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The Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia is 105 miles of most scenic vistas within the Jap United States.
This stretch of Nationwide Scenic Byway extends by means of the verdant Blue Ridge Mountains, and is the one highway by means of the Shenandoah Nationwide Park.
Alongside the way in which, there are a number of gorgeous hikes, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and views for miles. It passes dense forests, wetlands, and waterfalls, in addition to alongside the foothills of craggy peaks.
Among the most iconic points of interest on this stretch of highway are the enduring Appalachian Path, Hawkbill Mountain, and Previous Rag Mountain.
The Skyline Drive encompasses the most effective of the nationwide park with out having the necessity to go away your car (although we suggest you do!)
In the event you’re considering of taking the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah, however aren’t positive what to see and do alongside the way in which, that is the last word itinerary which pinpoints the most effective stops, viewpoints, and points of interest.
Whilst you drive, saved your eyes looking out for a few of the park’s most elusive animals, akin to deer, squirrels, wild turkey, and naturally, the black bear.
The place does the Skyline Drive VA start and finish?
The Skyline Drive catches the baton on the finish of the Blue Ridge Parkway and runs by means of the complete 105-mile size of the Shenandoah Valley Nationwide Park on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s the ONLY highway within the Shenandoah Nationwide Park, which is thrilling because it permits you to expertise two unimaginable pure Virginian wonders in a single journey.
The start line is within the north of the Shenandoah Valley at an intersection with US 340, south of Entrance Royal (Milepost 0), and finishes within the Southern finish of the park in Waynesboro (Milepost 105), the place it meets the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Be ready for countless viewpoints over the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Massanutten Mountain Vary.
Skyline Drive VA Itinerary
It’s necessary to plan your drive nicely to include the most effective hikes, picnic areas, lodges, and the most effective viewpoints, so we’ve ready the next itinerary that can assist you out.
You’ll be able to view this itinerary within the following interactive map. It can save you this map by clicking the star button within the high bar.
There are viewpoints each couple of miles. Regardless of the fantastic thing about every overlook, you’ll be able to rapidly catch fatigue, so we’ve solely listed our favorites on this itinerary.
We’ve picked a couple of on both facet of the highway because the views are completely different.
The East is extra mountainous with lush forests, whereas the West has extra expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley.
Observe: Though most individuals drive from North to South, we discovered that we didn’t see any mile markers as a result of they had been designed for these driving South to North – or they had been simply troublesome to see.
It is a downside we’ve had at different nationwide parks earlier than as nicely. Nevertheless, overlook indicators might be straightforward to see with satisfactory warning.
Cease 1: Vary View Overlook
As our time was quick – and we skilled overlook fatigue – we didn’t go to each overlook.
The primary viewpoint we stopped at was the Vary View Overlook, among the best views of the northern part of the park.
The Vary Viewpoint has expansive views of the park, and on a transparent day, you’ll be able to see Jenkins Mountain, Pickerel Ridge, Previous Rag, Stony Man Mountain and Go Mountain within the distance.
Nearer to you, you’ll see Keyser Mountain and Mount Marshall.
Cease 2: Elkwallow Wayside
Elkwallow Wayside is a superb grocery retailer and place to get ice cream, in the event you’re visiting throughout the summer season.
You’ll love stopping in right here for a chunk to eat or a drink with magnificent views out over the Shenandoah Valley. It’s an important place to stretch your legs and take a break from the countless winding highway and delightful views.
Cease 3: Mary’s Rock Tunnel at Mile 32
Everyone loves driving by means of tunnels, proper? I used to be so busy taking a video of it (see our Reels) that I didn’t snap a photograph.
This 600’ lengthy tunnel was inbuilt 1932 and was thought-about a marvel at its time. It was a welcome change from the a number of viewpoints and is a singular Skyline Drive characteristic.
There’s a car parking zone close to right here so you’ll be able to take your photograph.
Cease 4: Stony Man Mountain Overlook at Mile 38.5
The Stony Man Mountain Overlook is an extended, panoramic view of the valley flooring with Massanutten Mountain within the distance. It has an elevation of 3100 ft so the air can really feel just a little skinny up right here.
