Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and on the highest peak in the Shenandoah National Park, is the historical town of Skyland, Virginia. Back in 1895, George Freeman Pollock, built a resort on land his father owned, intending for the more elite folks from around the country to come and enjoy fishing, hiking, horseback riding and just relaxing. And that was the way of life in Skyland, until around 1931, when it was acquired by the Shenandoah National Park Service.

Located in the middle of the famous "Skyline Drive" of the Shenandoah National Park, the views and hiking trails in and around Skyland are phenomenal. In the early morning hours, the mountains display their mystical, azure fog that creeps out of their tops during the day, to later return for its evening sunset show. Skyline Drive’s beauty is never ending, especially when the leaves start to turn their lovely autumn colors of orange, yellow and red. Even when the snow begins to fall and gather, there is yet another panorama of splendor unleashed for unsuspecting visitors.

Hiking trails abound, and one not to be missed is the impressive White Oak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run. Plan to start early and return late, as this trail is six miles of stunning views, and worth every step of the way. Although the beginning of the trail is uphill and strenuous, the array of scenery is well worth the climb, and coming back down is easy and relaxing. Surrounded by the grace of the mountain’s oaks, alders, and maple trees, the trail weaves through two amazing gorges, and over nine unique, breathtaking waterfalls.

Another popular day jaunt is The Stony Man Mountain trail, which heads up the mountain side to a spectacular view of the Shenandoah Valley below at Stony Man Overlook. There are several other well know and less strenuous hiking trails with gorgeous outlooks of the surrounding mountains, and the Shenandoah Valley like, Betty’s Rock, Crescent Rock Trail and Hawksbill Summit.

Typically where there are mountains, there are caves, and Skyland is only a short drive from the famous Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia. As the path leaves the lush woods and descends into the cool underground of the mountainside, the cave comes alive with dazzling stalactites and stalagmites, of all sizes, colors and interesting forms.

Where the mountains meet the sky, Skyland is a place to visit for a day, a week, or maybe even a lifetime.