making are included in the workshop.
Yes, you get to keep the basket you craft during the session.
Children over 12 with parental supervision can participate.
Sessions are limited to small groups for personalized instruction.
Just wear comfortable clothes and arrive ready to craft.
Shenandoah National Park was established in 1935 to preserve the scenic Skyline Drive and surrounding wilderness area.
The park emphasizes sustainable tourism and conservation efforts to protect its diverse ecosystems.
Shenandoah National Park protects a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and offers a wide range of outdoor experiences near Luray, Virginia. The park provides guided and self-guided opportunities for navigation skills, basket making, rock climbing, horseback riding, seasonal dining specials, shuttle tasting tours, and art events. Programs are delivered at notable park venues such as Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge, and visitor centers. Park staff and local partners lead instructional workshops and recreation experiences that follow National Park Service guidelines for visitor safety and resource protection. Visitors can learn land navigation using magnetic compasses, topographic maps, and celestial cues on full-day courses, or book shorter interpretive activities like a one-hour horseback ride. Artisan-led classes teach traditional white-oak basket making over multi-hour hands-on workshops. Rock climbing programs accommodate a range of skill levels with multi-hour sessions on established routes. Seasonal dining events at Skyland Pollock Dining Room celebrate holidays with special plated entrees and regular menu options. Vineyard and distillery shuttle tours operate from Skyland and include guided narration, tastings, and a picnic lunch during a half-day excursion. Art in the Park painting events at Big Meadows Lodge combine guided instruction with light refreshments. Shenandoah National Park emphasizes conservation, visitor education, and safe outdoor recreation. Facilities and programs aim to enhance appreciation of the park’s natural and cultural resources while providing accessible ways to experience the mountains. Reservations are recommended for limited-seating workshops and seasonal programs. Trail views include waterfalls, ridgelines, and wooded habitats for wildlife observation year-round opportunities.
Book with Shenandoah National Park