Appalachian Trail pics

[Drillagent]

The family went up into the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to Skyline Drive last weekend to see the fall colors. But we only drove through, we didn't stop. So this weekend, my son found a short trail to go for a walk today. Skyline Drive parallels the Appalachian Trail, so we were able to walk this famous trail, and look down into the Shenandoah Valley. Skyline Drive and the overlooks were built during the depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. For those history buffs, the Shenandoah was originally settled by Scots and Scotch-Irish back when America was still a colony. The valley also played a major role in the American Civil War. In fact, we saw a sign that said General Stonewall Jackson brought his 25,000 man army over the Blue Ridge in 1862. As you will see from some of the pictures, this was no small feat.

My son and I standing on one of the overlooks looking into the Shenandoah Valley.






Skyline Drive






My son on the Appalachian Trail






This gives you an idea how high up the trail is






We weren't alone on the trail. If you look close in the middle you can see the black bear that we came upon. Not sure who was more scared, him or us.

[Drillagent]

Here is my son sitting on a rock.





We couldn't decide which one this was, Alvin, Simon, or Theodore




Here is Big Meadow. You can see why they call it that. This is the largest open area on the ridge.




The wild animals are plentiful





This deer didn't seem to mind us walking by




And here is the sun shining through the clouds over the meadow

[duchessofnc]

I've section hiked 2 thirds of the AP... it's really beautiful

[Southern Breeze]

Great Pics. I hiked that section of the AT back in 1989 and they bring back a lot of memories. I hiked it in sections and finished in 1994.
Thanks for posting them.

[Jock Scot]

What a beautiful world we live in. Thank you for showing the pictures.

[Mael Coluim]

Brings back memories when I lived in Luray. God’s country. Thanks for sharing.

[SFCRick]

great fall pics, just how much more fine they would be with The Kilt being sported in them.

[BruceBC]

Thank you for your photos - they brought back very happy childhood memories. Every summer we would travel south from Montreal in order to spend a few weeks camping in the BlueRidge. Great to see Big Meadows again ..and i do remember that sign about Stonewall. Thanks again for the photos.

I hope you and your family enjoyed the visit as much as I did with mine.

[Highlander31]

Nice photos. Fall really is one of the most beautiful times of the year.

[The Kilted Reverend]

I have to visit the Appalachian Trail someday.These pics show its beauty.


Slaine,
TKR