Can you turn around on Skyline Drive? Yes…it’s a long beautiful drive. So turn around and go back if ya miss an exit.
Where is Skyline Drive in Virginia?
She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. 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.
Is Skyline Drive free to drive?
Skyline Drive Fees Is it free to travel on Skyline Drive? Unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is a fee to visit Skyline Drive due to its location in the Shenandoah National Park. The following fee information is via the National Park Service.
How do I enter the park on Skyline Drive?
Entering the Park on Skyline Drive 1 Front Royal Entrance Station . 2 Swift Run Gap Entrance Station . 3 Rockfish Gap Entrance Station . If there are no staff at the entrance stations when you first arrive at the Park, you... More ...
How do I find out the status of the Skyline Drive?
Call the Park's recorded information line: (540) 999-3500 (option 1, then option 1) for the most current status. 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.
How long is Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park?
What is the phone number for Skyline Drive?
What animals live in Shenandoah?
How fast is Big Meadows?
Where are mileposts on Skyline Drive?
Where to enter Shenandoah?
Is Skyline Drive open?
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About this website
Can you exit Skyline Drive?
A Long Drive on Skyline Drive with Many Lookouts It begins in Front Royal to the north and ends at Waynesboro to the south (just west of Charlottesville) where it links up with the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are only four entry/exit points to the park and they are spaced out in roughly 35-mile intervals.
Is driving on Skyline Drive worth it?
Skyline Drive is great for day trips, and the average speed limit along most of the road is 35 miles per hour. This is due to the switchbacks that take drivers through the mountains, which can often include blind turns and narrow sections of the road.
How long does it take to drive down Skyline Drive?
about three hoursThe 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.
What is the best entrance to Skyline Drive?
If you are coming from Charlottesville or Richmond, the Rockfish Gap Entrance to the South will be better. If you're coming from Harrisonburg or Elkton, then the Swift Run Gap is closer. As the Skyline Drive runs is operated by the National Park Service, there is an entrance fee.
How much does it cost to go on Skyline Drive?
Shenandoah Entrance Fee – Single Vehicle – $30.00 This fee covers unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Vehicles must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.
How do you enjoy Skyline Drive?
What to Do on Skyline Drive, VirginiaHike a Section of the Appalachian Trail.Visit Big Meadows and the Byrd Visitor Center.Climb a Mountain Summit.Explore Backcountry Wilderness.See Beautiful Waterfalls.Enjoy a Sunrise and/or Sunset.
What is better Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive?
Blue ridge parkway goes through wilder terrain but is a bit more like a normal road than skyline drive (and toll free). It's also much longer at about 450 miles to the 100 or so of Skyline drive. And it skirts closer to civilization at times than skyline.
What are the 4 entrances to Skyline Drive?
There are 4 access points for Skyline Drive:Near Rt. 66 and 340 Front Royal Entrance Station (Milepost 0)Rt. 211 at Thornton Gap Entrance Station.Rt 33 Swift Run Gap Entrance Station.Rt. 64 and Rt. 250 Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway).
Where does Skyline Drive start and stop?
Scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Virginia's Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway that runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains starting in the north of the Shenandoah Valley at Front Royal to Waynesboro, where it meets the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where do you start Skyline Drive?
Skyline Drive begins at an intersection with US 340 south of Front Royal in Warren County, heading east into dense forests in Shenandoah National Park as a two-lane undivided road. The road curves south and passes through the Front Royal Entrance Station, where a ranger station is located.
Does Skyline Drive turn into Blue Ridge Parkway?
Skyline Drive is a scenic roadway that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park and connects with the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Does Skyline Drive close at night?
Shenandoah National Park is always open. Portions of the 105 mile Skyline Drive, are periodically closed during inclement weather and at night during deer hunting season.
Where does Skyline Drive start and finish?
The drive begins at Milepost 0 in Front Royal, Virginia and ends at Milepost 105 near the end of the Shenandoah National Park. At MP105, Skyline drive meets the Northern most portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Rockfish Gap.
How many exits does Skyline Drive have?
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.
Can you do Shenandoah National Park in one day?
It's possible to drive all 105 miles of Skyline Drive in one day. Instead, we suggest fewer miles and more time for fun. Stick to a smaller area to enjoy a fun mix of hikes, viewpoints, visitor centers, shops, and lodges. If you only have one day in Shenandoah National Park, focus on the Central District.
How long is the Skyline Trail?
