Exploring Skyline Drive - Camping, Hiking, And Things To Do Part 2 By Nicole Munoz At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Skyland, located at MP 42, is the highest point on Skyline Drive. The high elevation of 3680 feet offers a comfortable temperature during the heat of the summer and makes Skyland a very popular location. Skyland Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including country cabins, luxurious suites, and 179 lodge rooms. The Skyland Restaurant serves a savory selection of entrees and offers a casual sit-down dining experience with terrific views of the mountainside. Skyland Stables offers guided horseback rides through the 150 mile network of riding trails in Shenandoah National Forest.

Big Meadows is another favorite attraction along Skyline Drive and is located at MP 51. The Henry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center is available for backcountry camping permits and other information about the Shenandoah National Forest and also has a number of interesting exhibits relating the history of Big Meadows. A variety of guided hikes are available from Big Meadows, as well as Skyland Resort, including scenic day hikes to the beautiful waterfalls of the Shenandoah Forest and breathtaking sunset hikes.

Big Meadows Lodge offers 25 rustic guest rooms, as well as cabin and suite accommodations. The lodge restaurant is available for casual country style dining overlooking the mountaintops and the Wayside serves a tasty selection of local favorites to eat in their dining room or to enjoy at the nearby picnic area. The Wayside also sales camping supplies, groceries, and other essentials you may need on your Skyline Drive vacation. Big Meadows also has a secluded campground for tent camping and Rvs with access to several waterfall hiking trails.

Less than 10 miles away, at MP 57.5, is Lewis Mountain campground, a small, isolated campground for tents. Reservations are not accepted at Lewis Mountain and a campstore is located on the premises for supplies. Lewis Mountain also offers furnished cabin rentals for a private, relaxing evening in the Shenandoah Forest. Dogs are welcome to visit the Shenandoah National Forest as well and are allowed in the campgrounds and on all the hiking trails except for a few. Keep your dog on a leash while hiking and don’t forget a fun camping toy, like the Coleman pheasant dog toy.

MP 63 marks the entrance to the South River picnic area that is open year round for picturesque picnic settings. The final visitor center and recreation area before reaching the southern end of Skyline Drive, Loft Mountain, is located at MP 79.5. Restrooms, picnic tables, and a camp store with a full service grill is can be found here. Camping on top of Big Flat Mountain in Skyline Drive’s largest campground, Loft Mountain, is popular because of the amazing views and nearby waterfalls.

Primitive group camping is available by reservation at the Dundo group campground, located at MP 83.7. Scenic Skyline Drive ends at MP 105 and marks the southern boundary of the Shenandoah National Forest. You can continue your travels on the amazing Blue Ridge Parkway as it winds over the mountains into North Carolina or exit the scenic bypasses via Interstate 64 or Rt. 250.

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