Skyline Drive, Virginia, United States

5csserious2 5:00 PM Oct 27, 2022

Unforgettable for fall foliage
Every year in September and October, throngs of visitors from DC metro and other states come to the Skyline drive for enjoying the fabulous fall colors. The peak would be last week of October for most years. Expect a big line at the entrance as money changes hands for the parking fee to be given to Uncle Sam. The fees have gone up a lot in the last 10 years. The drive, few hours long, rewards the visitors with red, crimson, gold, yellow, violet, pink, did I miss any other, colored leaves straight out of a giant dreamlike poster photograph. There are turnouts where one can stop and take as many pictures as one likes with an iphone or the most expensive DSLR available. Whats more, if you are ready to drive further south, Blue Ridge Parkway awaits with even more majestic views. Oh yes, there are restaurants on the way, so taking a break is easy too. Shenandoah mountain in Fall is rated a top attraction in the entire region. If you are going on weekends in October, arrive very early, as we were turned back by the rangers going around noon.

4MIHappyCamper 5:00 PM Nov 4, 2021

Amazing Hiking & Views, Disappointing Visitors Center
As with many Americans, my wife and I love exploring the outdoors and time with each other. Shenandoah National Park offered spectacular views, where even in late fall there were colors still be be enjoyed. We took a two-hour hike in the woods taking in beautiful mountain streams and waterfalls, and of course the breath-taking vistas along the road. However, we were extremely disappointed with the limited services of the Visitor’s Center. While staff were extremely helpful and friendly, it was as if we had been transported back to March 2020. Even with COVID measures in place such mandatory face masks, the displays and movie were closed citing health concerns and in support of “reducing the spread” of the virus. Seriously??? CDC has confirmed COVID does not exist on surfaces, and if people are still uncomfortable being in closer proximity of other while watching a short educational film, they can skip it, rather than eliminating the experience for everyone else. Let’s get back to living folks!