Day 2: World's End State Park, PA to Big Meadows, Skyline Drive, VA

Depart from World's End State Park

• Penn 154 Southeast
• US 220 South to Hughesville
• Penn 405 South to Milton
• Susquehanna Trail South to Northumberland
• US 11 South

On the Susquehanna Trail, the odo turned over to straight ones!

Pause at Shikellamy State Park overlook

The Shikellamy State Park overlook is just off US 11 and is worth the quick detour. The Pensylvania towns on the Susquehanna river have picture-perfect main streets that still seem very much alive and well.

Start US 522 South in Selinsgrove, PA

US 522 is a great byway which continues through all the way to the start of Skyline Drive in Front Royal, Virginia. All you need to do is follow the US 522 signs for a little over 300km. Although there were animals on and near the road throughout the trip, I have great sympathy for the turtles who manage to slowly make their way across the highway. Someone was nice enough to stop and help this big guy across the road, a gesture I definitely recommend emulating.

• US 522 South
• Quick detour on Penn 484, Penn 655 and North Pennsylvania avenue at the Maryland border to avoid having to use Interstate 70 South

C&O Canal National Historic Park, Hancock, MD

The Maryland portion of the drive literally consists of only a few kilometers. In Hancock, it's possible to see the historic C&O Canal and even drive along the Berm Road for a short distance to get an idea of the scale of the canal.

• Follow US 522 South

US 522 will pass through Winchester, Virginia. It isn't easy to follow US 522 through Winchester, but getting lost will probably lead to one of the many sights and historic places in and around town. For instance, Abram's Delight, the oldest home in Winchester which also figured in the Civil War:

Front Royal, VA (Start of Skyline Drive)

Front Royal, VA is the start of Skyline Drive which, combined with the Blue Ridge Parkway, provides a purely scenic route all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in NC/TN. Before starting Skyline Drive, the nearby Skyline Caverns are worth a visit if only to see this ultra-rare Anthodite formation:

Skyline Drive runs for about 170km along a ridge in Shenandoah National Park. The 2009 entry fee for a vehicle was $15. There are plenty of pullouts with overlooks in all directions. Most pullouts have an information panel which describes the view, history and fauna or flora. The speed limit is 35mph or 56km/h, but with regular pauses to enjoy the scenic overlooks don't expect to average more than 30km/h.

Arrive at Big Meadows campground on Skyline Drive

Not all campgrounds and facilities are open year round, so be sure to check your options when entering the park. And the altitude does indeed make a difference in overnight temperature, so warm sleeping gear is indeed appreciated!

Driving Summary: 536km over nearly 13 hours