This overlook is admittedly all about huge greenery for miles on finish. It actually makes you notice the sheer dimension of the park!
Cease 5: Robertson Mountain and Previous Rag Mountain Loop through Skyline Drive
Among the best methods to expertise Shenandoah Nationwide Park and the Skyline Drive is to hike on one of many over 500 miles of trails that start at Skyline Drive.
Cease in at one of many customer’s facilities to discover a path that most accurately fits your curiosity, model, and talent, as they vary from ambling, strolls to difficult mountain scales. Some trails result in a waterfall or spectacular viewpoints, and others go deep into the forested wilderness.
Previous Rag Mountain’s trailhead shouldn’t be formally on the Skyline Drive, however since that is the very best peak within the park, it will be a disgrace to not hike to the summit.
The way in which to do that is to mix it with the Robertson Mountain hike, which extends over to Previous Rag Mountain and loops again to the Skyline Drive.
It is a difficult hike and would take a complete day to do. It’s 25 km and has an elevation achieve of 1,400 meters – so it’s by no imply feat.
Permit 6-7 hours to finish this hike. You’ll be able to see the path map right here.
It’s necessary to notice that Shenandoah Nationwide Park is black bear nation, so be bear conscious! Please additionally decide up your trash and don’t go away any snacks open the place bears can scent them.
Alternatively: Stony Man Mountain Hike
If you wish to say you’ve hiked the legendary Appalachian Path, it does cross Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Nationwide Park, and it’s stated to have a few of the most spectacular sections of the path.
Throughout the highway from the Previous Rag Mountain is a straightforward hike that permits you to just do that – that is the place you can see the trailhead for the Stony Man Mountain hike.
This 2.4 km path solely has an elevation achieve of 98 meters and takes lower than an hour to do. Regardless of being low in elevation achieve, Stony Mountain is the second highest peak within the Nationwide Park.
It might be a greater possibility for many who have youngsters. What’s extra is that it’s a part of the enduring Appalachian Path. See the path head right here.
Cease 6: Hawksbill Mountain
The very best level of Shenandoah Nationwide Park is Hawksbill Mountain. Regardless of being the very best level, the hike in all fairness quick at 2.6 km and an elevation achieve of 203 meters.
It takes most individuals an hour and 10 minutes to finish, and is nicely maintained and standard. It is a shorter and steeper path to Hawksbill Mountain’s viewing platform, which is usually tree-lined and doesn’t have views on the way in which up.
Nevertheless, it finishes on the 360-degree panoramic view from the viewing platform, the place you’ll be able to gaze over the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont.
Cease 7: Darkish Hole Falls Path
Positioned at mile level 50.7 is without doubt one of the hottest hikes within the Shenandoah Nationwide Park, particularly for households.
We need to return to Shenandoah Nationwide Park to expertise extra of the hikes. It was a brief journey, and we may solely slot in one quick hike, and this was the one we selected.
Darkish Hole Falls Path is a 1.4-mile loop hike all the way down to the cascading Darkish Hole Falls. Permit for no less than an hour and pack a picnic lunch or a couple of sandwiches if you wish to spend extra time having fun with the falls.
The primary viewpoint shouldn’t be the underside of the Falls however is the most effective view of the Falls. You’ll be able to stroll just a little additional down the path to the very backside of the falls.
It’s not a spectacular waterfall, however I cherished the attitude of the waterfall trickling down the moss-covered rocks.
It’s a little bit of a steep climb coming again out, the toughest half is from the underside of the falls to the highest. After that it’s extra of a gradual climb.
Prime tip: Another waterfalls you may also need to take a look at within the park are Whiteoak Canyon, Lewis Spring Falls and Rose River Falls.
Cease 8: Blackrock Mountain Path
It is a quick 500 meter path to the Blackrock Summit, which sits on high of a rocky talus slope.
This overlook is exclusive in that it has a rocky terrain, but additionally comes with unimaginable views of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Mountain, and past.
Cease 9: Baldface Mountain Overlook
One of the crucial scenic overlooks on Skyline Drive is the Baldface Mountain.
