VA - Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway

The state Virginia state slogan “Virginia is for Lovers”.  But it’s also for travelers and history buffs.

We left West Virginia and settled in Front Royal, the northern entrance to the 105 mile Skyline Drive

The speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35mph, it’s only a 3 hour drive … Right???  But with 75 Overlooks, hiking and picnicking areas, we took closer to 3 days!

The drive is north/South through Shenandoah National Park.  Entrance is free with our Forever Young Pass, also for Veterans and other recognized  passes.

Looking back over my photos I think we stopped at all 75 Overlooks.

The day started with a haze, making the light a bit flat.  But the views remained awesome.

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There is a tunnel at mile 32 which is 12’8 at the edge.

Mary's Rock Tunnel

The haze cleared as we continued along the scenic winding roads.

The cloud cover broke into large cumulus patches.

We settled in for the night at Big Meadows Campground about the halfway point,

It rained most of the night as the clouds settled into the valleys.

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Skyline Drive south entrance is at Rockfish Gap, which is also the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Again do your own research on the tunnel heights, the lowest is in South Carolina and only 11’7” at the edge.

There are certainly view points on the Parkway, but there is also more history than on Skyline Drive.

A short hike leads to the ‘falls’ at Otter Lake.  It’s a very pleasant spillway at the dam.

Stepping stones below the falls continue the trail along Otter Creek.

The James River Bridge carries auto traffic, with a lower section for foot traffic.

James River

The foot bridge leads to a restored lock allowing water traffic to circumvent the rapids.

Fran is looking over the James River

The Great Valley is bounded east and west by the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies and extends from New York to Alabama.

The Mabry Mill is certainly worth a stop and walk about.

There is several preserved pieces of pioneer equipment and construction on display.

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And of course they need to be self sufficient.

Moonshine Still

We stopped at the Blue Ridge Music Center.  It’s purpose is to maintain and preserve the history of Mountain Music.

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We lucked out and were able to enjoy a concert

More of a jam session then a concert.  But lots of fun!

Along the way Rufus had a milestone!

We left the Parkway at North Carolina, with no destination in mind.  But the rains hit and we took what was available.

There was a concert scheduled at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.  But at least a grass space was available.

And it was FHU!

Guess we were desperate :)

Where to next?  Stay tuned!