Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive
4.5
About
105-mile Scenic Drive Built In The 1930's Goes Through The Entire Length Of The Park.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 5 kms
Attractions
27 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,748 reviews
Excellent
2,104
Very good
519
Average
105
Poor
14
Terrible
6
Joseph P
Barboursville, WV9 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
I spent a good 3-4 hours just slowly driving the 35 mph on Skyline drive one day. It's one the greatest engineering feats I've ever seen. Well worth $30. There's so many spots to pull off and just be amazed by the views. There's even a gas station at one part I passed in case you need it with a visitor center nearby. I was by myself but I want to bring my family sometime in the future. Beware in winter they close it sometimes due to weather.
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa J
Plant City, FL635 contributions
Nov 2022
I wish we had had time to stop along the way more. We got on the Skyline Drive around Luray and headed south. It was getting late and we stoped several times, but it was the sunset that was so amazing from up on the drive that was so spectacular.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Indy-ND
South Bend, IN3,444 contributions
Nov 2022
Shenandoah is the only major National Park I got to this year. We went in mid-November, after the fall colors and before the snow rolled in. Even with minimal leaves on the trees, the drive from the south entrance to the Harry F Byrd Visitor Center was excellent. We stopped at the majority of the pull-offs for pictures as my partner and I are avid photographers. We had a blast.
Be aware that some of the places are closed this time of year and bathrooms are a bit hard to come by. The Byrd Visitor Center was nice with a great view across Big Meadow. The bookstore was good, but also go to Big Meadows Wayside by the gas station, which has different items than the visitor center. There wasn't a great place to get a picture of an entrance sign. I got an ok shot of the sign at the Swift Run Gap entrance. The good sign appears to be at the north entrance, but we did not make it up that far.
On the plus side, traffic was very light since it is the off-season. It was very windy and cold. Hiking wasn't on the menu that day. We'll have to get back there in the summer sometime and hit some or the waterfall trails.
We had a great time though. I love a National Park.
Be aware that some of the places are closed this time of year and bathrooms are a bit hard to come by. The Byrd Visitor Center was nice with a great view across Big Meadow. The bookstore was good, but also go to Big Meadows Wayside by the gas station, which has different items than the visitor center. There wasn't a great place to get a picture of an entrance sign. I got an ok shot of the sign at the Swift Run Gap entrance. The good sign appears to be at the north entrance, but we did not make it up that far.
On the plus side, traffic was very light since it is the off-season. It was very windy and cold. Hiking wasn't on the menu that day. We'll have to get back there in the summer sometime and hit some or the waterfall trails.
We had a great time though. I love a National Park.
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
danamc01
Branchville, SC646 contributions
Apr 2022
I gave this an average review but only because of the season we went. I can see that in a season other than winter it would be amazing. We went in early April and it was winter still there. Even had a little snow. The overlooks were very pretty and we also saw lots of deer, The store was open and the employees were nice. There was no fee on the day we went.
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maltipoo16
New York924 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Beautiful drive with so many beautiful places to pull off and enjoy the view. Lots of trailheads and parking along the ride, and it stretches a long ways. Definitely a must see for all nature and National Park lovers!
Written 7 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hanoh T
Netanya, Israel68 contributions
Oct 2022
The northern part of the blue ridge parkway and the only part that has a passing fee of 30$. Be aware that in the morning it is a limited visibility to the east side.
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HTamari
Netanya, Israel59 contributions
Oct 2022
It is a nice road. I didn't understand why they charge 30$ for it when the blue ridge parkway at the south end has just the same views.
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
csserious2
Chantilly, VA779 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Every year in September and October, throngs of visitors from DC metro and other states come to the Skyline drive for enjoying the fabulous fall colors. The peak would be last week of October for most years. Expect a big line at the entrance as money changes hands for the parking fee to be given to Uncle Sam. The fees have gone up a lot in the last 10 years. The drive, few hours long, rewards the visitors with red, crimson, gold, yellow, violet, pink, did I miss any other, colored leaves straight out of a giant dreamlike poster photograph. There are turnouts where one can stop and take as many pictures as one likes with an iphone or the most expensive DSLR available. Whats more, if you are ready to drive further south, Blue Ridge Parkway awaits with even more majestic views. Oh yes, there are restaurants on the way, so taking a break is easy too. Shenandoah mountain in Fall is rated a top attraction in the entire region. If you are going on weekends in October, arrive very early, as we were turned back by the rangers going around noon.
