Shenandoah National Park.

Stretching along the crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is defined by the 105-mile Skyline Drive, a winding road offering more than 75 panoramic overlooks of the valley below. Beyond the asphalt, the park encompasses 200,000 acres of dense forest and rocky outcrops, including the 600-foot Marys Rock Tunnel. Hikers have access to over 500 miles of trails, including a significant 101-mile section of the Appalachian Trail that leads to cascading landmarks like Dark Hollow Falls. The landscape is a haven for black bears and the endemic Shenandoah salamander, while the Big Meadows area preserves a high concentration of rare plants. For a dose of history, visitors can hike to Rapidan Camp, the former summer retreat of President Herbert Hoover.