Skyline Drive Shenandoah
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Experience the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a bucket list road trip along Skyline Drive Shenandoah. Drive the National Scenic Byway to see the peaks, hollows, woodlands, and wildlife of the craggy Virginia countryside. Use our Skyline Drive guide for all the information you need to visit Shenandoah National Park.
In the 1930s, Skyline Drive Shenandoah was constructed to give urban easterners a means of experiencing the allure of the mountains from the comfort of an automobile. Almost 100 years later, the route serves the same purpose. Our Skyline Drive guide includes details about park admission, overlooks, speed limits, visitor centers, where to eat and sleep, get gas, and things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
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DRIVING SKYLINE DRIVE
Skyline Drive Shenandoah is a US National Scenic Byway that runs 105 miles along a narrow ridge of Blue Ridge Mountains. The paved highway is the only public road running through Shenandoah National Park Virginia. Park trailheads, dining, lodging, camping, and visitor centers are all accessed via Skyline Drive.
Over 1.2 million annual visitors are drawn to the panoramic landscapes of Skyline Drive. Each season brings new wonder. Spring in Shenandoah Park means wildflowers and waterfalls, summer brings leafy green canopies, fall culminates in a burst of color, and winter ushers in solitude and views that stretch for miles.
Driving Skyline Drive takes about 3-4 hours in good weather, but plan to spend one to three days. At 3,680 feet above sea level with some 75 scenic overlooks, over 500 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, picnic grounds, rock climbing, and stargazing – there is much to see and do on Skyline Drive Shenandoah.
HISTORY OF SKYLINE DRIVE SHENANDOAH
Conceived in the 1920s, Shenandoah National Park was created to give Americans access to the vast Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive was envisioned as a means by which families could enjoy the mountains in the newly popular automobile. The park was established when over 1000 tracts of land were cobbled together to form a new national park.
GETTING TO SKYLINE DRIVE SHENANDOAH
Skyline Drive Shenandoah is located about 75 miles west of Washington, DC. The byway runs from Front Royal to near Waynesboro, Virginia. There are four entrance stations to Skyline Drive Shenandoah:
North Entrance in Front Royal
Thornton Gap Entrance near Luray
Swift Run Gap Entrance east of Elkton
South Entrance (Rockfish Gap) east of Waynesboro
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK ADMISSION
Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, Skyline Drive sometimes closes during inclement weather.
There is an admission fee to enter the park. The National Park Service charges fees according to the size of your vehicle. (Note: In 2024, a standard pass ranged from $15-30.)
Combine your trip to Shenandoah Park with these Virginia tours and attractions:
SKYLINE DRIVE MILE MARKERS
Skyline Drive Shenandoah stretches 469 miles. Along the route, concrete numbered mile markers help park visitors find facilities, overlooks, and trail heads. Mile marker “0” is at the park’s northern Front Royal entrance. Mile marker “469” is at the southern end of the highway – where Skyline drive hooks up with the Blue Ridge Parkway.
SKYLINE DRIVE SPEED LIMIT
Skyline Drive Shenandoah is meant to be traveled at a leisurely pace. The road is shared by cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and RVs. In addition to vehicles making frequent stops at Skyline Drive overlooks and trail heads, the curvy mountain road has many wild animal crossings. For the safety of all, the posted speed limit is 35 mph.
Driving a personal vehicle is the most common means of touring Shenandoah National Park. There are no shuttle buses or public transport systems within the park. Click on this link for information about car rentals in the area.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTERS
There are two visitor centers in Shenandoah National Park Virginia. The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is located at mile marker 4.6, and the Harry Byrd Visitor Center is located at mile marker 51. Visitor centers are open daily May through October, and weekends November through April.
Park visitor centers are hubs of information where guests can pick up park guides and trail maps. Rangers are on hand for advice and to lead programs. At each visitor center there is a gift shop and rest rooms as well as exhibits that teach about Shenandoah Park’s history and ecosystem.
SKYLINE DRIVE MAP
SKYLINE DRIVE OVERLOOKS
There are 75 named Skyline Drive overlooks. The observation points are on both sides of the highway with views to the east and the west. The overlooks vary in size. Some are small paved pull offs, but most are spacious with parking and magnificent vistas. Some overlooks require a short hike to see the view.
A few of our favorite overlooks are Signal Knob Overlook (Mile 5.5), Range View Overlook (Mile 17.1), Marys Rock Tunnel (Mile 32), Hazel Mountain Overlook (Mile 33), Old Rag Overlook (Mile 46.5), and Baldface Mountain Overlook (Mile 61.3).