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LnS2004
Cypress, CA6,087 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We came from California to admire the beautiful Autumn foliage colors. From DC, we rented a car to drive here in search of leaves turning to brilliant yellow, brown or red shades. After two hours or so of leisurely drive, we reached the park entrance. In 2014 we took a more southerly route through Charlottesville. A $20 purchase of an annual senior pass served as admission. What a deal! The ranger suggested several scenic overlook spots. While there were many individual trees turning bright yellow, amber and red color, we hardly found large collage of fall color en masse. Perhaps we were here a bit too early. We managed to capture on our cameras the few we could find to memorialize this trip. Because of our time limit we actually covered only a very small portion of the park. Still a calming way to appreciate this enchanting natural phenomenon.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RoadForks
Virginia188 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Every few years we like to spend the day on Skyline Drive especially in October when the leaves are changing. It makes for an absolutely beautiful and peaceful day among nature with It's lovely trees, fresh mountain air and the wonderful wildlife. October is a great time to be able to spot the bears when they are out, fattening themselves up before hibernation.
There are many overlooks to stop at, hiking trails, waterfalls, camping grounds and picnic areas. It is crowed during weekends and during October. We waited in traffic for an hour just to get into the park but once your in the traffic isn't too bad.
Helpful tips & information:
* Start with a full tank of gas. Gas stations are very limited along the parkway.
*Bring your camera.
*Use the map you get when entering. It points out places such as public bathrooms, overlooks, hiking trails and restaurants.
*Purchase your park pass online. It will make your entrance into the park much faster, bypassing all those who have to stop and pay to enter!
*Wear comfortable walking shoes.
There are many overlooks to stop at, hiking trails, waterfalls, camping grounds and picnic areas. It is crowed during weekends and during October. We waited in traffic for an hour just to get into the park but once your in the traffic isn't too bad.
Helpful tips & information:
* Start with a full tank of gas. Gas stations are very limited along the parkway.
*Bring your camera.
*Use the map you get when entering. It points out places such as public bathrooms, overlooks, hiking trails and restaurants.
*Purchase your park pass online. It will make your entrance into the park much faster, bypassing all those who have to stop and pay to enter!
*Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maralize
Doylestown, PA251 contributions
I'm planning a trip from Philadelphia to Charlottesville VA. I was wondering if we could go through Maryland, Washington and at some point go on Skyline Drive for a more scenic way to travel to Charlottesville or will it take much longer or not be feasible? Any ideas out there?
Thank you
Luci_J_M
Chadds Ford, PA226 contributions
It's definitely doable and it will depend on how long you spend at the scenic overlooks. Don't feel compelled to do every one. Do a Google search for best scenic overlooks on skyline drive and you'll find results for the 10 best, 20 best etc. Pick and choose but be sure to pick some on each side of the road. Once you enter the drive, get a map - yes the old fashioned paper kind - and circle the names of the stops you decided to take. It is so much easier to see the stops on the paper map than on your cell phone screen. Your traveling partner will look at the map and give you a heads up of the stop as you approach. Of course you could put each stop in your gps program on your phone too.
Kmbrock976
Washington DC, DC15 contributions
Are there places to stop off and eat on the drive ? Of do any recommendations
Roger B
Melrose Park, IL229 contributions
Yes there are a few pull off places where you can stop and have a picnic or stay in your car. I think there are a couple of camping areas to. But if you want to camp I would call ahead to make sure they have sites available. Enjoy!!
BridgetB1973
Saint Clair, MI222 contributions
I’m thinking of traveling from Michigan with my daughter late March of 2021. Is the Skyline Drive open then?
Ellen B
Bear, DE380 contributions
The park and Skyline Drive are open year round. You do have to buy a park pass ($30 for 7 days) to get on Skyline Drive. You can buy it online through the National Park Service and skip the line.
billym99
Shrewsbury, PA16 contributions
I’m coming to do some bicycling on Skyline, is there parking near the Front Royal entrance where I can leave my car while I ride?
THINGS2LIVE4
Rocky River, OH1,117 contributions
During the summer if you get there early there is a lot of parking, but the lots fill up. Due to COVID there are a lot less people. Skyland about mile marker 40 had a lot of parking.
Barb Dwyer
Brandon, FL26 contributions
We are planning a late November road trip. We are flying into Dc and would like to take Skyline through Shenandoah and then onto the Blueridge Parkway. Then back to Florida. We have 7 to 8 days for the entire trip. Since we are also doing the entire parkway, how much time would you dedicate to the Skyline? Also, can we expect snow at that time of year?! Thanks!
Sue L
Myrtle Beach, SC766 contributions
November is a tricky time of year in the Shenandoah. We've been when the weather has been perfectly glorious and when there has been snow on the ground. If this is the case, please remember that the NPS does not use the same traditional treatments on their roads as in towns/cities/interstates. It also is closed when weather conditions warrant it and is on their recorded line to keep you posted. Without road issues the Skyline Drive is certainly doable especially if all you are doing is Skyline Drive. Start out through the Front Royal entrance (start with a FULL tank of gas, plenty of gas stations in Front Royal). Depending on when you visit in November, many facilities are closed or are closed. Visitor Center hours begin to change (Dicky Ridge, Byrd Visitor Center), but most will still have bathroom facilities open. Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge and Lewis Mountain, close during November, with Big Meadows closing before Skyland. Skyland typically closes the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving. Not sure when Lewis Mountain normally closes but will probably be along the line of Big Meadows I think. All are excellent overnight facilities. There are campgrounds in various parts of Skyline Drive. ALL these facilities are located on Skyline Drive. If you use AAA, you will also get a discount for overnight stays if you ask.
