Skyline Sunset

The colors in the Fall of ‘22 were the best in recent memory and I visited the mountains frequently to enjoy them. I’ve explored much of the lower half of Shenandoah NP but had yet to take a photo that really captured the park as I see it. I had an idea of a shot that I wanted but did not know of a place to get it - so I went hunting for rocks.

 

As I drove up Skyline Drive, I was looking for prominent rocky outcroppings as they could provide a potential view. I found one north of Loft Mtn and stopped at the next overlook to map it out. I found a route, got on the AT, and when the time felt right, I turned off the trail. I did my best to upset the flora (which was mostly thorns) as little as possible and made my way towards the rocks I had seen.

 

After battling thorns for 20 minutes, I finally popped out to one of the best views I’ve seen. Gorgeous golden trees as far as the eye could see, lit up by a setting sun, as Skyline Drive snaked its way through. It was the most majestic scene I’ve ever seen in Virginia, and I’ve lived here my whole life.

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Below are other shots I've captured from this view, one of my favorite places in Virginia