Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive

I've done a few hikes in Shenandoah NP before, but this was my first time actually on Skyline Drive.  We started off part way down the drive at Thornton gap and had a picnic first at Pinnacles picnic area.  Then we headed up to Upper Hawksbill Parking for a 2 mile hike up to the summit.  With a puppy in tow, we had to try to minimize the length and difficulty of the hike.  We thought at first that even two mile hike would be tough and that we'd have to carry her part way, but our little trooper insisted on walking it all by herself.  We were all rewarded at the top with a very nice view. The colors weren't quite peak yet, but may parts of the park had very nice colors.



Hawksbill Summit

By the time we got done with this hike, it was already late afternoon.  We had to head down to Waynesboro for the night so we had to move along South.  We hit a few overlooks, and then hit Blackrock Summit hike.  A short 1 mile circuit walk.  Very nice views there too. 

The next morning we decided to hit a long one (3 miles) so we could check out the two Doyles River falls.  It started off with a moderate downhill and I thought for sure we were going to be carrying Millie on the way up.  We only carried her on really rocky parts or large steps though.  Probably not the best of ideas to walk her so much, but she didn't seem to mind.  The falls themselves weren't really all that impressive, but we all got a good work out from it.  (Got me realizing how unfit I've become lately.)
 

Blackrock Summit


After that long hike, we thought better about going for another.  The weather seemed to be turning for the worst too, so we stopped at Big Meadows area for another picnic.  It was actually a bit chilly out now so a cozy lunch inside a restaurant would have suited me, but can't do that with a pet anymore.  I better get used to eating outdoors. 

All in all, our first getway with the pup was a success.  She behaved herself pretty well in the hotel, too.  Don't think I'll be getting any surprise bills for chewed up furniture or anything.