Shenandoah Valley the Blue Ridge Mountains

Drive the Crest of Mountains on the Skyline Drive

Oct 12, 2009

Driving 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 travelling 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.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a Gem of the Shenandoah National Park.

As the 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 opportunity to stop the vehicle, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Travelling East is the Skyline Drive. Travel West on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both offer stunning scenery, pine fresh air, and a truly spectacular experience.

For those who love wilderness it is possible to hike the Appalachian Trail. 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 colour first at the higher elevations, usually towards the end of October, depending on the weather. The colour change will then move down the mountains to the lower elevations.

The colours are amazing. Oranges, gold, yellow and red with a carpet of similar colours make the Shenandoah National Park a truly inspirational place to visit.

Preparation and awareness is essential, however. The weather can be ten degrees lower along the Skyline, and even in summer there can be sudden weather changes.

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.

The copyright of the article Shenandoah Valley the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia Travel is owned by Jane Finch. Permission to republish Shenandoah Valley the Blue Ridge Mountains in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.