Many individuals suggest taking a stroll by means of any gaps within the stone partitions you discover as they result in higher views.
We didn’t have time for that, however the reduce at Baldface is supposed to result in a rocky outcropping with higher views
Cease 10: South River Overlook
The view from South River Overlook isn’t as spectacular because the others, nevertheless it’s completely different, which is why it’s value stopping for a photograph.
It spans throughout a area of wildflowers, which look beautiful within the late summer season season when they’re blossoming.
Within the background, you will notice Saddleback Mountain peeping by means of the bushes within the distance.
Cease 11: Moormans River Overlook
I cherished this angle over Moormans River winding by means of the gently sloping mountains blanketed in a lush forest.
It was so completely different from the opposite Skyline Drive overlooks and really peaceable. That is meant to be an excellent dawn spot.
There are a number of viewpoints between the South River Overlook and the Moormans River Overlook, however as i discussed, we bought overlook fatigue so we didn’t really feel these had been value stopping for.
You’ll be able to learn extra in-depth data on the completely different overlooks on the Skyline Drive on this information.
The place to eat on the Skyline Drive
In relation to discovering someplace to eat, the most effective place to dine are on the three important lodges alongside Skyline Drive: Massanutten Resort, Skyland Resort, Lewis Mountain Cabins, and Large Meadows Lodge.
They every maintain occasions all through the season, together with Virginia wine tasting, evening sky packages, and twilight hikes as nicely.
In addition to lodging, the lodges have eating places and present shops.
Issues to do close to the Skyline Drive Shenandoah
As talked about, we’ve an in-depth put up on issues to do within the Shenandoah Valley, which outlines actions you are able to do each inside and out of doors the nationwide park in additional depth.
In the event you’re in search of different issues to do within the space outdoors the nationwide park, I counsel you intend for exploring the lovable cities close to the entrances. These cities even have some cool actions that encompass them.
Listed here are a couple of of our favorites:
- The city of Staunton
- Luray Caverns
- Strolling alpacas
- Wine tasting at Veritas Vineyards
- Horseback Using at Jordan Hole Stables
- White Oak Lavender Farm
FAQs about driving the Skyline Drive Shenandoah
Right here’s what folks normally ask us about Skyline Drive Shenandoah..
What’s the finest part of Skyline Drive?
The perfect part of Skyline Drive is the Vary View Overlook which has a few of the finest views of the northern part of the park, and likewise the South River Overlook which is the most effective dawn spot.
Are there loos on Skyline Drive?
There are not any restrooms alongside the Skyline Drive, however yow will discover loos on the lodges.
Which Shenandoah entrance is finest?
The doorway will largely rely on the place you’re driving from, however in the event you can select then we predict the Thornton Hole Entrance or Rockfish Hole Entrance are the most effective locations to start out.
When is the most effective time to drive the Skyline Drive Shenandoah?
The perfect time to drive the Skyline Drive actually is dependent upon what you need to expertise. For me, I cherished touring throughout summer season as the whole lot is so lush and inexperienced – and I really like mountaineering with a little bit of humidity.
Fall is an particularly standard time to drive the Skyline Drive, with its colourful foliage from late September to mid-November.
Spring can be a good time to go to with spectacular views of wildflowers and mountain laurels, plus it’s extra energetic with bears as they arrive out of hibernation.
Why not go to a number of instances by means of the 12 months after which select your favourite?! (You’ll want to share with us your expertise within the feedback beneath!)
How lengthy does it take to drive the Skyline Drive?
At 105 miles lengthy with a most 35 mph pace restrict, it can take 3-4 hours to drive from one finish of the Skyline Drive to the opposite together with a couple of stops.
If you wish to add in a couple of hikes and see a few of Shenandoah’s points of interest, then you definately’re taking a look at a full-day journey no less than.
Adventurers will need to plan for a few days exploring the Shenandoah Nationwide Park and having fun with the Skyline Drive.
As a result of it’s positioned in a nationwide park, with many different nice issues to expertise we suggest spending no less than two days driving the Skyline Drive.
