(This article by Louisiana-based writer Kathie Rowell originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

Virginia resident Lt. Col. Tom Osterhoudt, USMC (Ret), has been to Shenandoah National Park so many times he thinks of it as his backyard.

“Growing up with Boy Scouts, there was a lot of camping out there,” he said. “When we start getting into hiking season, we go out there for the elevation change. Our national park trips are going to take us to Western states that have very extreme elevations, and we can do elevation changes out there.”

The long, narrow park — only 75 miles from Washington, D.C. — covers 200,000 acres and ranges in elevation from 550 feet to 4,049 feet. It’s known for waterfalls, hiking trails, forests, and panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.

It’s most famous for Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that runs the length of the park along the ridge of the mountains.

“Skyline Drive gives you great views, particularly of the Shenandoah Valley,” Osterhoudt said.

With a speed limit of 35 mph and 75 stunning overlooks along its length, plan to relax and enjoy the approximately three-hour drive. It’s especially beautiful during the spring azalea and mountain laurel bloom and in fall for changing leaves.

While bloom times vary each year and with elevation, the pink wild azaleas usually peak in May, while the white mountain laurels are at their best in June.

“They have a spring wildflower weekend and guided hikes with a naturalist ranger that basically is a botany tour of Shenandoah National Park,” Osterhoudt said.

He calls the park’s hiking options — 500 miles of trails including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail — spectacular. “Do a waterfall hike in the Shenandoah in the fall. I would say that’s a can’t-miss experience.”

The most popular waterfall hike — and the closest to Skyline Drive — is the Dark Hollow Falls Trail. The 1.4-mile round trip to the 70-foot waterfall is rated moderately difficult because of a 440-foot elevation change — downhill on the way in and uphill on the way out — and areas that are rocky and steep.

One of the easiest and most accessible trails is Limberlost, a 1.3-mile, 5-foot-wide crushed greenstone walkway with frequent benches that passes through forest and a stand of mountain laurel.

The most challenging hike is the 9-mile loop trail to the top of Old Rag Mountain, with its long stretches of bare rock. Best for experienced hikers, those who make it to the summit are rewarded with 360-degree views. Because of its popularity and to reduce crowding, day-use tickets are required to be purchased in advance for hiking in this area from March 1 to Nov. 30.

The Osterhoudts are also attempting to visit all the Virginia state parks. So far, they’ve checked off 25 of the 42.

“We do state parks because we have done everything that’s within long-weekend driving distance for the national parks,” he said.

Their favorite is Claytor Lake State Park, where visitors can swim, boat, fish, hike, and bike. Pontoons, motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available for rent. In addition to campsites, overnight accommodations include a lodge, cabins, and yurts.

“It’s a spectacular mountain lake that we very much enjoyed,” he said.

Karen Osterhoudt is partial to Assateague Island National Seashore, which stretches between Virginia and Maryland and is known for its wild horses made famous by Marguerite Henry’s book Misty of Chincoteague. Two main herds call the barrier island home, one in each state.

In addition to water sports, hiking, and biking, visitors can purchase an “over sand vehicle use” permit that allows vehicles to drive directly onto national seashore beaches.

If you’re looking for a coastal experience with a side of history, try First Landing State Park, the most popular of Virginia’s state parks and the site where English colonists first landed in 1607. The park, within urban Virginia Beach, has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach as well as lagoons, bald cypress swamp, and maritime forest. Crabbing and fishing are favorite activities and require a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license.

Explore the area’s history with a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Center within the park. There, you’ll find an exhibition highlighting the 1607 “first landing,” three aquariums, environmental exhibits, and a touch tank developed by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

For a cultural adventure, visit Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, located near Vienna, the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. Multiple amphitheaters are the site of musicals, dances, comedy shows, operas, and music concerts, including famous names such as John Legend, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Michael Feinstein.

Military Site: Tour the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, site of four Civil War battlefields. Visitors can explore on foot or download audio for a driving tour. Programming is offered daily in summer months.