Skip to content
  • Trips
    • Itineraries
    • Trip Ideas
    • Videos
    • Scenic Byways
    • Tour Operators
  • Explore
    • Washington, DC
    • Maryland
    • Virginia
    • By Experience
  • Transport
    • Airports
    • Local Transportation
    • Tour Operators
  • Plan
    • Accommodations
    • Currency Exchange
    • Weather
    • Events
    • Deals
    • Covid-19 Travel Updates
    • Travel Documents
  • Get a Holiday Guide
  • Subscribe to Enewsletter
  • English
  • 简体中文
  • Français
  • Deutsch
  • 日本語
  • 한국어
  • Português
  • Español

Waterfall in Shenandoah National Park (Photo courtesy Virginia Tourism Corporation)

The whole family can enjoy hiking and exploring portions of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park.

Rock-climbing opportunities are abundant throughout Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

Explore the Capital Region USA by horseback – where rides come complete with incredible views of the countryside.

For an immersive experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains, bring or rent camping gear and spend a night (or two) under the stars.

Waterfall in Shenandoah National Park (Photo courtesy Virginia Tourism Corporation)

The whole family can enjoy hiking and exploring portions of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park.

Rock-climbing opportunities are abundant throughout Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

Explore the Capital Region USA by horseback – where rides come complete with incredible views of the countryside.

For an immersive experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains, bring or rent camping gear and spend a night (or two) under the stars.

Shenandoah National Park & Beyond: 5 Ways to See the Blue Ridge Mountains

Share This:

By Idoia Gkikas

Named for their blue color when viewed from a distance, the Blue Ridge Mountains are believed to be one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world – and they’re easily accessed from the USA’s bustling Capital Region (which includes Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia). Check out five exciting ways to experience these unforgettable mountains.

Scenic Rides – Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and, further south, the Blue Ridge Parkway (often called simply “the Parkway”), are among the most scenic drives in the USA, particularly if you’re visiting during autumn leaf season. 

The northern entrance to Shenandoah National Park is about 1.5 hours away from downtown DC. The 169-kilometer Skyline Drive runs the length of the park and can be driven in 3-4 hours, but plan for an entire day if you want to hike. 

The south end of Skyline Drive hooks up with the Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” There are countless trailheads right off the road, scenic overlooks and convenient exits for access to amenities. For experienced riders, cycling is permitted on both routes as well.

Hiking – The Appalachian Trail

The world-famous Appalachian Trail (AT) is a hiking trail that traverses approximately 3,500 kilometers from Georgia to Maine. Its largest section lies in Virginia. From the Capital Region, head to the mountains of Shenandoah National Park, where the AT crosses over Skyline Drive more than 30 times. The trail is well-maintained, well-marked and offers sections suited to all experience levels. Visit nps.gov/shen for route information and maps.

Rock Climbing – Virginia

For very experienced climbers, Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular spots for slab, face and crack climbing on the largest granite in the region. For more climbing options, check out Grayson Highlands State Park and McAfee Knob, both part of the Appalachian Mountains. If you’re a beginner or intermediate climber, sign up with Shenandoah Mountain Guides or Blue Ridge Mountain Guides for full-service guided climbs. 

Horseback Riding – Virginia and Maryland

Elk Mountain Trails in Knoxville, Maryland offers tours for all experience levels that take you through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Or explore the Blue Ridge foothills in Virginia on one of Marriott Ranch’s popular riding packages. These and other outfitters provide all you need to view and ride through the mountains on horseback.

Camping – State and National Parks

The camping opportunities in these mountains are among the best in the nation. Rental camping gear is available online from several outfitters. Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park, both in Maryland, are scenic and family-friendly with cabin rentals as well as backcountry and tent camping. In Virginia, Shenandoah National Park has many campsites within a reasonable drive of the Capital Region. 

Getting Here: Just 42 kilometers west of Washington, DC, Washington Dulles International Airport is centrally located in the Capital Region USA and convenient to all destinations and activities across Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. Nonstop flights to Washington Dulles International Airport from major destinations worldwide make getting here easy.

Trip Ideas
See All Trip Ideas
Space shuttle, Discovery, Smithsonian, museum, National Air & Space Museum, aviation, space, attractions, Washington, DC, Capital Region

Fairfax, Virginia: 4-Day 18th Century to Outer Space Itinerary

standup paddleboard, SUP, paddleboarding, New River, Virginia, USA

Virginia's Wide Open Spaces and Secluded Destinations

Follow in the Footsteps of Jefferson in Charlottesville & Albemarle County, Virginia

A couple toast coffee cups

Reasons to Visit Williamsburg, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia, Quirk Hotel, Rooftop, bar, view, dining

Richmond, Virginia Itinerary Ideas

Air Force Memorial

Three Days in Arlington and the Capital Region

Explore Alexandria and the Capital Region

Pub in Alexandria Virginia

The Birthplace of American Cuisine: 6-Day Virginia Itinerary

Shops along historic King Street in Alexandria, Virginia

Four Reasons to Make Alexandria Virginia Your Holiday Headquarters

6 Ways to Soak Up the Virginia Beach Culinary Scene

Arlington, Virginia skyline

Inspiring Memorials in Arlington, Virginia

5 Reasons to Fly Washington Dulles International Airport

Sandbridge Beach

Welcome to Virginia Beach

Top Activities in Richmond, Virginia

Colonial Parkway

Related Events
See All Events
27 May 2023 - 29 May 2023

Memorial Day Weekend Concert and Parade

Washington, District of Columbia

This National Memorial Day celebration honours America’s war heroes and those presently serving with a gathering along Constitution Avenue for the annual Memorial Day parade featuring marching band

Website
01 May 2023 - 31 May 2023

Passport DC

Washington, District of Columbia

Passport DC is a month-long journey around the world highlighting DC's thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied international culture. Celebrated annually in May, which

Website
04 Jun 2023

Planet Bethesda

Bethesda, Maryland

Held in conjunction with World Environment Day, Planet Bethesda features chefs from the Capital Region serving up their most cutting-edge, creative, and delicious plant-based foods.