Trail Information This well-known hike is 6.5 kms return or if you decide to loop, the trail length is 8.2kms. It is mostly gravel with a few boardwalks to make it easier for any level of hikers. It's a rather level trail with a slight incline which won't be noticeable until you start hiking back so keep that in mind.
Plan Your Visit - Visit Skyline Drive
Plan your visit to Shenandoah National Park, travelling on Skyline Drive, the only road through the park, stretching 105 miles from Front Royal in the north to Waynesboro in the south.
Must See Stops along Skyline Drive - Shenandoah National Park
From Skyline Drive take route 211 east to Luray and the Caverns. Take 211 west toward New Market for the Shenandoah Caverns. www.shenandoahcaverns.com.
Where is Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park?
Skyland Resort - Milepost 42.7. - Shenandoah National Park's largest lodge is located at the highest point on Skyline Drive at 3,680 feet. Accommodations include 178 units ranging from historic cabins to modern hotel rooms and suites. There is a dining room, family-friendly entertainment, ranger guided programs, horseback riding and a conference hall.
How many rooms are there in Big Meadows Lodge?
Big Meadows Lodge - Milepost 51.2 - Big Meadows Lodge is a smaller lodge in Shenandoah National Park with just 25 rooms and 72 cabins, suites and traditional rooms.
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 the Appalachian Trail?
Appalachian Trail - runs parallel to Skyline Drive with 500 miles of hiking trails, wildlife and outdoor adventure programs. Luray Caverns - 970 US Highway 211 West Luray, Virginia. Luray Caverns are the largest caverns in the eastern United States and probably the most popular attraction in the Shenandoah Valley.
How long does it take to drive from DC to Front Royal?
The drive from Washington DC to Front Royal is about 70 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes in normal traffic. During the fall and spring, you should be prepared for delays and slow traffic. There are four entrances to Shenandoah National Park. They are located at:
What is the number to call the park in Front Royal?
Call the Park’s Recorded Information Line for Driving Updates - (540) 999-3500. Call the Fall Color Hotline for foliage updates - (800) 424-LOVE. Watch carefully for animals who may cross your path without warning.
How to see Shenandoah National Park?
The best way to see Shenandoah National Park is not through the car window, but on foot (or horseback), so I urge you to schedule some stops to do just that. It sounds like you have all day to devote to Shenandoah NP, so you should have time for more than a drive through the park. (FYI: The drive from Thornton Gap to D.C. is less than 2 hours and the drive from Swift Gap to D.C. is just about 2 hours, so you could even drive close to D.C. and stop for the night so you wouldn't have much of a drive to Mt. Vernon the next day.)
How long does it take to get to Mount Vernon from Culpeper?
Expect it to take 2 to 2.5 hours to get to Mount Vernon from Culpeper. Be mindful of any DC area traffic, so I wouldn't go screaming out at first light. There are lunatics who live in Culpeper and drive into D.C. every day for work.
How old is the boy in the traveling party?
Our traveling party is made up of a married couple in our 30's with a 10 year old boy.
Where is the Holiday Inn in Orange Virginia?
There is a VERY nice Holiday Inn in Orange Virginia -a small little town just up the road from Montpelier which was James Madison's plantation. If you are interested in seeing Montpelier, you can take 29 north to 609 East then continue east on 20 which will take you right through Montpelier Station. The grounds of Montpelier are very nice and the house has been recently renovated, brought back to "authentic" after the modifications made my the DuPont family. Orange is 15 minutes from Montpelier.
Is Sklyine Drive unnecessary?
I think you would find doing Sklyine Drive all the way unnecessary considering all the other driving you will be doing.
Is Skyline Drive scenic?
Driving along Skyline Drive is scenic, but slow because the speed limit is, as I recall, 35mph. After having already driven 2 hours from Gettysburg to get to Front Royal and the start of Skyline Drive, you probably won't want to drive the entire length of the park. (Also, when my kids were 10 years old, they definitely were not that interested in "scenic drives".)
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Is it free to travel on Skyline Drive?
Unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is a fee to visit Skyline Drive due to its location in the Shenandoah National Park. The following fee information is via the National Park Service.
How many miles does Skyline Drive run through?
As you enter Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is the road that runs the 105 miles through the park. The Blue Ridge Parkway does not enter the national park.
How far does the Blue Ridge Parkway go?
From this point, the Blue Ridge Parkway goes 469 miles through the Virginia and North Carolina mountains until it reaches it's southern end near Cherokee, North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Virginia's Blue Ridge, it's a popular route for many travelers to take the Blue Ridge Parkway north through ...
Where is the end point of the Blue Ridge Parkway?
From Virginia's Blue Ridge, it's a popular route for many travelers to take the Blue Ridge Parkway north through the George Washington National Forest before reaching the Parkway's ending point at Milepost 0 on Afton Mountain. From there, it's easy to continue traveling north on Skyline Drive as it makes its way into Shenandoah National Park.
How long is Skyline Drive in Blue Ridge?
Skyline Drive's proximity to the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge ( approximately 3 hours) also makes it a fun adventure and experience to add on to your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway.
Where is Skyline Drive in Shenandoah?
Skyline Drive. Located in Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is one of the most scenic drives in the world. With 75 overlooks, miles of trails, outstanding opportunities to see wildlife, and beautiful colors during the four seasons, it's a fantastic place to experience the outdoors in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
How much is a motorcycle pass?
Motorcycle - $25. Pass is valid for day of purchase and next six days. Individual - $15. Per person 16 years of age or older when entering by means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle, such as bicycles, taxis, and limousines providing transportation.
Where does the Shenandoah National Park start and end?
The Park stretches 105 miles from its northern entrance at Front Royal to its southern entrance near Waynesboro.
How do I get to Skyline Drive?
Take exit onto Route 340 South and follow signs for Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. To Thornton Gap Entrance – Travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A (32 miles). Take US Highway 29 South to Warrenton, Virginia (11 miles). Take US Highway 211 West to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive (28 miles).
Can you turn around on Skyline Drive?
Yesit’s a long beautiful drive. So turn around and go back if ya miss an exit. It IS a two way drive.
Where should I stay when visiting Shenandoah National Park?
Stay at Mathews Arm (mile 22.2), Big Meadows (mile 51.2) or Loft Mountain (mile 79.5). For showers and washing machines, choose Big Meadows or Loft Mountain. Dundo (mile 83.7) is for groups of seven to 15 people.
How long does it take to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive?
Ideally, anywhere between 3 to 7 days should be enough depending on how many stops you take. Slow travel isn’t always our best friend. So in this post, we will give you an itinerary for driving the Parkway in 3 days (one way) based on our personal experience.
What part of Skyline Drive is the best?
Top 5 Best Overlooks on the Skyline Drive Range 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.
How much does the Blue Ridge Parkway cost?
Fees are charged for camping, and Interagency Senior or Interagency Access Pass (or Golden Age or Golden Access passes) passholders are entitled to 50% off the camping fee.
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.
What are some of the best mountain climbs in Shenandoah National Park?
Suggested mountain summits to climb are Bearfence Mountain, Blackrock Summit, Stony Man and Turk Mountain.
How long is the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park?
Shenandoah National Park has 516 miles (830 kilometers) of hiking trails, 101 miles ( 163 kilometers) of which are on the iconic Appalachian Trail. This long-distance trail, running from Georgia all the way to Maine, roughly follows Skyline Drive and can be accessed at numerous points along the road.
Where to hike to see waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park?
See Beautiful Waterfalls. In addition to mountain summits and wilderness, several trails also lead to spectacular waterfalls. I strongly recommend doing at least one waterfall hike in Shenandoah National Park when driving Skyline Drive. The easiest and most popular one is the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, just north of Big Meadows.
How many species of fish are there in Shenandoah National Park?
Nearly 40 fish species thrive in Shenandoah National Park’s ponds, rivers and streams while some 53 mammals roam its woods. Additionally, you can spot up to 200 different species of birds and 26 reptiles, including 18 snake species.
How much of Shenandoah National Park is forested?
Shenandoah National Park consists of mainly forest-covered hills and mountains —95% of the park is forested.
What is the landscape of Shenandoah National Park?
Shenandoah National Park consists of mainly forest-covered hills and mountains —95% of the park is forested. Wide valleys characterize the landscape as well, cut out by mountain streams and waterfalls.
What is the name of the river that flows through the Shenandoah Valley?
The park was named after the Shenandoah River, which flows through the Shenandoah Valley, located just west of the park. Many theories and versions exist as to what the word "Shenandoah" means, including: "daughter of the stars," "silver water," "river through the spruces," "river of high mountains," "great meadow.".
Why is Shenandoah National Park named after the Shenandoah River?
Many theories and versions exist as to what the word "Shenandoah" means, including: "daughter of the stars," "silver water," "river through the spruces," "river of high mountains," "great meadow." and "big flat place." It could also be named for the fallen chief Sherando or for a tribe called the Senedoes, who lived in the valley until 1730.
How high is Skyline Drive?
The highest point on the Skyline Drive is 3,680 feet at mile 41.7, the northern entrance to Skyland Resort. The highest point in the park, accessible by a moderate hike, is the summit of Hawksbill mountain at 4,050 feet. The top of Stony Man mountain, a fairly easy hike, is 4,010 feet.
How to pay for Shenandoah Pass?
At the entrance stations, you may pay for all passes with cash, credit/debit card, money order, or personal check, although credit cards are the preferred method of payment at this time.
How far is Dark Hollow Falls from Skyline Drive?
There are a number of waterfalls in the park. None are visible from Skyline Drive. The shortest hike to a waterfall is 1.4 miles round-trip to Dark Hollow Falls near milepost 51. It is a very popular hike that is steep and rocky in places.
How fast can you drive through Shenandoah National Park?
The maximum speed limit throughout the park is 35 miles per hour. Speed limits are reduced in developed areas such as campgrounds and picnic grounds. With over 75 scenic overlooks along the way, most people need at least 3-4 hours to simply drive through Shenandoah.
What did the CCC boys build?
The "boys" built rock walls, trails, fire roads, log structures, scenic overlooks, and more. They planted hundreds of thousands of trees and shrubs and are responsible for much of what visitors to Shenandoah see today. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the work of the CCC boys in Shenandoah National Park.
How long is Bearfence Mountain Trail?
Bearfence Mountain Trail Parking Area at Mile 56.4. The 1-mile Bearfence Mountain Trail is one of my favorites in Shenandoah National Park because it’s relatively easy and leads to a gorgeous overlook on the mountain summit. For those same reasons, it is one of the most-hiked trails in the park.
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.
What is the longest view on the Shenandoah?
The Hogback Overlook offers the longest, broadest panorama view of any scenic overlook along the Skyline Drive. The pull-off overlook extends around a bend in the Skyline Drive with mostly a view to the north. On a clear day, you can just make out the south fork of the Shenandoah Driver snaking across the landscape.
What is the Big Meadows?
The Big Meadows is an interesting area of Shenandoah National Park pretty much right in the middle of the Skyline Drive. When the national park was first created, much of the wooded areas had either been logged or destroyed by blight. One of the chief purposes of creating the park was to allow nature to reclaim the Blue Ridge Mountains, but Big Meadows has always been kept as exactly that: a big grassy meadow.
How long is the overall run trail in Shenandoah?
Hiking. The 3.2-mile Overall Run Trail leads to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park at 93’. The trail includes a nearly 800’ descent from the edge of the campground to the waterfall, making this a strenuous trail to hike. This is the easiest way to hike to the waterfall.
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.
Which mountain overlooks the Shenandoah Valley?
The Turk Mountain Overlook offers one of the best views of the Shenandoah Valley along the Skyline Drive. Massanutten Mountain, a 40-mile long mountain range parallel to the national park, blocks the view for nearly 60 miles along the Skyline Drive. But this scenic overlook is far to the south of that mountain range, offering a gorgeous panorama view.
How long is Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park?
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. Skyline Drive is generally open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
What is the phone number for Skyline Drive?
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 animals live in Shenandoah?
Deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other woodland animals call Shenandoah home and regularly cross Skyline Drive in their daily travels. Watch carefully for these animals who may dart across your path without warning.
How fast is Big Meadows?
All Park maps and information use these mileposts as a reference. The speed limit is 35 mph, so feel free to roll down your windows, feel the breeze, and experience every curve and turn of this beautiful drive.
Where are mileposts on Skyline Drive?
As you travel along Skyline Drive you will notice mileposts on the west side of the road (right side if you are traveling south, left if you are heading north). These posts help you find your way through the Park and help you locate areas of interest.
Where to enter Shenandoah?
You can enter Shenandoah with your vehicle at only four places along Skyline Drive: Front Royal Entrance Station near Rt. 66 and 340. Thornton Gap Entrance Station at Rt. 211. Swift Run Gap Entrance Station at Rt. 33.
Is Skyline Drive open?
Skyline Drive is generally open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. If it's closed due to inclement weather, you may still enter the Park on foot at one of the entrance stations or from a boundary access point.
