Warren County officials defend no‑parking enforcement at Thompson Hollow after residents and hikers complain

Warren County supervisors and residents debated new no‑parking signage, striping and towing at the Thompson Hollow trailhead near Shenandoah National Park during the Board of Supervisors meeting May 20, after Virginia Department of Transportation crews posted signs and law enforcement began towing vehicles blocking driveways and narrow roads.

The issue drew extended discussion from supervisors, VDOT representatives and multiple residents who said hikers and tourists were being stranded and sometimes had to pay tow fees. Supervisor Cheryl Cullars said VDOT and law enforcement acted to reduce safety risks for people who live on narrow side roads.

"The signage is up. VDOT determined. I had nothing to do with that. It's their road, their decision," Cullars said. "But if you read the signs, you know you're not supposed to park there. You're taking the chance of getting towed."

Supervisor Butler said he organized a site meeting with VDOT and local stakeholders to address blocked driveways and emergency access. "The signage and the striping and the no parking and the towing was a collaboration between VDOT and law enforcement to solve a problem," he said. He described residences with limited turnaround space and said emergency vehicles could have difficulty if cars blocked the cul‑de‑sac.

Several residents pressed the board for additional outreach and infrastructure changes. Leslie Matthews, a South River resident, said a veteran and his family were stranded after their vehicle was towed and that some tows cost more than $300. "This is about safety here," she told the board. Steve Cullens, a Bentonville resident, said the posted no‑parking signs are clear and that enforcement follows the posted regulation: "No parking sign means no parking."

VDOT and county staff said the cul‑de‑sac at the trailhead had been enlarged after a neighboring landowner donated property to permit turning, and the current signage and striping were intended to stop parking that blocked private driveways. Board members noted the matter was discussed in the county transportation committee and that VDOT had authority over the road.

Residents and several supervisors said hiking apps and guidebooks still show parking at the trailhead, creating confusion. Board members asked staff to ensure transportation committee minutes are posted online and to continue coordinating with VDOT and Shenandoah National Park on potential longer‑term solutions such as additional designated parking or improved trailhead infrastructure.

No formal board action or ordinance change was taken at the May 20 meeting; supervisors described the work as an operational response led by VDOT and law enforcement that the county will monitor and, if necessary, address in future meetings.

The discussion combined public comment and board reports and drew repeated requests for clearer signage, a contact number for towed vehicles and better coordination with the National Park and trail managers so visitors are not stranded while protecting residents' access and emergency response routes.