Beauty is beauty no matter where you’re from. Spanning a transcendent 105 miles, Skyline Drive is the crown jewel of the Shenandoah National Park.
For most of the drive, it follows the ridges of the surrounding mountains east of the Shenandoah River. The views are majestic year-round, but Skyline Drive is especially inspiring during the fall, when the leaves are changing. A smattering of bright orange and rusty red hues tumble down from the boughs as if meandering drops of rain, coloring the Blue Ridge terrain in kaleidoscopic visages. The sight is like something out of a Walt Whitman poem.
The road boasts over 70 different outlooks, through which you can soak in awe-inspiring views of the encircling valleys. There are entry points to numerous trails including the Appalachian Trail. It’s a great place for an extended bicycle jaunt or for some horseback riding.
Far from simply some of the most beautiful land in central Virginia, it’s one of the most gorgeous spots in the country. It attracts over 2 million people a year and has been designated as a National Scenic Byway, merely a testament to its sweeping effulgence.
Visit www.visitskylinedrive.org to find an interactive map and recommendations for popular stops and places to stay!