Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a land of rolling, forested hills, waterfalls and rocky crags. The park’s Skyline Drive has dozens of pull-offs that will give you a panoramic view of the valleys below. The park is home to miles of trails of all ability levels, including the rugged and challenging Old Rag, which will take you through a rock scramble that will require all of your energy. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the park. The park is also one that changes depending on the season. The green hills turns red and orange as the fall foliage draws in crowds from all around.

Established in 1935, the park is a short 90 minute drive from Washington and a half hour from Charlottesville. The park can suffer from overcrowding at times, so you’ll want to plan your trip in advance. Try visiting on weekdays or get to the park early. Also, October is the busiest month, so if you’re going to look at the foliage, try to plan your stay early.