The overlooks are amazing and especially if you are at Big Meadows at night, it is a wonderful night-sky without light interference giving you incredible views of the Milky Way, other constellations and planets. We were there just last week photographing the Comet Neowise.
There is one gas station, at Big Meadows near the Wayside at the Byrd Visitor Center. This is probably your only opportunity if you need gas.
The overlooks are wonderful and you should plan to stop at as many as you can. If time allows and you want to spend a couple of hours going for a quick hike to a waterfall, I'd suggest DARK HOLLOW FALLS, also right near Big Meadows, with a generous parking area and a well marked path. It is steep going down (the easy part) but also a bit strenuous going back up. We see plenty of families hike it all the time. You are rewarded with a beautiful falls at the bottom making for wonderful photo op's, and if you're lucky, you'll see wildlife along the way....wild turkey, deer and hopefully no bears. We have never seen bears along that trail.
I'd suggest getting a map and sort of mapping out how much time you want to spend at any given area. If you're going on through the Blue Ridge Parkway, available lodging on the Virginia side, on the BRP includes PEAKS OF OTTER (north of Roanoke) This is a lovely lodge with plenty of rooms, great hiking and dining facilities. There is also a NPS station close by.
Study up and enjoy your trip. We've traveled both sections countless times and it never gets old. Good luck and hopefully the weather will cooperate for you. DO KEEP the NPS status number on your phone for updates. That number is SNP: 1-540-999-3500 (you'll be prompted from there)
BRP: 1-828-298-0398
Great Smoky Mtn. NP: 1-865-436-1200
Hope I was able to help. Let me know if other questions.
Stewart T
Canton, MA981 contributions
I'll be driving from Boston to Asheville NC, with one overnight, in mid-April. Part of the trip is to travel Skyline drive, probably on the second day. Where would I enter Skyline Drive if coming from Boston and any accommodation recommendations? Thanks!!
Shannon Smitley
Osterburg, PA137 contributions
I would say the Front Royal Entrance would be the best from Boston.
- Front Royal Entrance Station - Most northern entrance (Mile 0.6), accessible via U.S. 340 (5 minutes from the town of Front Royal)
- Thornton Gap Entrance Station - (Mile 31.5), accessible via U.S. 211 (15 minutes from downtown Luray)
- Swift Run Gap Entrance Station - (Mile 65.7), accessible via U.S. 33
- Rockfish Gap Entrance Station - Most southern entrance (Mile 105.4), accessible via I-64 and U.S. 250
I recommend The Village Inn for accommodation.
John C
Oswestry, UK213 contributions
Hi John
We are planning a self drive holiday from Nashville to Washington. Thinking of booking to stay 1 night at the Skyland accomodation to break the drive and have time for a trail walk..
Wondered going west to east where we should start our drive to exit at Front Royal ?
Kesh_grammy
Province of Connacht, Ireland35,925 contributions
Please post your inquiry on the Virginia Travel Forum, that way many travelers can see the replies which may be helpful to their travels as well.
Thank you,
Kesh_grammy
Rose827
Mentor, OH19 contributions
We originally thought we would start at Front Royal since we are coming from Cleveland, Oh area and take the drive south and stay overnight in Staunton and then take the drive back, this time south to north. Is it too redundant to drive it both ways? Is there any benefit to doing that or is one time through good to experience it?
Fritzi
14 contributions
I would consider it absolutely redundant to drive through "Shenandoah NP" twice. It is no problem to cross the road to an outlook on the other side of the road.
Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Skyline Drive
- We recommend booking Skyline Drive tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Skyline Drive tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Skyline Drive:
- (1.03 km) Shadow Mountain Escape
- (0.95 km) Loft Mountain Campground
- (9.13 km) South Court Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (11.56 km) Hopkins Ordinary Bed & Breakfast
- (8.28 km) The Inn of the Shenandoah
- Restaurants near Skyline Drive:
- (11.33 km) Three Blacksmiths
- (2.09 km) Brookside Restaurant & Cabins
- (11.32 km) Triple Crown BBQ
- (8.90 km) West Main Market
- (8.54 km) Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe
- Attractions near Skyline Drive:
- (2.89 km) Bear Mountain Ziplines
- (3.12 km) Stony Man Mountain Hike
- (1.13 km) Shenandoah National Park
- (1.13 km) Blackrock Summit Trail
- (1.13 km) Rapidan Camp Trail At Milam Gap In Shenandoah National Parf