Just 75 miles outside of Washington, D.C., the pristine 200,000 acres of Shenandoah National Park offer 500 miles of trails through dense forests, ancient caves, towering mountains, and misty waterfalls.

Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, just 75 from Washington D.C. The park’s scenic Skyline Drive takes you through the 105-mile-long park, providing more than 75 overlooks with spectacular vistas. 500 miles of trails within the park lead you to waterfalls, protected wilderness, and panoramic views in the scenic landscape.

One of the most iconic drives in national parks, Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is as old as the park itself! The only public road through the park, Skyline Drive is a great way to take in the vast expanse of Shenandoah, with all its fall foliage and breathtaking views. On a clear day, this 105-mile cruise will take about three hours to complete, providing plenty of opportunities to stop at scenic overlooks and take in the beauty of the park.

The Old Rag Loop is one of the most coveted hikes in Shenandoah National Park. No matter who you ask, this epic ~9-mile loop is one of the top hikes and a must-do if you have the time. A key highlight is the rock scramble near the summit - a challenging feat rewarded with incredible views from an exposed rock outcropping.

If there’s a place where seeing the sunset could change your entire world view, it might just be from The Point Overlook in Shenandoah National Park. This west-facing spot at mile 55.5 on Skyline Drive is located just a few miles south of Big Meadows Lodge. From the overlook, hike a short trail down about 100 feet to a rocky area and from here you’ll see the magic happen.

About two hours north of Richmond, Shenandoah National Park begins to develop the deep colors of the fall season from September onwards – especially if you chart a course down Skyline Drive, which runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many viewpoints down into the valley, as well as treks you can take on foot or horseback. Expect to see some serious wildlife, including white-tailed deer and more elusive black bears and bobcats, plus your fair share of waterfalls.

The 169km (105mi) of winding country roads through Shenandoah National Park, in Virginia’s famous Blue Ridge Mountains, seem like the perfect ride to us, but this route does have some serious climbs to contend with. There are only a handful of refuelling points, so this is perhaps one for the more experienced cyclist. With exceptional views of the wider Piedmont region, it’s hard to believe this remote countryside is not much more than an hour’s drive from Washington DC.