Today was a beautiful November day. There was still some snow along shady parts of Skyline Drive. We ate dinner in Shenandoah National Park this evening at the Skyland Dining Room. Maybe the best restaurant view in Virginia…?
Skyland Dining Room View in Shenandoah National Park
View from Hogback Mountain
Seeing Mountain Laurel
I was a little late getting out to see mountain laurel this year, but mountain laurel was still blooming nicely on June 18, 2011 at higher elevations. We set out to the highest point in the northern district of Shenandoah National Park, Hogback Mountain.
Getting There: Directions
Traveling south, we parked at a parking lot on the right side of Skyline Drive just past Mile Post 21. Heading back north, the Appalachian Trail crossed to the east side of Skyline Drive through some nice ferns before recrossing to the west side Skyline Drive. Just past a gate, there were a lot of columbine blooming where the AT turns off to the right. It’s a relatively short, not very steep climb, up Hogback Mountain. A hang glider take off point nearby provides some nice views to the west. The scenery and ease of hiking Hogback Mountain makes it a good choice for travelers that want to do some hiking, but do not have a lot of time.
Wildflower Viewing
In addition to the mountain laurel and American columbine, we also saw fly poison and beard tongue.
Nearby Lunch
Just three miles farther south along Skyline Drive, Elkwallow Wayside is a nice place to have a picnic lunch. There is no indoor seating, but sandwiches, sides, and drinks are available for purchase in the convenience store and there are picnic tables outside near the gas station.
Here are some closeup pictures of mountain laurel in bloom from our Hogback Mountain hike in June.
Mountain Laurel in Bloom Along the Appalachian Trail
Mountain Laurel Closeup
Here are some pictures of blooming mountain laurel on our June hike up Hogback Mountain in Shenandoah National Park along the Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail Cutting Through Mountain Laurel in Bloom
Mountain Laurel in Bloom
Here’s a photo of fly poison amongst ferns. My wife took this photograph on the Appalachian Trail on our recent hike up Hogback Mountain in Shenandoah National Park.
Fly Poison and Ferns
My wife took this picture of Beard Tongue wildflowers on an Appalachian Trail hike last month up Hogback Mountain in Shenandoah National Park…
Beard Tongue