Skyline Drive

We just returned from a three day rest and relaxation trip along the beautiful Skyline Drive through the center of the Shenandoah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Words fail to describe the sense of beauty and invigorating peacefulness that is available there. The fall foliage is reaching its' peak and is glorious. The Skyline Drive is 105 miles of roadway that includes over 70 stops that afford the traveler with spectacular and breathtaking views of the valleys below and other mountains and ridges in the distance.

The Shenandoah National Forest is maintained by the Department of the Interior and there are forest rangers available that conduct tours as well as maintain information centers that provide the traveler with the history of the Skyline Drive as well as tips for enjoying the area.

There are several points along the drive where food and lodging are available at a reasonable cost. There are extensive facilities for serious campers, hikers and bikers as well as for those that enjoy more amenities. Trails abound throughout the area and are well defined for those with or without serious hiking skills. The famed Appalachian Trail meanders through this natural wonderland and one can chat with those that might be trekking along the trail.

We selected the Big Meadows lodging area for our stay and using that as our base walked along several trails that afforded the opportunity to view some of the magnificent waterfalls within the Shenandoah National Forest. Big Meadows is about half way along the Skyline Drive and so our arrival was greeted with a number of stops along the drive to enjoy the magnificent vistas. The elevation of the Skyline Drive obviously rises and falls along the drive but averages about 3400' above sea level with the highest point being over 3800'. Daytime temperatures are about 10 degrees cooler than those of the valley below.

We spent the evening settling in to our accommodations which were rustic. The small cabins have a fireplace (wood provided), bath, toilet facilities and a radio - everything necessary for comfort, but no TV or Internet connections. It made for a pleasant evening by the fire after enjoying a wonderful meal at the lodge with entertainment by an accomplished local singer in the lounge area.

We are not serious hikers, but in our early 60's and in relatively good physical health decided that we would attempt about a 4 mile round-trip trek from the Big Meadows Lodge to view Lewis Falls. We both walk for exercise and a walking 4 miles is not an unusual event. We put on our hiking shoes, carried a small back pack with water, snacks and a map and started off on the well marked trail. Along the trail we spotted several deer, a variety of birds and the ever-present chipmunks that darted to and fro feasting and gathering acorns in preparation for the winter months. The changing color of the foliage complimented the awesome natural beauty of the surroundings. The trail tested us as there were several steep rocky areas that provided a challenge, but were not defeating. The million year old rock formations were spectacular, but we were reminded that caution was extremely important. While we were only at most a mile or two from assistance, we also were aware that we were on our own and any fall might prove disastrous. The trail to the falls comprises a total elevation drop of about 1200 ' from a starting elevation of about 3500' to the base of Lewis Falls that was at about 2300'. Walking down hill along a steep path is not the same as a lengthy walk along a relatively flat surface.

Our efforts were rewarded as we arrived at the end point that provided a fantastic view of the 80' Lewis Falls. There was an area where we could rest, enjoy our snacks, marvel at natures gifts and prepare ourselves for the return hike. We selected a different return route that enabled us to walk the final portion of the return on one of the many fire trails that are within the park. While this meant a longer walk, we determined that it would afford the same wonderful opportunity to enjoy the park, yet not expose ourselves to any unnecessary risk.

We arrived back at out starting point about 4 hours later having actually covered about 5 miles. We were exhausted, yet exhilarated as we viewed the many photographs we had taken and contemplated our little hike. It was not like we had climbed Mount Everest, but it was great fun and a memorable event. We enjoyed another fine meal, another evening fireside and the following day went on a longer, but less demanding hike that again rewarded us with the satisfaction of enjoying a wonderful day in harmony with nature in our world.

The Shenandoah National Forest and the Skyline Drive are real national treasures and are available for all to enjoy. There were obviously other people enjoying the park, but it was not crowded and we had a sense of solitude accompanied with the comfort of others enjoying the same experience as us. We met some wonderful people, communed with the gifts that nature has provided and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. I could write many pages about our wonderful experience and I'm certain each visitor could do the same.

This is a highly recommended experience. We will return in the very near future as there are many activities that can be enjoyed along the Skyline Drive. Please check the links that will provide many additional details.