Growing up in the Mid-Atlantic Region, one of my favorite places to go to was Skyline Drive. From a young child, to a adult, it was always a great nature getaway. It starts in Front Royal Virginia and meanders along the crest of the mountain heading south to link up with the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views from the many overlooks is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but peaceful and serine. Not only do you get a sense of being close to nature, feeling one with the land as it were, but it seems to take you to another place and time. And in case you didn’t know it, the Appalachian Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine, runs right along Skyline Drive… and added feature for those looking to hike part of the trail and truly get close to nature. Many people enjoy the fall colors atop the mountain… the views are splendid. Here are a few photos that can not by any means do any justice to the majestic beauty that abounds at every turn.
Driving up the mountain in the fall.
The Overlooks
Springtime Views…
Simply beautiful
As an adult, one of the things that I loved the most was to pull the motorhome up to an overlook, cook a nice meal while looking out the window to the valley below… what a view. One of the last times I was there, I listened to the soundtrack from the movie Gettysburg… majestic music in such a beautiful place… a perfect match. Sitting outside enjoying the quiet solitude… the scenery and music set the perfect mood. Of course adding to the wonderment was all the wildlife all around. Birds gliding on the updrafts. Deer feeding in the meadows. The bees and butterflies going from one wildflower to another. A pair of chipmunks playing by the tree. The smell of honeysuckle. The gentle breeze. Sometimes you can even here the cows in the valley far below. All the cares of the world seemed to slip away.
Beautiful Trails…
Now… many miles away… whenever I listen to the soundtrack I can relive that peaceful feeling from being up on the mountain. I can close my eyes, visualize the sights and sounds, free the breeze and smell the honeysuckle as if I was still there.
Creeks and waterfalls…
If you are ever in the area, you need to plan to spend a couple of days there. Enjoy the Drive, and the towns and events in the valley below… and create some memories to last a lifetime.
Want to see a little more:
https://www.facebook.com/shenandoahnps
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm
