Once America's love for the automobile was in high gear, along came the perfect place for a leisurely drive. In 1930 National Park planners envisioned a new way for these independent travelers to experience Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and developed a scenic route across the mountain tops from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap.
   The Shenandoah National Park was established in 1935, surrounding the 105 mile Skyline Drive. This narrow mountain parkway is accessed from four entrance stations spaced out along the route. Along the way, sightseers may enjoy 75 scenic overlooks and pullouts, grand views of the Shenandoah Valley and a distant backdrop called Massanutten Mountain. Although the Skyline Drive takes about three hours to traverse, the park may be enjoyed for as long as you wish. Visitor Centers and other park facilities may be the best place to get acquainted with the park. With over 500 miles of hiking trails, there's bound to be an off-road destination to pique your interest. Formed from 1000 privately owned tracts of land, many historic remnants can still be found in the park's backcountry. Dozens of the trails lead to waterfall sites, mountain tops, valley streams, fields of wildflowers and a countryside filled with wildlife.
   This scenic view is found just beyond the 670 foot long Marys Rock Tunnel, capturing October's bright foliage and distant hazy mountains. A warning for oversized vehicles, this solid granite mountain will not budge. Be sure to check your clearances before entering the 12"-8" high tunnel. Here at Thornton Gap, park guests may enter and exit from the Skyline Drive. Named for Francis Thornton, this 18th century entrepreneur developed the privately owned Thornton's Gap Turnpike, a toll road that crossed the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains. Just 75 miles from the nation's capital, Shenandoah Park is a great escape and continues as a relaxing driving experience.

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