![]() ![]() Within a 15-mile radius of the town are the former homes of three US presidents. Away from the university, the city is pedestrianized, with quaint, boutique shops, an old fashioned cinema and, at the far end of town, a pavilion in which regular live performances are held. This compact city is the ideal base from which to explore the southern part of the park, should you not want to stay within it.Ĭharlottesville is dominated by the University of Virginia, one of the top five educational institutions in the USA. The University of Virginia, Charlottesville Driving into Charlottesvilleįrom Shenandoah National Park you will travel across flatter meadows toward Charlottesville. Shenandoah is home to an interesting collection of wildlife, from bears, deer and bobcats, to wild turkeys that you’ll often see from the car as they cross the road in front of you. If you’re not staying in the park make a stop at the visitors’ center to embark on a circular walk for an hour or so. There’s only one hotel in the park, which is government owned and fairly rustic, but the Appalachian Trail walking route runs along the front of the building, making it a worthwhile stop if you’d like to explore the area on foot. ![]() I’d recommend spending a couple of days exploring Shenandoah. This is caused by a vapor emitted by the trees and creates a beautiful soft blue hue that softens the edges of views out across the park. The blueish haze that the Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for hangs in the air around the poplar, maple, birch and ash trees. Surrounded by foliage, you’ll weave your way through the park, where there are plenty of places to stop and admire the views of the densely forested slopes. The road that snakes its way through Shenandoah National Park is known as Skyline Drive because you are at some of the highest points of the Appalachian Mountains along this part of the route. Shenandoah National Park Driving into Shenandoah National Park ![]() Gettysburg is just two hours north in Pennsylvania, if you want to take a slight detour before joining the Blue Ridge Parkway. This small town is just a mile or so from the official starting point of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding areas include some of the country’s pivotal Civil War battle sites, including Cross Keys and Kernstown. Pick up your hire car in Washington DC and drive two hours to Front Royal in Virginia. The battlefield of Gettysburg Stopping at Front Royal As the center for US politics, the White House, Pentagon and National Archives - where you can view the Declaration of Independence - are just some of the many sites of interest. It’s the largest international hub in the area and you can quite easily spend a few days here after your flight, exploring many of the capital’s highlights. Washington DC is the logical starting point for anyone driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, although the road itself starts in Front Royal, the north entrance to Shenandoah National Park. The Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC Washington, the start of this fly-drive Intrinsically linking the states of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, a road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway encompasses Civil War battle sites, huge national parks and towns where you can experience a vibrant music scene.Įxplore Shenandoah National Park and take in the blue haze of the parkway from some of the highest points of the Appalachian Mountains, and drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can also explore on foot. ![]()
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