Shanandoah National Park or Chicago + Niagara Fall


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I leave for vacation in 2 days, but still haven't decided where to go. My choices are:

Shanandoah National Park in Virginia + the Nearby Luray Caverns

or

Chicago + Niagara Falls

I've already been to Niagara Falls, but I really wouldn't mind going again.

What does Shanandoah National Park offer? Has anyone been there? Does it have enough to occupy me for about 6 days? What I'm looking for are scenic areas where you get to see lovely mountains, etc. I don't care much for forests.

Thanks.

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Always worth seeing something new, over something you haven't seen before. I've been to Shenandoah, and its a great place if you enjoy the outdoors alot. Niagra is good for a couple key landmarks, but that's really about it, at least in my opinion. I'm an avid hiker, and the national park provides some amazing trails and scenery to see. Definitely bring a camera along. If i'm not mistaken they've also got guided tours on horseback. If you don't feel like walking or horseriding, take your car out on the tour they have. I can't remember the name of the driving trail, but its huge.

The caves are worth a trip all by themselves. Depending on your budget / family size the caves run a bit pricy. Think it was around $35 between me and my wife, but the memories are worth it. Seeing the history of the caves and how they became was alot of fun for me, I love the scientific side of things. Definitely also check out the big shrub maze and the bell tower. I promise it won't be a disappointing trip.

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I'd go for chicago and niagra falls. There's always the ability to drive up to Toronto in a short amount of time, if you wanted to goto another big city. Chicago is also a great place with tons of things to do. It really does depend if you're more a nature type, then you might want to go to Shenandoah.

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Always worth seeing something new, over something you haven't seen before. I've been to Shenandoah, and its a great place if you enjoy the outdoors alot. Niagra is good for a couple key landmarks, but that's really about it, at least in my opinion. I'm an avid hiker, and the national park provides some amazing trails and scenery to see. Definitely bring a camera along. If i'm not mistaken they've also got guided tours on horseback. If you don't feel like walking or horseriding, take your car out on the tour they have. I can't remember the name of the driving trail, but its huge.

The caves are worth a trip all by themselves. Depending on your budget / family size the caves run a bit pricy. Think it was around $35 between me and my wife, but the memories are worth it. Seeing the history of the caves and how they became was alot of fun for me, I love the scientific side of things. Definitely also check out the big shrub maze and the bell tower. I promise it won't be a disappointing trip.

What type of views does it offer? Is it 'breathtaking' enough to warrant a 5 - 6 day stay?

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I could have spent easily a couple weeks there hiking the trails alone. I was there just about 1 week, and felt I didn't get to see everything the park had to offer. I really wish I had access to my photos from the trip right now, as their website doesn't do it justice.

Shenandoah National Park

There's plenty to see though: Waterfalls, lots of wildlife, the night sky is pretty incredible too. I spent the one night hiking way up the mountain, watched the sunset and set up a camp underneath the night sky. Its crystal clear not having to deal with the light pollution of the city. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want the normal tourist traps like Niagra (shops, museums, food stands, flashy tours) this isn't the place for you. If you are into a total outdoors experience, it surpasses Niagra and the surrounding area in ever aspect.

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EDIT: Whoops! I posted this from another computer, and had this sn saved on it... This is still Squibbles.

I could have spent easily a couple weeks there hiking the trails alone.  I was there just about 1 week, and felt I didn't get to see everything the park had to offer.  I really wish I had access to my photos from the trip right now, as their website doesn't do it justice.

Shenandoah National Park

There's plenty to see though: Waterfalls, lots of wildlife, the night sky is pretty incredible too. I spent the one night hiking way up the mountain, watched the sunset and set up a camp underneath the night sky. Its crystal clear not having to deal with the light pollution of the city.  I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want the normal tourist traps like Niagra (shops, museums, food stands, flashy tours) this isn't the place for you. If you are into a total outdoors experience, it surpasses Niagra and the surrounding area in ever aspect.

This seems to be an incredible place if I was to go by myself or with friends. But I'm planning a family trip which includes parents and a 7 year old brother. Do you think they'd all be able to enjoy Shanandoah fully?

Niagara Falls, the canadian side

That's what we were thinking at first. The first time we went we stayed on the U.S. side.

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I think its great for family too. The mention on their website a Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook (for kids 7 and above) which really gives them an interactive way to enjoy the outdoors. Kids love the outdoors anyways, far more than staring at storefront windows, or waiting in lines, etc. Most of Niagra is doable in a 1 or 2 day stretch tops. Bringing this whole experience i've had back up is making me think about taking my family for a return visit maybe this summer. Bright lights, big city...You can do that anytime anywhere. Go see something new, instead of something you are already familiar with.

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Nevermind. We've decided to go to neither one.

We've finally decided to go to Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon instead. Much longer drive... But should be well worth it!

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Excellent choice for sure! You are going to have an amazing time there. Some of the best sites you can see, and a great combination of the outdoors and more catchy attractions. Take some good pictures!

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on my first trip to the u.s. i also drove thru Shanandoah National Park. it's sooo huge and very nice.

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if you like hiking camping and scenic drives do Shanandoah National Park, i try to get there once a month or so (i live about 45 minutes away). If you do go to shanandoah and there is a new moon do a night hike and go star gazing it is amazing if it is a nice night.

if you like cities and lots of touristy stuff go to niagra, you prolly won't be borded but it all seems a bit contrived to me.

edit: not to self, real all of the posts before replying :cool:

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