Just Back: Shenandoah National Park
National Geographic Traveler features editor Amy Alipio (on Twitter @amytravels and on Instagram @amyalipio) recently returned from a family day trip at Shenandoah National Park, one of the crown jewels of America’s East Coast.
Here are some of the high points of her trip, in her own words:
Biggest selling point: We were hoping to catch the last of the fall color in Shenandoah National Park. But I realized as I made yet another stop at an irresistible overlook along Skyline Drive that even if all the leafy trees stood bare, the vistas of the Shenandoah Valley would make any trip to this park in any season worthwhile.
Memorable moment: My three kids (ages eight, five, and two) and I hiked the Limberlost Trail (at mile 43), geared especially to young children. At the start of the 1.3-mile loop, we picked up an illustrated activity guide. Despite the chilly temperatures that day, my suburban kids sniffed tree trunks, hunted for hemlock cones, spotted a deer—and didn’t complain once about the cold.
Standout culinary experience: The signature dessert at Skyland Resort (at mile 42) is the blackberry ice cream pie. Even though the graham-crust slice was huge, I had to be convinced to share it with my kids.
Best place ever: Stony Man (at mile 40), wearing a frosty beard the day we visited, was my family’s favorite spot to stop along Skyline Drive. It’s also the park’s second highest mountain, affording some of the best views.
Practical tip: Pair a trip to Shenandoah National Park with a visit to Luray Caverns, about a 15-minute drive from the Thornton Gap exit on Skyline Drive. Its geological highlights include the working Great Stalacpipe Organ and the impressive drapery formation called Saracen’s Tent.
> Related:
Related Topics
Go Further
Animals
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? - This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the AndesThis biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes
- An octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret worldAn octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret world
- Peace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thoughtPeace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thought
Environment
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security - Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?
History & Culture
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
- How technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrollsHow technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrolls
- Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?
Science
- The unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and MounjaroThe unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and Mounjaro
- Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.
- Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of yearsJupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of years
- This 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its timeThis 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its time
Travel
- How to plan an epic summer trip to a national parkHow to plan an epic summer trip to a national park
- This town is the Alps' first European Capital of CultureThis town is the Alps' first European Capital of Culture
- This royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala LumpurThis royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur
- This author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomadsThis author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomads