How do I get to Skyline Drive?
It is accessible via Interstate 64 and Route 250. This is also where Skyline Drive connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s the most convenient entry point when coming from Richmond and Charlottesville to the east or from Staunton and the southern Shenandoah Valley to the west.
Does Skyline Drive close for any reason?
Inclement weather may necessitate closure of Skyline Drive at any time. Call the Park's recorded information line: (540) 999-3500 (option 1, then option 1) for the most current status.
What are some of the best views along the Skyline Drive?
The Franklin Cliffs Overlook is another favorite of mine along the Skyline Drive. A rocky outcropping at the edge of the overlook leads down the mountains to the valley far below.
How many overlooks are there on Skyline Drive?
There are 75 overlooks that offer stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the rolling piedmont to the east. Fall is an especially popular time to travel along Skyline Drive, with its colorful foliage from late September to mid-November.
Should I drive all of Skyline Drive?
Start here, go there, and here are all the fantastic things to do along the way. While it is possible to drive the entire Skyline Drive in a single day, I recommend making this a weekend road trip. Take two days, stay somewhere near the middle, and you'll leave with a fantastic introduction to the national park.
How many days do you need for Skyline Drive?
What You Should Know About Skyline Drive. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the drive on a clear day. The maximum speed limit is 35 mph. As you travel along Skyline Drive you will notice mileposts along the side of the road.
What is the prettiest part of Skyline Drive?
Top 5 Best Overlooks on the Skyline DriveRange View Overlook. This overlook, at mile 17.1, offers a view down the length of the Blue Ridge to Stony Man Mountain. ... Hogback Overlook. I like this overlook because it is the longest in the park. ... Spitler Knoll Overlook. ... Big Run Overlook. ... Crimora Lake Overlook.
Is there a fee to drive on Skyline Drive?
You are required to pay an entrance fee in order to access Shenandoah National Park, whether you're driving on Skyline Drive or hiking in from the boundary.
What is better Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive?
The Blue Ridge Parkway does offer similar views, but includes those of North Carolina's mountains - therefore, it's a two-for-one deal that comes with a multi-day trip. There's also more to do along the way of the Blue Ridge, whereas Skyline Drive offers solid views and great national park hiking access.
Can you see Washington Monument from Skyline Drive?
A visitor who liked spotting distant objects was at the park with his father in November of 2016 and was able to see the Washington Monument from Thorofare Mountain Overlook on Skyline drive.
How many entrances are there to Skyline Drive?
four entrancesSkyline Drive is the scenic roadway that takes you through the park. There are four entrances into Shenandoah National Park and numerous gateway communities that offer services, including dining and lodging.
Where is the beginning and end of Skyline Drive?
The drive offers incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. The drive begins at Milepost 0 in Front Royal, Virginia and ends at Milepost 105 near the end of the Shenandoah National Park.
How long does it take to drive Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Thornton Gap?
Skyline Drive is 105 miles extending from Front Royal, Virginia in the north to Rockfish Gap, Virginia in the south. How Long does it take to Drive the Skyline Drive? It takes three hours to drive from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap at the maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour.
Does Skyline Drive turn into Blue Ridge Parkway?
Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway are different sections of the same road. Skyline Drive runs north and south for 105 miles along the mountains in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Then, at Afton Mountain, the road turns into Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds through 2 states for 469 miles.
Does Shenandoah National Park require reservations?
Shenandoah National Park: To visit Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, all visitors, including hikers will need to purchase a day-use ticket. Reservations will need to be made between March 1 to Nov. 30.
How long is Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park?
105 milesLearn and Explore. The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day.
How fast can you drive on Skyline Drive?
The maximum speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 mph. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the park on a clear day.
What is the maximum speed on Skyline Drive?
Spring is also a great time to visit with spectacular views of wildflowers and mountain laurel. The maximum speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 mph.
Where is Skyline Drive in Virginia?
Virginia Tourism Corporation. Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway that runs 105 miles north and south along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. There are 75 overlooks that offer stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the rolling piedmont to the east. Fall is an especially popular time to travel along Skyline ...
Where is Skyline Drive in Virginia?
Blessed with a fantastic location in central Virginia, Skyline Drive lies only a couple of hours from Washington, D.C. and Richmond and just thirty minutes from Charlottesville.
How many overlooks are there on Skyline Drive?
There are no fewer than 75 overlooks on Skyline Drive’s 105 miles (169 kilometers). In other words, you can enjoy a great view every 1.5 miles on average. To give you an impression of the beauty of these overlooks (and other parts of the park), check out my Shenandoah National Park photo essay.
Where is Skyline Drive in Charlottesville?
It is accessible via Interstate 64 and Route 250. This is also where Skyline Drive connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s the most convenient entry point when coming from Richmond and Charlottesville to the east or from Staunton and the southern Shenandoah Valley to the west.
Is Skyline Drive open?
Depending on weather conditions, Skyline Drive is open to vehicles 24/7. The vast majority of closures occur in winter, when ice and snow can make driving impossible. Note that even when the road is closed to vehicles, you can still enter the park on foot at all four entrances.
What is the speed limit on Skyline Drive?
It's also important to note that the speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 MPH, and drivers should be wary of white-tailed deer and black bears that may cross the road. The entrances are as follows:
How long is Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park?
This is your guide to both visitor's centers, which end to start from, and where to find each amazing overlook view. Skyline Drive is a stunning 105-mile stretch of road that takes drivers straight through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. It also happens to be the only road that cuts through the park and, along the way, ...
When was Skyline Drive built?
In 1929, William Gregg, a member of the Southern Appalachian National Park Committee, suggested building a “sky-line drive” along the crest of the mountains through Shenandoah National Park. Work began in 1931 on what was initially called Hoover Highway but was renamed Skyline Drive.
How far is Dark Hollow Falls from Skyline Drive?
Dark Hollow Falls Parking Area at Mile 50.7. The 1-mile Dark Hollow Falls Trail leads to the closest waterfall to the Skyline Drive, making it one of the most hiked trails in the park. The trail begins with a fairly steady descent of nearly 400’ to the waterfall; the last quarter mile is pretty steep.
What is the only road through Shenandoah National Park?
The Skyline Drive is the only road through Shenandoah National Park. That actually made the task of writing a road trip itinerary more difficult. I walked a fine line between writing a road trip itinerary and a full travel guide to the national park.
Where is Signal Knob overlook?
The Signal Knob Overlook offers one of the most stunning views from an overlook along the Skyline Drive. The long pull-off on the west side of Skyline Drive offers a panorama view of the Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah River. You can also see the northern end of Massanutten Mountain, a 40-mile long mountain range parallel to the national park.
Is there a restroom at Skyline Drive?
Although there are plenty of restrooms along the Skyline Drive, this convenience station is the only one solely dedicated to restrooms. It’s a great place to make the first stop if you have just entered the national park.
How far can you spread ashes?
A gathering of fewer than 25 people to spread cremated ashes is allowed without a permit with the following restrictions: Spreading of ashes cannot be conducted within 100 feet of any Parkway road, trail, structure, or body of water.
Can you leave a vehicle in an overlook?
Yes. Anyone wishing to leave a vehicle in an overlook for approved camping/hiking purposes must contact the Comm Center (828-298-2491) either the day before or the morning of their excursion to advise detailed information regarding their excursion and vehicle.
Can you volunteer at the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Most of all, obey rules and regulations, and make your visit as low impact and responsible as possible. You can also volunteer at the Parkway. You may also want to contact the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, an organization that works with the Parkway to protect it.
Do cell phones work on the parkway?
Do not rely on technology, as cell phones do not work in many locations along the Parkway and GPS is sometimes unreliable. Your safety depends on your own good judgement, adequate preparation, and constant attention.
Can you fly an unmanned aircraft on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
No. Launching, landing, operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the Blue Ridge Parkway is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
