Top Destination USA Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Never underestimate the serenity of hiking the mountains.
After all these years, I decided it was finally time to drive to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia on a Day Trip just to see for myself why so many people love to visit these mountains in the Fall season. And since the Shenandoah is a dog friendly park, of course my Whoodle was coming too! And boy, was I in for an unexpected surprise!!
I had the pleasure of witnessing the most explosive Autumn or Fall colors at the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and as I have just discovered for myself, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful season to explore this park.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
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As I looked out at those majestic rolling mountains, mesmerized by the bountiful fall foliage transforming the landscape, I quickly realized why the Shenandoah National Park is known as one of the top destinations for leaf-peeping and admiring Virginia’s beautiful autumn colors.
I am literally experiencing the Shenandoah transforming into a magical oasis, which during the Autumn or Fall months come alive with diverse wildlife, breathtaking colorful trees, endless golden rolling hills, picturesque trails for hiking, and the most stunning sunsets.
I discovered that the best way to experience the Fall Foliage in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is to take a Scenic Drive along Skyline Drive. You will pay an admission fee, which will grant access to all corners of the Shenandoah National Park and it’s totally worth it.
Fall colors dazzling the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, USA
Skyline Drive is an iconic road that runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains – it is the only public road through the Shenandoah National Park and on a clear day takes about three hours to travel the entire length.
On one of the Overlooks at the Shenandoah National Park looking out at the Blue Ridge Mountains
at the Fall colors
There are about 70 Overlooks along the way on the winding road, and we stopped at a few to enjoy the mind blowing spectacular fall foliage and to enjoy the sheer beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge mountains in all of its glory
You can also actually enjoy some of the best views from your car at the overlook points and there were many families doing just that.
Whether you're meandering along this 6600 feet above sea level high-elevation road driving into the clouds, or parked at a designated pull-off overlook spot, you will have sweeping views for as far as the eye can see. Be sure to bring a camera as you will definitely want to capture those magical moments.
Stunning Fall Foliage along Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Admiring the stunning fall foliage along the Skyline Drive within the Shenandoah National Park is a true bucket-list experience you should not miss, especially during the October/November months when the leaves start to change colors and the foliage dazzles the mountainsides in hues of red, orange, and gold.
I stood there for quite a while absorbing the sheer beauty of this natural wonder and was grateful that I was lucky enough to witness this transformation for myself as the Fall season peaks.
You will be enamored by the beautiful red oak and chestnut trees which cover 95 percent of the park and dominate Shenandoah’s forests, and can also see other trees such poplar, maple, birch and ash which are common as well. Each occupies its own distinct spot in the park’s ecosystem, collectively combining to create a spectacular palette of fall colors in the Shenandoah National Park.
In my opinion, The Shenandoah National Park is easily one of the best national parks for fall foliage.
Top Destination to see the Foliage is the dog-friendly Shenandoah National Park in Virginia