Blue ridges fill your view as you gaze over the many acres of tree-covered wilderness in this peaceful Virginia park.

As you travel along Skyline Drive on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, stop to enjoy views of forested ridges, one behind the other. Challenge the family with the question, “How many ridges can you see?” As you observe hills near and far, you’re likely to see nothing but forest stretching for miles and merging into a blue haze at the far horizon.

The park offers beautiful sights in all seasons. Spring hiking may be muddy, but delicate wildflowers in a range of colours appear along the trails. Over 800 different flower varieties have been spotted here.

In summer, through-hikers travelling north or south on the 2,160-mile (3,480-kilometre) Appalachian Trail enjoy the shade of oak, poplar and spruce trees. About 100 miles (160 kilometres) of the Appalachian Trail run through the park. Follow the white markings on trees to complete a peaceful section of this famous hiking trail.

Visit in autumn when deciduous trees turn their leaves to brilliant yellows, oranges, reds and browns. Fish in some of the 70 mountain streams. In winter, when light snow cover turns the Blue Mountains to white, watch for deer, rabbits and other wildlife moving silently through the forest.

The park uses a system based on length and elevation gain to rate its hiking trails. Most tie to mile markers on Skyline Drive or points on the App Trail. Fort Windham Rocks is very easy with little vertical rise. The nearby moderate Compton East trail has unusual hexagonal greenstone. Tackle Old Rag Mountain for one of the most challenging hikes.

Shenandoah National Park is highly accessible to the metropolitan centre of Washington D.C. Drive to the park’s northern entrance at Front Royal in less than 2 hours. The Skyline Drive Blue Ridge highway stretches north and south through the park for 105 miles (170 kilometres), with more than 75 scenic outlooks to stop and take photos, have a picnic, complete a short hike or simply enjoy the serenity of the mountains.

Like other U.S. national parks, Shenandoah National Park offers affordable adventure for all types of travellers.

Plan a trip to see Shenandoah National Park

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YOTEL Washington DC

Northwest

per person

12 Jul - 15 Jul

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to Washington (DCA)

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,414 reviews)

The property was nice, but the room itself had a couple problems. First the temperature was so up and down, it would be hot and then you’d turn the thermostat down to be cold and then it would be too cold, then when it was warmer in there, it smelled like paint. Next the blinds were already broken when we got there, there was a light in the closet that was on constantly and would not turn off, the chrome cast they used for casting TV and Movies too was not even connected and I had to plug it in behind the TV myself. At night, there was constant banging outside and sounded like people moving around and like construction work, even though there was no construction. The technology that used to control the lights was nice, and different but it also did not work half the time and was dark. There also was not enough plug ins for the amount of things we needed to charge. I charged my phone next to the bed and my partner had to go across the room to charge her phone. The staff was nice and always there to help, especially the man at the front desk when we first book in. He was nice and helpful and always a friendly face to see and always wanted to say hi. Lastly, there was a couple of homeless people outside when the times we would walk around out side to get to the museums and different restaurants. Although it was a nice and different stay, I don’t think I would re stay there again if I had the chance.

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2024

Riggs Washington DC

Downtown Washington D.C.

per person

12 Jul - 15 Jul

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to Washington (DCA)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,226 reviews)

The location is exceptional. The staff went above and beyond with all services.

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Glover Park - Georgetown

Northwest

per person

12 Jul - 15 Jul

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to Washington (DCA)

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,952 reviews)

I stayed for 3 days, never had housekeeping come. I asked for towel, the man had an attitude with me. Otherwise the place was great. I always tip housekeeping, not this time

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

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