Autumn foliage in Shenandoah National Park
A panorama of the blanket of fall colors over the Blue Ridge Mountains from one of the numerous overlooks along the drive.
The view of the lodge just before crossing the bridge
Opened to the public in April 1965, Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges is a hidden gem in the Shenandoah Valley. You are conveniently located just thirty-five minutes from the Thorton Gap entrance station and provide sleeping accommodations for just about whatever adventure you’d find yourself on. Whether in the main lodge, a cabin, condo, cottage, or a primitive camp spot for glamping, you’ll surely enjoy your night here as there’s so much to see and do. The property is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides a spectacular atmosphere. The sunrises and sunsets here are not to be missed. You’re sure to cross paths with some animals here as well. I saw numerous deer and a skunk along the road during my stay.
The family hosts a lot of activities on the farm as well. Whether timed events, live music, festivals, or reserved opportunities, including Horseback Riding, numerous trailheads for hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, art workshops, and soap making, to name a few. There’s so much to see and enjoy here you could spend a weekend alone. I stayed Friday(11/5)-Sunday(11/7) and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I resided in the Poplar Log Lodge. The room offered a comfortable king-size bed, a bathroom with a shower and sink, and a heater and air. It was rustic; the walls were wooden logs, and the balcony outside the room looked out into the woods. It was quiet and serene.
Before checking out, I enjoyed breakfast at the main lodge, buffet style. On the menu were the classics. Bacon, Sausage Patties, and gravy. Scrambled eggs, hash brown casserole, pancakes, yogurt parfaits, baked apples, assorted fruits, vegetable crudités, homemade bread, muffins, and pastries. The food was hot, and the servers were attentive and courteous. And that’s what I feel makes this place so unique. You feel a part of the family. It has that Southern hospitality you can’t replicate or find anywhere besides places like this. So, if you’re in Shenandoah Valley and need a place to lay your head, I couldn’t think of a better place.
View from atop Little Stony Man
Sky Line Drive has become almost a second home. It provides an escape from the daily routine of life. You can take the drive and cruise through the valley at your own pace or challenge yourself on one of the many hikes the park offers. Whether a waterfall hike, Dark Hollow Falls is one of the more popular ones as it is only a short 1.4-mile out-and-back hike, yet the climb back to the parking lot can be strenuous as it has an elevation gain of 440ft. My first time hiking this trail, I got caught in a torrential downpour with all of my camera equipment. It's something I still talk about today. I'd recommend the Whiteoak Canyon Trailhead if you’d like a more challenging waterfall hike. A word of caution: this trail is 7.3 miles over some rugged terrain and includes some serious elevation gains and various river crossings, which I was unprepared for my first time hiking this trail. Before hiking any trail, you should always know your physical and trail conditions. Also, don’t be afraid to admit defeat, as that’s what I did hiking this trail. I was woefully unprepared, to be honest. On this trip, I did neither waterfall hikes yet opted to hike Little Stony Man Trail. An easy .9-mile out-and-back hike that rewards hikers with one of the best views of Skyline Drive, given its simplicity. The fall colors during that time only added to the park's splendor.
After the hike, I reached Big Meadows at mile marker 51. It provides the ideal base camp for your adventures while driving. Being one of the few places to offer fuel while in the park, camping accommodations along with a great convenience store for all of those camping needs, helpful Park Rangers stationed at the visitor center to answer all of your questions, and an excellent lodge if you’d instead treat yourself to a room rather than stay in a tent outdoors. I often find myself here just for the meadow itself, as it provides essential habitat for many plants and animals and opportunities to view wildlife, stargaze, or wander the many paths the meadow offers. This time, my attention was on Northern Harriers as they flew just above the grass, looking to capture any unexpecting prey.
A sunset that seems to have been painted
After my time in the Meadows I captured an iconic sunset and here you can understand how the Mountain range got its name as the Blue Ridge Mountains, No matter how many times I’ve visited the mountains keep calling me back. There are still photos left ungotten, trails left unexplored, and memories still to be made.