BEST TIME TO BE DRIVING SKYLINE DRIVE
The best time to be driving Skyline Drive depends on two major factors; traffic and weather. Traffic is heaviest during the summer months and fall foliage (sometimes bumper to bumper). During the winter, the park is most apt to close due to inclement weather (snow and icy conditions).
Randy and I recommend driving Skyline Drive in early summer (late-May/early June), before the peak crowds descend. Another good time to visit is on weekdays in the autumn when the foliage is peaking, but most people are at work or in school.
SHENANDOAH PARK THINGS TO KNOW
Cell Reception: Cell phone service is unreliable throughout the park.
Wifi: Free wifi is available at the Byrd Visitor Center, Big Meadows Lodge, and Skyland Lodge.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in the park (including on many trails).
Accessibility: Most facilities at the park’s visitor centers, lodges, and campgrounds are ADA accessible. One trail in the park, Limberlost Trail, is considered ADA accessible.
Rest Rooms: Rest rooms are located at visitor centers, lodges, stores, and some picnic areas.
SKYLINE DRIVE GAS, RESTAURANTS, AND STORES
There is limited commercial development in Shenandoah National Park. The following establishments sell gas, food, and other supplies:
Elkwallow Wayside Market: (Mile 24.1) Grab and go snacks.
Skyland Lodge: (Mile 41.7) The Pollock Dining Room offers a full menu and great views of the Shenandoah Valley. The Mountain Taproom offers drinks and pub grub.
Big Meadows Lodge: (Mile 51) The Spottswood Dining Toom offers a full menu and the New Market Taproom offers drinks and pub grub.
Big Meadows Market: (Mile 51) Grab and go snacks, and the only place in the park to buy gas.
Loft Mountain Wayside Market: (Mile 79.5) Grab and go snacks.
SKYLINE DRIVE PICNIC GROUNDS
There are seven picnic grounds located on Skyline Drive Shenandoah. Most have picnic tables, charcoal grills, rest rooms, and bear-resistant trash receptacles. The picnic areas are:
Dickey Ridge (Mile 4.6)
Elkwallow (Mile 24.1)
Pinnacles (Mile 36.7)
Big Meadows (Mile 51.2)
Lewis Mountain (Mile 57.5)
South River (Mile 62.8)
Dundo (Mile 83.7)
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK LODGING
It is at least a half hour ride to reach a town outside of the park (in a valley below). Staying inside the park is time saving (and relaxing!). Inside of Shenandoah National Park there are three establishments that offer hotel-style or cabin accommodations. All of the lodgings are located off of Skyline Drive Shenandoah:
Skyland Lodge Shenandoah: (Mile 41.7) 179 hotel style rooms and suites and rustic cabins. Some pet friendly rooms. Closed during the winter.
Lewis Mountain: (Mile 57.5) One and two-room cabins at the Lewis Mountain Campground. Cabins have electricity, heat, linens, and private bathrooms (no in-room phones or Internet). Closed during the winter.
Big Meadows Lodge: (Mile 51) 96 hotel style rooms and suites and rustic cabins. Some pet friendly rooms. Closed during the winter.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK CAMPING
Tent, RV, and backcountry camping are popular past times in Shenandoah National Park Virginia. Here is a list of campgrounds in the park:
Mathews Arm: (Mile 22.2): Tents and RVs
Big Meadows: (Mile 51.2) Tents and RVs
Lewis Mountain: (Mile 57.5) Tents, RVs, and Cabins
Loft Mountain: (Mile 79.5) Tents and RVs
Dundo Group Campground: Tents and Groups only
Back Country Camping: Obtain a free permit at one of the park’s visitor centers.
THINGS TO DO IN SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Overlook Exploration: Driving Skyline Drive visitors will find 75 scenic overlooks to enjoy.
Hiking: Find trailheads to over 500 miles of trails crisscrossing Skyline Drive.
Waterfall Discovery: The park’s many waterfalls are popular hiking and photography destinations.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot fox, groundhogs, deer, black bear, hawks, and other creatures.
Picnicking: Pack in food and enjoy the outstanding views at a picnic grounds.
Horseback Riding: Guided horse trail rides are available at Skyline Stables off of Skyline Drive.
Historic Sites: Schedule a ranger-led tour to the historic Rapidan Camp.
Camping: Drive to a campground and settle in.
Ranger-led Programs: Kids and adults can take part in a variety of ranger-led walks and hikes.
Stargazing: Try the Big Meadows area or the amphitheater by Skyland Lodge for some of the best stargazing on the east coast.
We hope you enjoy the streams and waterfalls of Shenandoah, Laura and Randy
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