Shenandoah has a number of campgrounds that supply each first-come-first-served campsites and people you’ll be able to reserve prematurely.
That can assist you discover options, amenities, and parking areas, concrete mileposts have been positioned on the precise facet of Skyline Drive as you head south.
Mileposts might be included in varied guides you get.
Skyline Drive Opening Hours and Entrance Charges
The nationwide park is split into three areas:
- North District (Dickey Ridge, Mathews Arm)
- Central District (Skyland, Large Meadows) That is the preferred part.
- South District (Loft Mountain)
There are 4 entrance stations to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah Nationwide Park, which will provide you with entry to no matter area you need to discover most. (Do all three!)
The doorway you select will largely rely on the place you’re driving from:
In case you are coming from Charlottesville or Richmond, the Rockfish Hole Entrance to the South might be higher. In the event you’re coming from Harrisonburg or Elkton, then the Swift Run Hole is nearer.
Because the Skyline Drive runs is operated by the Nationwide Park Service, there may be an entrance charge. All passes are legitimate for 7 days and value $30 for single automobiles, $25 for bikes, and $15 per particular person arriving car free. You should buy your move on-line prematurely from the NPS App or Official Web site.
Motor properties, RVs, and tenting trailers are welcome within the park.
The place to search out Skyline Drive maps and data
You’ll want to seize a park map if you arrive at Skyline Drive Shenandoah.
Honestly, nationwide park maps aren’t all that good sources of knowledge on issues to see and do in a nationwide park. They’re good for offering a map and historic, geological, and cultural details about a park.
Analysis earlier than you get into the park or go to one of many two Customer Facilities for extra in-depth help from Park Rangers. There are two within the park:
For households, you’ll want to seize your Junior Ranger exercise booklet (customer facilities and present retailers) and search for Junior Ranger actions which may be within the park. These packages are good for serving to your youngsters join extra deeply to the expertise.
And they’ll love receiving the badge on the finish of it as a memento and a reminder of the significance of taking good care of Mom Nature.
The place to remain close to the Skyline Drive, Shenandoah
We stayed on the Massanutten Resort, which gave us quick access to all of the points of interest within the Shenandoah Valley and to the Shenandoah Nationwide Park. Plus, the resort presents extra than simply beautiful apartment lodging.
They’ve a incredible indoor and outside Water Park, Ziplining programs, mountain biking trails, and several other eating choices. It’s a incredible place for households to remain!
In the event you’re trying to spend a few days exploring the drive, then you definately would possibly need to think about staying at one of many lodges within the park or camp.
There are another listed here are another nice choices simply outdoors the park as nicely, however as this can be a very talked-about attraction in Virginia, particularly in the summertime, it’s finest to plan forward and e book prematurely.
In the event you desire to camp, there are additionally 4 tenting spots within the park; Large Meadows Campground, Mathews Arm Campground, Lewis Mountain Campground, and Loft Mountain Campground.
It’s not really helpful to camp outdoors the campgrounds due to bear exercise. Keep protected, camp in a campground.
You’ll be able to view extra locations to remain round Shenandoah Nationwide Park on the interactive map beneath.
Earlier than You Go
Earlier than you go, I’ve one phrase of warning; with 75 scenic overlooks, it received’t be lengthy earlier than you begin feeling gorgeous mountain viewpoint fatigue. Sure, it does occur.
Loopy to suppose, you’ll be able to simply wave one other unimaginable viewpoint away as you retain driving. They will begin wanting the identical.
A strategy to overcome that’s to unfold your Skyline Drive expertise over a number of days. There may be loads to do within the close by Shenandoah Valley to make this a beautiful prolonged journey with the nationwide park as its focus.
We did the Southern a part of the drive on our strategy to Massanutten Resort within the Shenandoah Valley Resort the place we had been staying.
The following morning, we did a lot of the remainder of the drive north on our strategy to Luray, and we nonetheless have the small northern part to do for subsequent time.
Extra Virginia Journey Ideas
Are you considering of visiting another locations in Virginia? Then take a look at some extra useful guides beneath.
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