Could you ask for a better day for one of the best hikes in the mid-Atlantic? I got on the trail at about 7 a.m. and just managed to get the last spot in the upper parking area. Looks like other people had the same idea :)

The Old Rag Mountain hike, in the Shenandoah National Park, is one of the most popular hikes in the mid-Atlantic region. With many spectacular panoramic views, and one of the most challenging rock scrambles in the park, this circuit hike is a favorite of many hikers. But be prepared for the crowds. This is the only hike to which we give a star rating for solitude.

On the other hand, it's the only hike we give a star rating to for views. Many hikers also prefer to do this loop counterclockwise, thereby tackling the rock scramble on the Ridge Trail on the downhill. Either way, the rock scramble can be challenging, being both steep and requiring climbing through cracks in the rock.

Camp Hoover, also known as Rapidan Camp, is a scenic and historic hike that passes the retreat of former President Herbert Hoover, and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. The circuit is a moderate hike also passing Big Rock Falls, which is a small pool and stream cascade where the trail crosses Mill Prong.

Two main housing structures remain standing. "The Creel" which was occupied by two of President Hoover's chief aids. Larry Richey, a former F.B.I. agent assigned to guard the President who also acted as his personal secretary; and Joel T. Boone Jr., the Presidents personal physician.

The presidential quarters known as the Brown House is the largest structure. The rear deck on the "Brown House" is a great place to enjoy the same view former President Hoover and world dignitaries enjoyed back in the 1920's. When he left office, Herbert Hoover, and his wife Lou Henry Hoover, donated the land to the government to become part of the newly created Shenandoah National Park.

What a day! The visibility was over 40 miles, and the view from the White Rocks lookout was unbelievable. Great North Mountain is a little further west than the SNP, but it is well worth the trip. Think of the SNP but you have it all to yourself :)

We didn't see another person all day, and had the vista all to ourselves. Lunch and taking a nap at White Rocks with the hawks circling the valley is something else. Being miles from even the closest forestry road, the only sound you could hear was the wind in the valley.

There are also three great campsites on this circuit, so if it’s a little to far as a day hike for you, consider doing it as a backpack. The high mountain campsite just below the lookout is our favorite. There is no water up here, but if you get up early and catch the sunrise from the lookout it’s well with hauling your own water :)

Riprap Hollow is one of the best circuit hikes in the southern section of the Shenandoah National Park. The views from Chimney Rock, and along the ridge of Rocks Mountain offer great vistas to the west and north. The spring fed stream in Cold Spring and Riprap Hollow is scenic, and has a 50ft wide swimming hole fed by yet another mountain spring.

We got out to the Riprap parking area at about 9:30 a.m., and just before getting to the trailhead we turned a corner on Skyline Drive and in the middle of the road was a black bear, who didn't seem at all bothered that we just drove up on her. Just as she moved past the car, her two cubs came scurrying out of the scrub and joined her as she crossed the road. Black bears are quite common in the SNP, and are most active in the early morning and at dusk. However, it is still rare to catch a glimpse of a bear and her cubs.

Once on the trail we were surprised to find the stream in Cold Spring Hollow still with plenty of water. A great way too cool down before making the long climb up Wildcat Ridge, and back to the Appalachian Trail. Overall this circuit has a bit of everything, from vistas to cool mountain streams.

Go north! Dolly Sods North that is :) This is arguably one of the most beautiful areas on the East Coast. Situated on a plateau at 3,900ft, the flora is completely unique for this part of the country.

We had planned on backpacking at the Forks of Red Creek, but with the two inches of rain the area had seen in the past couple of days, Red Creek was running a just a bit to fast and high to ford on the Blackbird Knob Trail. Instead, we still made a great single day hike out of the trails in the northern section of the forest.

When the days are long, and thermometer starts creeping towards 100F, Dolly Sods is the place to hike. Although the temps in the Washington area were in the mid 90's, it was only 75F up at Dolly Sods. So next time you think it's too hot to head out on the trails this summer, give the Monongahela National Forest and Dolly Sods a try. You'll be glad you did.