![]() It takes about 2 hours to climb to the summit and another hour to descend. Peaks of Otter – This area has trails starting from the visitor centre, the most popular being the 1.5 mile Sharp Point Trail. There is an entrance fee and the round trip is just over 2 miles in length. ![]() Allow enough time to follow Cedar Creek Trail beyond the bridge to Lace Falls. Thomas Jefferson liked it so much he bought it from King George 111 in 1774. We opted for the Hampton Inn which was an easy walk to all landmarks and restaurants. There is plenty here for Civil War enthusiasts with buildings and museums dedicated to Stonewall Jackson, Robert E Lee and George C Marshall. There were no horse and carriage rides to be seen – but then the weather wasn’t great. Lexington was quieter than expected for July. Go back into Charlottesville for lunch or have something at Monticello before you get back on the road and join the Blue Ridge Parkway There is a shuttle service from the Visitors Centre to the house but if you return via the 25 minute walking trail, you pass Jefferson’s Grave. As well as a tour of the main house which lasts about 30 minutes, the admission price includes a tour of the grounds and a slavery tour – both lasting about 45 minutes. ![]() Visits can be prebooked on line and you need to allow about a half day. The rear of the house might look familiar – it being the image on the back of the US 5 cent or nickel coin. The main attraction in the area is Monticello – the home and burial place of Thomas Jefferson. Good atmosphere, good food and good beer. South Street Brewery close to our accommodation. At times the trail is very close to the driving route and Marker Posts can be found and followed. If you haven’t brought a picnic, you can lunch at one of the visitor’s centres.Įxtending for 2160 miles, the Appalachian Trail is a path stretching from Maine to Georgia, 105 miles of which is in Shenandoah. It must be stunning in autumn but very busy. At times you will see the Shenandoah River in the valley below and might spot deer or bears. Collect your detailed map at the visitor centre close to the Entrance Station and head south. With an early start and allowing for the 35 mile per hour speed limit and also for time to enjoy a few shorter trails and some of the 75 scenic overlooks, you will still reach Charlottesville by mid/late afternoon. A 5 minute drive from Front Royal will bring you to the North Entrance. The SKYLINE DRIVE winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park for about 105 miles. ( Luckily – as we were delayed for several hours due to bad weather – this motel had 24 hour service so was still open when we finally arrived at 3.00 a.m.) You’re just here to sleep – pick a motel. Collect your car at the airport and it’s a comfortable 75 mile drive. However, ignoring their emphasis on leisure enjoyment, wilderness and relaxation, we were going to whizz through as much as we could in one week!įinish: Asheville, North Carolina ( or Charlotte Airport to be precise!)ġ night – Front Royal, Charlottesville, Lexington, Boone, Blowing RockĮven without a direct flight to Washington, you should easily reach Front Royal on day one. They are all uniquely amazing and offer an incredible range of services, activities and events. Nobody does national parks like the US National Park Service. We went as far as the town of Asheville in North Carolina but with more time, we could have continued on to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. ![]() This route begins with a drive through Shanandoah National Park and then joins the Blue Ridge Parkway. A huge tourist destination for USA residents, only a handful of acquaintances at home had any clue of its whereabouts. I’d no idea this region was so accessible to the major transport hubs of Washington / New York until I began investigating it as a possible short road trip.
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