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The view from Mary's Rock rings true - we are lucky to have Shenandoah National Park virtually in our backyard. The Panorama area of Shenandoah (map), accessible via Thornton Gap at MP (Mile Post) 31.5, is the second most convenient Skyline Drive entrance for Washington DC locals. Panorama, located seven miles west of Sperryville, marks the northern boundary of the central Shenandoah section - it's where the hills become mountains.

Your hiking options in the area are many, but here are a few highlights:

Easiest access: The Buck Hollow / Buck Ridge loop, which is accessed 3-4 miles before the Thornton Gap entrance. Look for the small gravel lot on the left side of the road.Best overnight shelter: Byrd's Nest No. 3 puts a roof over the head of many wary Appalachian Trail hikers. If you plan on camping here, be sure to get a backcountry permit from the park rangers at the Thornton Gap entrance.Best View: Mary's Rock...period.As mentioned earlier, this list barely scratches the proverbial surface. Make your own itinerary in the Panorama area of Shenandoah - it's an adventure waiting to happen!Park Stats: The Panorama area roughly extends from MP 30 to MP 38 of Skyline DrivePark Map: http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/panorama_area.pdf Administration: National Park Service - Shenandoah