Visit website
10 Jun 2023 - 11 Jun 2023

Frederick Festival of the Arts

Frederick, Maryland

This juried fine art and craft show features over 120 artists from across the country in more than a dozen mediums. Live music and dance performances take place on three stages.

Visit Website
11 Jun 2023

Capital Pride Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

Join the LGBTQ+ community on America’s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival.

Visit website
11 Mar 2023 - 11 Jun 2023

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies

Washington, District of Columbia

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies invites you to step into a virtual world of cherry blossoms, discovering the ephemeral beauty of butterflies and thrilling exuberance of nature.

Visit website
10 Jun 2023 - 11 Jun 2023

Honfest

Baltimore, Maryland

Grab your boas and tease that beehive!

Visit website
04 Jul 2023

Independence Day Celebration

Washington, District of Columbia

Join the Independence Day celebrations in the nation's capital city!

Visit Website
28 Jun 2023 - 09 Jul 2023

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

28 June-4 July and 6-9 June

Visit Website
15 Jul 2023

Clustered Spires High Wheel Race

Frederick, Maryland

Come see the Nation's only high wheel bike race. Racers make as many laps as they can on a half mile course in beautiful Downtown Frederick.

Visit Website
26 Jul 2023 - 27 Jul 2023

Chincoteague Pony Swim

Chincoteague, Virginia

The town of Chincoteague is known worldwide for its annual Pony Penning & Auction.

Visit Website
04 Aug 2023

Annapolis Crab Feast

Annapolis, Maryland

The Annapolis Crab Feast is all-you-can-eat and drink, including large and #1 male crabs (the big ones) plus Maryland vegetable crab soup, sweet Maryland corn on the cob, beef barbeque sandwiches,

Visit Website
09 Jul 2023 - 06 Aug 2023

Citi Open Tennis Tournament

Washington, District of Columbia

Hosted since 1969, Citi Open is one of DC’s longest-standing sports traditions.

Visit website
07 Aug 2023 - 12 Aug 2023

Old Fiddlers' Convention

Galax, Virginia

During the second week of August of each year the City of Galax has the world tapping its feet as the Old Fiddlers' Convention. Musicians and fans from around the world travel to Galax to perform a

Visit Website
01 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2023

Virginia Craft Beer Month

, Virginia

With more than 200 craft breweries throughout Virginia and being named one of the Top Seven Beer Destinations by Travel Channel, it's no surprise that the state dedicates the entire month of August

Visit Website
30 Aug 2023 - 03 Sep 2023

DC Jazz Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

One of DC’s most exciting annual events, DC JazzFest celebrates the sounds, stories and personalities that make this uniquely American art form sing and swing across its wealth of performances.

Visit Website
24 Aug 2023 - 10 Sep 2023

Maryland State Fair

Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland

No other event provides so much food, fun & family entertainment for so little: tame & thrilling rides and games; traditional Fair & local farm fresh food; thousands of livestock, horse

Visit Website
08 Sep 2023 - 10 Sep 2023

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Bristol, Virginia

Known as the “Official Birthplace of Country Music”, the town of Bristol, Virginia celebrates its music heritage at the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

Visit Website
16 Sep 2023

H Street Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

This high-energy block party in Washington, DC’s H Street neighbourhood stretches 11 blocks and has 14 stages featuring music, dance, poetry readings, programs, and more.

Visit website
20 Sep 2023 - 24 Sep 2023

Artscape

Baltimore, Maryland

Artscape is America's largest free arts festival, attracting 350,000+ attendees over three days to Baltimore, Maryland.

Visit website
22 Sep 2023 - 01 Oct 2023

State Fair of Virginia

Doswell, Virginia

Come see Virginia's finest animals and agriculture, exhibits and shows, toe-tappin' music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more!

Visit website
29 Sep 2023 - 01 Oct 2023

Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This end-of-summer festival hosted in Virginia beach features wine tastings, a world-class sandcastle competition, numerous athletic competitions, an open-air art show along the Boardwalk, an air s

Visit Website
  • View Holiday Guide
  • Subscribe To Our Enewsletter
  • Get Social:
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
Capital Region USA Logo
  • GDPR FAQ
  • MICE
  • Media
  • Partners
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trip Advisor Washington, DC
  • Trip Advisor Maryland
  • Trip Advisor Virginia

Copyright 2023 by Capital Region USA, PO Box 13352 Richmond, Virginia 23225 USA

Visit the USA dot com (opens in new window)
Fly dulles dot com (opens in new window)
  • English
  • 简体中文
  • Français
  • Deutsch
  • 日本語
  • 한국어
  • Português
  • Español