October 15, 2009

October is the busiest month for Skyline Drive. With fall colors peaking, visitors from around the country make their way there.

"Everybody just loves to come up here and enjoy the colors so they come up just to drive the drive," said Lorie Mooney of Shenandoah National Park.

"It's supposed to be brilliant, very different colors," said tourist Lynn Eddy.

But the weather has changed that trend this week.

"Visitation is very much down because of the fog and rain. A lot of people don't want drive in it, which you can't blame them. I wouldn't want to drive in fog either," said Mooney.

The colors of fall are hidden behind a blanket of fog. It's a bit disappointing for some visitors including Jim and Lynn Eddy who came from Idaho.

"We wanted to see Virginia, and we've talked about it for 20 years," said Jim.

"This is what we get after 20 years?" said Lynn.

Some travelers changed their plans altogether.

"I spoke to quite a few couples this morning. They wanted to do Skyline Drive. They couldn't do it so they'll turn to suggestions we had," said Niall Reid, manager at the Clifton Inn.

Guests there looked for alternatives.

"I send them drinking. I'm an Irish man in Virginia so to me drinking's always a good thing so I send them to the wineries," said Reid.

Also suggesting trips to Monticello, Ashlawn, and the downtown mall. If things do clear up drivers can go to Skyline Drive. It costs $15 per vehicle and the pass is good for seven days.