More on scenic driving in Shenandoah National Park

Backpack the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park, giving visitors more than 100 miles of prime trail to hike and backpack along. It's hard to go wrong anywhere along this classic trail, so why not start off with a moderate weekend backpacking trip? The 26-mile Stony Man/Big Meadows traverse takes you through some of the choicest sections of the Appalachian Trail, with cabins along the way for those who don't dig sleeping on the ground. Highlights include Marys Rock, which boasts some of the most spectacular views in the park; Hawksbill Mountain, site of a peregrine falcon release program; and Hazeltop Mountain, the Appalachian Trail's highest point in the park.

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Cycle the Shenandoah Valley
You probably think Skyline Drive makes for a memorable bike ride. It sure does, but the memories won't necessarily be good ones. The problem? Killer climbs, screaming descents, and all of those pesky cars. This is primo scenic driving territory, and you'll have to contend with people whose eyes are more on the views than the road. So play it safe and head for the safer lowlands of the Shenandoah Valley. This charming slice of Virginia is chock full of historic towns, old farms, meandering streams, and scenery that hasn't changed all that much since the Union and Confederate armies slugged it out up and down the valley during the Civil War.

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Angle for Mountain Trout
If you want to experience eastern trout fishing the way it used to be, cast your fly upon the myriad waters of Shenandoah National Park. Since the introduction of the European brown trout in the late 19th century, the native brook trout have been displaced from all but the coldest, highest, and most remote streams. Shenandoah is one of the last wild brookie refuges, with more than 30 trout streams open to anglers. Many are small streams well off the beaten path, combining a nice hike and solitary fishing. The Rose River is one of the park's bigger streams and holds some of the park's biggest brookies. The fishing is never easy, but that's why you'll keep coming back.

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Paddle the Shenandoah
No trip to Shenandoah National Park is truly complete without a trip down the river that gives the park its name. Floating down this famous river is far more than just a canoe trip — it's a time trip, a journey past historic towns and traditional farms that hearken back to America's pastoral past. And a journey down the river's south fork is perfect for paddlers more interested in taking in the idyllic surroundings than negotiating hair-raising rapids. This majestic stream meanders back and forth through the valley formed by the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains. The scenery is constantly changing, from forested slopes to limestone cliffs to cow pastures to shady bowers between sandy islands. Make sure to bring a camera and plenty of film.

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