Located roughly an hour and a half from Washington D.C., Shenandoah County, Virginia, is home to Blue Ridge views, boutique wineries, and charming valley towns steeped in history. Growing up in northern Virginia, I spent countless days leaf-peeping on the Skyline Drive and taking field trips to Shenandoah Caverns, but it wasn't until I returned as an adult that I realized just how special the area truly is.
The first big site for hikers is the McAfee Knob, which juts out over the valley (much like Pride Rock in "The Lion King") and is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail for its sweeping valley views. The next big stop is the Tinker Cliffs, which overlook the Catawba Valley. The third and final major sight is the Dragon's Tooth, a jutting tooth-like rock formation that's impossible to miss. The best part? You can climb partially up the 35-foot spire.
Take full advantage of autumn's cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage by planning a fall road trip through the most scenic regions of the United States. Naturally, the prettiest state to visit depends on your road trip goals-cruise the Northeast to see the colorful changing leaves on a journey through mountain landscapes, or head south to the Gulf Coast, where you'll find foliage with a side of warmer weather and ocean views.