With gorgeous views and wonderful waterfalls, Shenandoah National Park’s south side doesn’t disappoint.
All 105 miles of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive is an incredibly scenic. On my last day in the park, I drove from Big Meadows (mi 51) to the very end, almost accidentally entering the Blue Ridge Parkway a day early. I only hiked three trails, but somehow, I still covered almost nine miles. The first trail was meh, but the next two were fantastic. Those, plus overlooks, made for a very full day.
Early morning views from Skyline Dr. Best time to visit overlooks is early in the morning, with the rest of the people camped out there because of random cell service.
Fantastic early morning mountains.
My first trail of the morning was raved about by the trail guide I used. The trail was part of the Appalachian Trail from Powell Gap. There was nothing special and the view is not great in the morning. It forces you to look right into the sun.
The trail itself wasn’t bad, just not what the writer said it was. So, it wasn’t a total loss.
The only decent picture I could get of the view because the sun was right in the lens. It wouldn’t be a bad view in the afternoon.
An enjoyable view from an easy to reach overlook.
Little bumpy mountains.
More bumpy mountains.
Shenandoah is fairly wide here. Forty percent of Shenandoah is designated wilderness.
Now for satisfying trail, Doyles River Falls Trail. I will admit that this trail was beating my but by the end. Mostly because it was all uphill on the way back (1,400 ft), with some fairly steep sections. It was worth it.
The trail followed a creek for a bit. This was the easiest part of the trail.
At least the trail was pretty.
There was a small waterfall before the named Upper and Lower Doyles River Falls.
Upper Doyles River Falls. I actually saw this one last because I was trying to avoid people.
Lower Doyles River Falls peeking through the trees.
Close up! Totally worth the hike back up.
For my last hike in Shenandoah, I chose the Blackrock Summit Trail. It’s not very long and not very strenuous, although I accidently took the more strenuous way back.
The trail is fairly normal until you reach an opening which features an awesome talus zone with views!
How cool is that view!
Once at the summit, you can go in a few different ways. However, climbing up the talus zone is not recommended. Snakes like to live there.
You don’t have to climb up the talus to get some good views.
The loop trail goes through this really cool passage. If you want the easy way down, don’t go past this spot. That’s how I got turned around.
Just perfect.
The return trail I ended up on was super narrow.
Longer way back, but there were some more views.
The loop is not that much longer. It just seemed so. I finished up Shenandoah by visiting some more amazing overlooks.
So much green!
Autumn has reached the mountains.
Little lake in the mountains.
The last overlook I stopped at in Shenandoah.
Shenandoah is a terrific national park. It’s great for day trippers and for long stays and for people just cruising for views and long and short distance hikers. I had a wonderful time in the park, and I can’t wait to return.
Check out my next update where I will be visiting Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello!
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Start at the beginning of my adventure through the Appalachian Mountains!
