Spring has sprung, and we at the Inn at Meander Plantation cannot wait to get back into the great outdoors! When you stay with us at Meander Plantation, you will be nestled into the foothills of the vast mountain ranges of central Virginia, encompassed by breathtaking views unlike any other.
President Roosevelt’s avid protection of our country’s treasured national parks carries his legacy to this day. In honor of our late president, a notorious lover of the outdoors and our country’s great natural beauty, we are dedicating this post to a national park that we hold especially close to our hearts: the magnificent Shenandoah.
At the Inn at Meander Plantation, we recognize the importance of preserving nature’s beauty as well as acknowledging and appreciating the historical and present-day relevance of our surroundings. We are lucky to call the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains home. And we are proud to boast close proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Skyline Drive, some of the finest attractions Virginia has to offer.
While there are endless activities waiting for you in Central Virginia, one of our personal favorite and extra special recommendations is a day trip to the Shenandoah Valley to witness the grandeur of the famous National Park. Meander is located less than an hour away from both the Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap entrance stations, which guarantees easy access to the stunning park all year long!
Once inside the park, take your pick of countless trails just waiting to be discovered! Old Rag Mountain is a favorite of many who venture into Shenandoah National Park. As one of the most popular hiking trails, you have ample opportunities to chat up fellow hikers and get insights into your journey ahead! The trail to the summit is a long one: the entire circuit is a 9-mile hike. But when you finally get to the top, the view makes it all worth it. Take in the 200,000 acres of protected land and federally designated wilderness in Shenandoah National Park.
Another great hike we love in Shenandoah National Park is the Whiteoak Canyon Trail, another popular trail in the park, but a significantly easier hike than Old Rag Mountain. This 2-mile hike features six waterfalls, ranging from 35 to 85 feet. As it’s getting warmer, you will also be able to take a dip in one of the swimming holes on the trails. There’s no better way to cool off on a hot hike! And the best part: bring your pet along!
We love pets at Meander and we are happy to share that Shenandoah does too! If you are traveling with your furry friend, there are over 400 miles of trails that are pet friendly. See the Shenandoah National Park website for more information.
If you’re not looking to venture too far from your car but are still eager to witness the awesome scenery of the park, Skyline Drive is an ideal alternative to a hike. The beautiful Skyline Drive is a historic scenic byway with twists and turns specifically designed to accentuate the mountain views through all four seasons. While the park remains accessible for the vast majority of year, it is always a good idea to check the weather advisories to ensure a stress free visit.
A stay at the Inn at Meander Plantation offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical treasures. We believe that there truly is nothing like the great outdoors, but don’t just take our word for it. Come see the splendor of Virginia and allow its beauty to speak for itself! Book your stay to Meander and plan your visit to the Shenandoah today.
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