Shenandoah National Park, VA

Best of the Blue Ridge

Copyright Shenandoah National Park

Mother Nature must have had outdoor adventure in mind, when she created the Blue Ridge Mountains 300 million years ago. Long before spandex shorts and high-tech walking shoes, she orchestrated the collision of two tectonic plates, forming a terrain that's perfect for today's nature sports lovers.

Now, two million enthusiasts come to this slice of wilderness, better known as Shenandoah National Park, to tour famous Skyline Drive, a scenic byway snaking along the range's spine, or trek renowned Appalachian Trail.

Although the park looks small, don't expect to cover its 300 square miles in one weekend. And make time for the underground scene; this neck of Virginia is dotted with caverns sure to wow the kids.