The town of Waynesboro is the perfect fall getaway and a great place to explore the hiking and biking trails of the Appalachian Trail while enjoying the slow pace and charm of a small town.

Shenandoah NP has more than 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails and 70 vantage points along Skyline Drive. Hiking and excursions are endless, and all are just a short drive from the city of Waynesboro and Shenandoah National Park. There are more than 70 views of the skyline, whether in the mountains, on hiking trails or on picturesque roads.

Visitors can explore pieces of Civil War history featured at the Shenandoah National Park National Historic Site and the National Register of Historic Places. Visit Waynesboro and see a detailed map with mileage, distances and difficulty levels that you can download on your way from the city of Wayneboro to the park. Visitors can also explore a piece of Civil War history from Skyline Drive, with a replica of the U.S. Capitol and a statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman at the foot of Mount Rainier, the highest peak in Virginia and one of only a handful of such monuments in North America, according to a recent report by the Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is available for download on the Shenanoah National Park website. Visit Wayesboro with a detailed Post Distance Trail Difficulty Map that describes milestones, distances and levels of difficulty that visitors to Shenatoah, Virginia and other national parks can use.

Skyline Drive and Parkway milestones and descriptions help you find the most important places that suit your interests. Whichever way you get to Waynesboro, be sure to check out the Rockfish Gap Tourist Information Center for information about the park and the Shenandoah National Park National Historic Site.

There are many wonderful scenic and historical things to do in Lexington, Virginia, and read our review "Doing Fun Things in Staunton Virginia" for more information.

Waynesboro, Virginia, the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, has plenty of activities to do, including along the Interstate. In terms of location, this city offers a great mix of hiking, cycling, camping, fishing and other activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers more activities and attractions than you can count, packed with hiking trails, picnic options, ranger-led programs and a host of other attractions.

Known as the Appalachian Trail Community, the convenient location of Waynesboro has an invigorating charm and is criss-crossed by the South River that runs through the heart of downtown. The town of Wayneboro, Virginia, is in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, just a short drive from Blue Ridge Parkway. You also have access to a variety of restaurants, bars, shops and other amenities, all of which retain their charm.

Speaking of routes, Waynesboro is also home to the Appalachian Trail Community, meaning that if you were to take a day trip to one of the three major national parks in the Shenandoah Valley, you would be right here and take day trips to local activities and attractions. Whether you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the South River Trail, or any other way to call it a "hub" would probably be a gross understatement.

The Blue Ridge Parkway speed limit is 45 miles per hour and there is no charge for driving on the parkway. If you live in Florida, you might want to consider taking the Amtrak Auto Train north or south. Another option is to drive into Shenandoah National Park and drive from Lorton to Front Royal, Virginia. Although Skyline Drive is far less developed than Blue Ridge Parkway and requires an entrance fee, access to Shenandiah NP does not require entrance fees, and there is no fee for driving these two parkways.

For those who want to travel the full length of Skyline Drive in one day, we recommend taking Interstate 81 North and then returning to Waynesboro. The South River Greenway Trail is the perfect route, but if you're hiking the Shenandoah Valley Trails, look out for some not-so-friendly vegetation. During the season, wherever you go, I hope you keep an eye on the wildflowers and then try to identify yourself.

Don't hike alone, stay damp, protect yourself with sunscreen and insect repellent, and don't forget to get your passport stamped to earn a free T-shirt. Waynesboro, Virginia, has many great outdoor activities and events, so I encourage everyone to not only be outdoors, but also enjoy the beauty of nature by exploring the many things to do in and around Wayneboro Virginia. Let our award-winning brewery and dispenser at the State Fair of Virginia spoil you!

History and architecture lovers will be delighted to see the Italian Renaissance villa, built in 1913 by John James Audubon, one of the most famous architects in the United States. If you're a history buff, you should also visit the historic Wayneboro Public Library and the State Fair of Virginia.