As a fellow Virginia native, I loved growing up in the outdoors and enjoyed the scenery around the state. My favorite memories are those in which my family and I packed a picnic lunch, drove through Skyline Drive and went to explore the natural highlights around the state. One of the biggest natural attractions is the Shenandoah Valley, set between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Ridge and Valley Appalachians. To the north of the valley is the Potomac River, and to the south is the James River, where the Shenandoah River stretches along, which is where the name of the valley is derived. The Shenandoah Valley features a variety of natural features including Luray Caverns, the Natural Bridge of Virginia, and Skyline Caverns. The valley also contains wineries, horseback riding, and even campsites. But my personal favorite feature of the Shenandoah Valley is the natural hiking trails that wind throughout. The hiking trails highlight the beauty within the valley and showoff the mountains natural peaks and overlooks. The trails also lead visitors to unique water falls and mountainous peaks that are often coated in beautiful autumnal leaves in the fall. So here is a list of my recommendations for places to visit along those hiking trails.
1. Compton Peak (Milepost 10.4)
2. Riprap Trail (Milepost 90)
3. Doyles River Falls (Milepost 81.1)
4. Hawksbill (Milepost 45.6)
5. Rose River Loop (Milepost 49.4)
6. Stony Man Summits (Milepost 41.7)
7. Lewis Springs Fall Loop (Milepost 51.2)
8. Tanners Ridge Overlook (Milepost 51.5)
9. Dark Hollow Falls (Milepost 50.7)
10. Franklin Cliffs Overlook (Milepost 49)
11. Marys Rock Summit (Milepost 32)
12. Hazel Mountain Overlook (Milepost 33)
13. Jewell Hollow Overlook (Milepost 36.5)
14. Millers Head Lookout (Milepost 41.7)
So that was my quick list of highlights to definitely see if you are hiking the trails of the Shenandoah Valley. These sites are breathtaking especially if you visit in the fall when the leaves begin to change. The trees are covered in bright orange and red, and mixed with the clear blue skies create an incredible site. I remember visiting these spots as a kid, and can still remember the vivid colors of the leaves scattered throughout the valley. Even if you are just traveling through Virginia, I recommend driving through just to see the incredible views. Let me know if you have ever visited Shenandoah Valley in the comments below. Also let me know what were your favorite spots to visit and if you were able to visit any of these spots.
