Road tripping along the top of a mountain range might seem impossible, but that is exactly what the Skyline Drive offers in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Laurel and Hardy extolled the virtues of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their classic song, the Trail of the Lonesome Pine. It’s easy to sing that song traveling along the incredible feat of engineering that is the Skyline Drive.Shenandoah also has a number of songs to it’s credit, and rightly so. It is a place that inspires the artistic and the poetic and all who love the natural world. Skyline runs for just over 105 miles from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap. It’s hard to imagine that this wonderful journey through Virginia’s best is just a short drive from the nation’s capital.

Driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a gem of the Shenandoah National Park. As Skyline Drive is the only public road through the park it is the only opportunity to explore by vehicle. Be prepared for a relaxing drive as the maximum speed limit is 35mph.

Why hurry, though? The panoramic views from the crest of these beautiful mountains are an experience not to be missed. Regular markers help navigation, and the park provides route maps and information. There are a total of 75 scenic overlooks, so there is plenty of opportunities to stop the vehicle, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the breathtaking views.Traveling East is the Skyline Drive. Travel West on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both offer stunning scenery, fresh pine air, and a truly spectacular experience. If you want to take in the sights and the sounds of the blue ridge mountains from a slightly different perspective, hike the Appalachian Trail for a wilderness experience.

Hiking the Appalachian trail

The Appalachian trail is one of only 11 scenic national trails in the Unites States. It is one of the longest and most popular ones spanning a total of 2190 miles. For those who love the wilderness, it is possible to hike the Appalachian Trail start to finish or even just do sections of it. The sections along the Blue Ridge mountains are very popular with those who are road tripping though Virginia and the surrounding states. There are trails available to suit most walkers, from a casual afternoon walk to a hike lasting several days. There are also camping sites and lodges available to suit every pocket.Any time of year is special in the Blue Ridge, but Fall is just magical. The leaves begin to change color first at the higher elevations, usually towards the end of October, depending on the weather. The color change will then move down the mountains to the lower elevations.The colors are amazing. Oranges, gold, yellow and red with a carpet of similar colors make the Shenandoah National Park a truly inspirational place to visit. Preparation and awareness are essential when traveling through any mountain range including the Blue Ridge mountains. The weather can be ten degrees lower along the Skyline, and even in summer, there can be sudden weather changes. And as always when traveling or recreating in National Parks it is important to practice Leave No Trace Behind.

The Blue Ridge mountains have a lot to offer any kind of traveler – from the most adventurous to the leisure road tripper. Explore the valleys as well as the mountains, watch the wildlife which features bear and deer, and even go in search of the infamous Walton’s Mountain. The Skyline Drive is just one of the many special features the Shenandoah National Park has to offer.Here are some highlights of the Blue Ridge Parkway

• Scale rock outcroppings along the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Try fly fishing in one of the state’s only urban trout fisheries
• Try caving on the Adventure Tour at Grand Caverns
• Paddle the four-mile stretch of the South River that winds through downtown Waynesboro
• Tackle rugged mountain-bike paths in George Washington National Forest

Where are you looking to road trip this year?

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