Blue Ridge Mountains Are Ablaze with Fall Color

A fall color palette reminiscent of Spring.

I was fortunate to have some free time on Saturday! That however can be a double edge sword when you're a small business owner.   But, no worries. 

The drive from the Northern Virginia rural town of Leesburg to Shenandoah National Park was more scenic then I could have imagined.  The entire country side is sprinkled with working farms, and fresh produce and dairy stands. 

Our trek along Skyline Drive was a pure thrill as our drive brought us to altitudes over 3,000 feet.  Banked hills flank both sides of the road at times, each vying for the attention of photographers as they showed off their golden autumn glory.  Shale stone walls played host to some smaller plants and tree saplings as well.  As our drive climbed ever closer to the apex of this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains there were times when nothing flanked either side of the car except the great expanse of the valley below.

Up, Up we went, every now and then we'd pass a cyclist or two either heading uphill with every mighty effort they had or coasting downhill at amazing speeds. 

There were plenty of scenic overlooks and opportunities to get out of the car and look down into Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.  The valley floor is sprinkled with building both large and obtrusive or small and inconspicuous.  As I took in the view I thought, someone somewhere has a personal photo of the unspoiled valley of days past.

Now, although it is the Fall Season and we had hoped to see the bright red, pinks and oranges of full Fall Foliage, they just had not arrived yet.  In fact there were some canopied areas that if one were mistaken would have thought it was Spring all over again.  It was a shocking contrast from the wooded areas just  a few yards away and across the street.  This stand of trees soared to at least 100 feet in height, if not taller, and had no lower branches.  My sister named it "The Stilted Grove".  Quite the fitting title.  What do you think?

Our descent was just at thrilling, it was obviously all downhill from there.  Looking out for sightseeing drivers on their own ascent to the beauty that awaited them was the most nerve wracking part.  On several occasions the yellow center line was crossed, horns were honked,  and angry glares and stares were shared.  But, we all made it home  no worse for the wear.  Thank the Lord for that!

Phew, so my recommendation for a trip such as this is to either hire a driver or go with someone who has no desire to admire the scenic views. 

Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"