Lou Salamon wrote:
Yes, l’ll only be in Shenandoah Natl park. During the course of the week, l will certainly cover the length of the drive itself, but know enough to know to explore, and appreciate the park, l must get in the woods! When Carol was alive, that’s what we did. Not to say l won’t set up at the overlooks with that big lens, or a w.a. One and add weight to the memory cards! It will be an emotional trip, in so many ways.
Sorry for your loss. My wife and I have hiked many miles of the trails, and had our 2 boys with us often (they're now grown up). Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in the park, and just south of Skyland. There are several trails that can get you to the top, with a good view of the Shenandoah Valley from there. Also highly recommend James Madison's Montpelier (someone else mentioned this)-it is right off US 15 south of Orange, VA, which is south of Culpepper.