Skyline Drive Famous Lake

Just 75 miles (120 kilometers) from Washington, D.C., visitors to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia can witness the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley while driving along the 106-mile (170-kilometer) Skyline Drive. Hikers intent on exploring the more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of trails should look for white signposts that indicate the legendary Appalachian Trail.

Lake Courthouse Towers

Sunset turns the skies purple over Arches National Park. The land in the Utah park has a timeless, indestructible look that is misleading. More than 700,000 visitors each year threaten the fragile high desert ecosystem.