The following is a sponsored post for Skyland Resort, located in Shenandoah National Park, helping bring you more free content!
Stony Man Summit in Shenandoah National Park
Who else thinks enjoying the great outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping on hard ground in a tiny tent? The fresh air, the long hikes, the scenic views — everyone in our family loves those outdoor moments. Not all of us savor long nights of backaches when husbands bring cushioned sleeping mats only for themselves but forget one for their wives (not naming names here). Nor do we relish communal camp shower houses when there’s a more convenient alternative. 
Hubby can keep his camping gear, while the rest of our outdoor-loving family appreciates a good night’s sleep on a pillow-top bed. That’s what we found at Skyland Resort, where a newly renovated room also includes a tiled private bathroom to rival any hotel. The resort’s restaurant serves up generous portions of hot cakes and other breakfast dishes, as well as hosting live musical entertainment in the evenings. Skyland Resort is nestled atop the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.
View from Shenandoah National Park into Shenandoah Valley
Our first impression of this National Scenic Byway was, of course, the incredible views. The distinctive blue haze shades the distance where we gazed at dusk onto the Shenandoah Valley. The next morning we hiked an easy family trail to the summit of Stony Man, which put us at a 4,010-foot elevation.
Visiting the stables was the highlight of this park visit for the girls. They were thrilled to ride ponies Missy and Star along a shady trail, all with utmost attention to safety from Stable Manager Matt Walker. They’re hoping to grow enough to meet the 58″ tall threshold for riding bigger horses on our next visit.
Stable Manager Matt Walker at Shenandoah National Park
Back at the stables, Walker gave lassoing lessons, and these girls showed they have what it takes to become capable ranch hands.
Stables at Shenandoah National Park
The girls could have spent all their time at the stables and been perfectly content…
Stables at Shenandoah National Park
With more than 500 acres of hiking trails, Big Meadows, watchable wildlife and two visitor centers, there was more than enough to do on our visit. The interactive exhibit at Byrd Visitor Center aims to engage young and old with the story of how President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the park in the 1930s. Junior Ranger educational programs and suggested activities can keep youngsters as involved as they want to be.
Byrd Visitor Center in Shenandoah National Park
Thanks to Skyland Resort for the warm hospitality and comfortable lodging!
If you visit Shenandoah in mid- to late summer, you might spot young peregrine falcons taking test flights. The park fosters the young birds from Eastern Virginia and places them in cliffside nests until they are ready to live on their own in the wild.
Get a taste of summer on Saturday, July 26 at the Blackberry Delight Festival in the park. Food, live music and children’s crafts will all be part of the fun!
Explore GoShenandoah.com to help plan your next family visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia!
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