Skyland, VA Outdoor Activities
Near the foggy tops of one of the tallest mountain ranges in Virginia lies Skyland.
Once boasting its own Post Office, Skyland is now a part of the Shenandoah National Park.
Nestled in the Northern Section of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is only 90 miles from Washington, D.
C.
but remains worlds away from the hub-bub of big city living.
Skyland, originally called Stony Man Camp, was built in 1895 on what inevitably became the highest point on the scenic driving route that runs the length of the Shenandoah National Park.
This route, called the "Skyline Drive", is most frequently trafficked by leaf-peepers during the Fall seasons as the leaves change into their autumnal colors.
The natural sights and sounds offered up in the Blue Ridge mountains will give pause to even the most seasoned of backpackers and trail runners.
From a distance travelers will quickly understand the reason behind the name of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In the early morning or late evening hours campers and hikers alike can spot the bluish haze blanketing the peaks, casting a blue pall over the landscape.
It is said that the blue fog is created by the isoprene gas released by the native hardwood and fir trees which cover the ridges below the treeline.
A short 20 minute drive down the road will land eager spelunkers in the world-famous Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia.
Discovered in 1878, spelunkers and cave enthusiasts of every experience level can appreciate the stunning stalactites and stalagmites available at the Luray Caverns.
Perhaps one of its best known attractions is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a stone chime made from solenoid fired strikers which can be played like a traditional lithophone.
One of the more popular hiking trails from Skyland takes travelers down to the White Oak Canyon, boasting more than six waterfalls ranging from 50 to 100 feet.
The trail is over 1200 feet long and takes hikers down a cut between the mountains in the Blue Ridge range.
Another popular trail takes hikers up the mountains instead of down.
The Stony Man Mountain trail takes adventurous travelers to what is commonly referred to as Stony Man Overlook.
From this 4,000 foot vantage point the Shenandoah Valley sprawls out before the viewer, displaying all of its natural splendor and glory.
Pictures are beautiful, but will never be able to do this awe-inspiring sight justice.
Of course for truly avid hikers the Appalachian Trail extends through Virginia and is easily accessible via Skyland.
From horseback riding to day hiking, Skyline has something to offer for every traveler looking for adventure.
Once boasting its own Post Office, Skyland is now a part of the Shenandoah National Park.
Nestled in the Northern Section of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is only 90 miles from Washington, D.
C.
but remains worlds away from the hub-bub of big city living.
Skyland, originally called Stony Man Camp, was built in 1895 on what inevitably became the highest point on the scenic driving route that runs the length of the Shenandoah National Park.
This route, called the "Skyline Drive", is most frequently trafficked by leaf-peepers during the Fall seasons as the leaves change into their autumnal colors.
The natural sights and sounds offered up in the Blue Ridge mountains will give pause to even the most seasoned of backpackers and trail runners.
From a distance travelers will quickly understand the reason behind the name of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In the early morning or late evening hours campers and hikers alike can spot the bluish haze blanketing the peaks, casting a blue pall over the landscape.
It is said that the blue fog is created by the isoprene gas released by the native hardwood and fir trees which cover the ridges below the treeline.
A short 20 minute drive down the road will land eager spelunkers in the world-famous Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia.
Discovered in 1878, spelunkers and cave enthusiasts of every experience level can appreciate the stunning stalactites and stalagmites available at the Luray Caverns.
Perhaps one of its best known attractions is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a stone chime made from solenoid fired strikers which can be played like a traditional lithophone.
One of the more popular hiking trails from Skyland takes travelers down to the White Oak Canyon, boasting more than six waterfalls ranging from 50 to 100 feet.
The trail is over 1200 feet long and takes hikers down a cut between the mountains in the Blue Ridge range.
Another popular trail takes hikers up the mountains instead of down.
The Stony Man Mountain trail takes adventurous travelers to what is commonly referred to as Stony Man Overlook.
From this 4,000 foot vantage point the Shenandoah Valley sprawls out before the viewer, displaying all of its natural splendor and glory.
Pictures are beautiful, but will never be able to do this awe-inspiring sight justice.
Of course for truly avid hikers the Appalachian Trail extends through Virginia and is easily accessible via Skyland.
From horseback riding to day hiking, Skyline has something to offer for every traveler looking for adventure.
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