- #610022
- Duration: 2days
- Available: 25/9/3 - 26/9/1
- New York,NY
Overview and Highlights
As autumn air turns crisp, the Appalachian Mountains ignite in a fiery spectacle, with Shenandoah National Park at their heart. Spanning nearly 100 miles of protected wilderness, this park is not just a destination; it’s a vibrant tapestry of nature’s artistry. Ranked as one of the top fall destinations in the nation, Shenandoah offers a breathtaking escape where every turn of the road reveals a new masterpiece. Drive the legendary Skyline Drive—a ribbon of pavement winding through a kaleidoscope of color—or immerse yourself in a world painted in brilliant reds, golds, and oranges along its peaceful hiking trails. This year’s foliage promises an especially stunning show, with cooler temperatures hinting at an early and brilliant peak.
● Scenic Drives & Mountain Vistas: Experience the legendary Skyline Drive, a 105-mile journey offering 75 overlooks with jaw-dropping views of fiery valleys and distant peaks.
● A Hiker’s Paradise: Lace up your boots and explore trails winding through forests draped in autumn’s most vibrant colors, leading to secluded waterfalls and panoramic summits.
● Peak Foliage Forecast: Get ready for a spectacular show! This year’s peak is expected between October 13-27, with brilliant sugar maples and fiery red maples leading the display.
Most essential locations
Stony Man Summit (Milepost 41.7, Central District)
One of the park’s highest points (4,011 ft), where sugar maples turn vivid orange first due to cooler ridge-top conditions. Offers 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains framed by colorful canopies—ideal for early-season maple spotting without crowds. Accessible year-round, with minimal effort for big rewards.
Hawksbill Summit (Milepost 46.7, Central District)
Prime for sugar maple displays at elevation, with rocky outcrops providing foreground interest against layered red and orange foliage. Colors peak here earliest (late September–early October), and the summit offers unobstructed vistas—perfect if you’re chasing the first maple changes before lower areas catch up. Less crowded than nearby trails.
Mary's Rock (Milepost 31.5–33, Central District)
Abundant red maples along the trail and at the 3,514-ft summit create a dramatic red carpet effect, especially vivid against granite boulders. The tunnel overlook (MP 33) offers roadside views of maple-framed mountain passes, perfect for quick stops. Recommended for its mix of intimate trail views and expansive panoramas.
Blackrock Summit (Milepost 84.8, South District)
Features dense sugar and red maple stands turning in mid-October, with sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain. The short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to the summit minimizes effort while maximizing maple immersion—ideal for families or photographers seeking valley-fill colors.
Little Stony Man Overlook/Cliff (Milepost 39.1, Central District)
Quick access to sheer cliffs overlooking maple-rich slopes, where red maples provide bold foreground color against distant ridges. Higher elevation ensures earlier changes (starting late September), and the exposed rock offers safe, thrilling vantage points for observing foliage progression.
Photography Suggestions
Shenandoah’s fall maples shine in soft light, with layered ridges creating depth. Use a DSLR/mirrorless camera or smartphone with a tripod for stability. Key principle: Emphasize color contrast (e.g., red maples against blue skies or green evergreens) and leading lines from trails or valleys.
Golden hour (sunrise ~7 AM or sunset ~7 PM in October) for warm, flattering light that enhances maple reds/oranges without harsh shadows. Avoid midday (10 AM–4 PM) for flat lighting; early morning fog can add mystery to valleys.
Aperture
f/8–f/11 for landscapes to ensure sharp depth of field across foreground maples and distant ridges. For isolated trees or portraits set against foliage, consider an aperture of f/4–f/5.6 to blur backgrounds and draw attention to the vibrant leaves.
Shutter Speed
1/100–1/200 sec handheld in good light for sharp images; slower (1/2–2 sec) with a tripod for intentional motion blur on wind-swayed leaves, creating a dreamy effect. Use faster (1/500+ sec) for wildlife or moving elements like birds in maple trees.
Lens & Filters
Wide-angle (14–24mm or 16–35mm) for expansive ridge views capturing maple carpets; standard zoom (24–70mm) for versatile trail shots; telephoto (70–200mm or 100–400mm) to compress colorful layers or isolate a single glowing maple against the horizon. A polarizer filter reduces glare on leaves and boosts saturation.
Itinerary
Get ready for an exciting trip! Your adventure officially begins at 10:00 AM, when our professional guide will warmly greet you at your hotel.
We’ll head directly to Shenandoah National Park. You can arrange your own itinerary and time, or discuss a suitable itinerary with your guide, who will be happy to provide you with all the necessary information.
Continue your activities in Shenandoah National Park this morning, then return to your departure point. Depending on traffic conditions, you’ll be returned around 6:00 PM, concluding this exciting and fulfilling trip.
PRICE
Final pricing and service content are subject to change based on factors such as season, group size, and your preferred level of food and lodging.
For a specific quote, please reach out to our team.
Good to Know Before You Go
● This is a private, fully independent tour, featuring a dedicated guide and vehicle throughout your journey. Unless otherwise specified for certain activities that require a minimum number of participants, all arrangements can be made for groups starting from just one traveler.
● If you’d prefer to join a shared group for cost-sharing or other reasons, please get in touch with our customer service team in advance to explore available options.
● Activity schedules and availability listed on our website may not always reflect real-time updates and are subject to change without notice.
● Before booking, please confirm the final price and itinerary details with our customer service team to ensure accuracy prior to payment.
● EasyTour can only process formally confirmed reservations. Any unconfirmed bookings will be refunded in full to your original payment method after review by our finance department.
● EasyTour provides fully customized travel solutions, including transportation, accommodation, registration support, and more.
● Want to adjust your itinerary, change travel dates, or add personal arrangements? Just contact our customer service team—we’re here to help tailor your experience.
