Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park: Address, Phone Number, Skyline Drive Reviews: 4.5/5
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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,722 reviews
Excellent
2,085
Very good
515
Average
104
Poor
12
Terrible
6
Grover R
Pensacola, FL15,204 contributions
May 2021
Lots of National Parks have scenic drives but I don't know of another park where that drive is such an important and integral part of the park. It probably is 80% of the roadways within Shenandoah National Park and it is the dominant attraction from end to end. Every overlook and hike we made came off this road which really makes this road a great leveler for every person who visits Shenandoah. You may be the most fit hiker that hikes every trail, but your experience will be very similar to the experience for the old, young and less mobile because this drive offers many of the same experiences.
The road goes from end to end but what will be most celebrated are the ridgeline views you get as you wind close to the summits. The dozens of overlooks on each side are amazing. Additionally, you don't have to hike anything to see amazing views and wildlife as we saw all of that from this road and at 35 MPH you can really see and experience all of it.
Our visit in May was simply amazing with the amount and variety of wildflowers. While I am sure the leaf change in fall is incredible, I can not fully describe how beautiful spring is as you wind along the road. Also realize while the valleys and hillsides may experience Spring in March and April, the ridges of Skyline will not experience it until May so our trip was great timing. Finally, each view of the valley and the mountains is different and this road offers some awesome views of sunset. Be sure to schedule a time to experience those as well for just another wonder on this amazing scenic road of the National Park system.
The road goes from end to end but what will be most celebrated are the ridgeline views you get as you wind close to the summits. The dozens of overlooks on each side are amazing. Additionally, you don't have to hike anything to see amazing views and wildlife as we saw all of that from this road and at 35 MPH you can really see and experience all of it.
Our visit in May was simply amazing with the amount and variety of wildflowers. While I am sure the leaf change in fall is incredible, I can not fully describe how beautiful spring is as you wind along the road. Also realize while the valleys and hillsides may experience Spring in March and April, the ridges of Skyline will not experience it until May so our trip was great timing. Finally, each view of the valley and the mountains is different and this road offers some awesome views of sunset. Be sure to schedule a time to experience those as well for just another wonder on this amazing scenic road of the National Park system.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MIHappyCamper
Saint Joseph, MI69 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
As with many Americans, my wife and I love exploring the outdoors and time with each other. Shenandoah National Park offered spectacular views, where even in late fall there were colors still be be enjoyed. We took a two-hour hike in the woods taking in beautiful mountain streams and waterfalls, and of course the breath-taking vistas along the road.
However, we were extremely disappointed with the limited services of the Visitor’s Center. While staff were extremely helpful and friendly, it was as if we had been transported back to March 2020. Even with COVID measures in place such mandatory face masks, the displays and movie were closed citing health concerns and in support of “reducing the spread” of the virus.
Seriously??? CDC has confirmed COVID does not exist on surfaces, and if people are still uncomfortable being in closer proximity of other while watching a short educational film, they can skip it, rather than eliminating the experience for everyone else.
Let’s get back to living folks!
However, we were extremely disappointed with the limited services of the Visitor’s Center. While staff were extremely helpful and friendly, it was as if we had been transported back to March 2020. Even with COVID measures in place such mandatory face masks, the displays and movie were closed citing health concerns and in support of “reducing the spread” of the virus.
Seriously??? CDC has confirmed COVID does not exist on surfaces, and if people are still uncomfortable being in closer proximity of other while watching a short educational film, they can skip it, rather than eliminating the experience for everyone else.
Let’s get back to living folks!
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Map238
Columbus, OH99 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Beautiful! Breathtaking views at every turn! We set aside one day to take the drive, so we did not do many of the sights, trails, etcetera. The entrance fee ($30 a car) gives you 7 days unlimited use. Our first trip to Shenandoah National Park and we loved it! Would love to come back to hike to some falls and maybe camp. The Skyland visitors center parking lot was being repaved and no room for anyone else to park, so we weren't able to stop there. Seemed busy enough for a weekday, but not overly crowded at all.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rudy Younger
Hyde Park, NY4 contributions
Apr 2021
My son and I spent 5 hours driving and hiking on and off of Sky Line Drive on Sunday, April 25th. While the views, park design and pretty much everything else was excellent, our precious time together was almost ruined by the 100 or so young motor heads who were marauding though the park in their low, high end sports cars. They were not there to hike or site see but rather to be as loud, obnoxious, intimidating and unsafe as possible: tail gating, speeding, laying rubber, passing in non passing zones. There was not a park ranger in site so they were free to just do their unrelenting marauding through the north section of the park. I called Shenendoah NP about this - left a very terse and specific voice message with them asking them to call me back and also e-mailed but I was ignored on both fronts. I'm shocked that they let them in in the first place, stunned there was no ranger presence and shocked that they ignored my contacts. Wow how so very disappointed!!!!
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kevan j
Norman, OK849 contributions
Sep 2021
We drove the entire Skyline Drive from south to north, stopping at a few of the overlooks. This is definitely one of the most scenic drives I've taken as we've driven across this land. I could have sat for a long time at each overlook and taken in the beauty and the peacefulness--we actually saw several people doing just that. We enjoyed the drive very much and would highly recommend this scenic drive. I wish we had had the time to do some of the hikes as there appear to be several that are not too difficult, but which are quite spectacular. I did note several things.
1. While almost all of the overlooks are AMAZING, if you try to stop at too many of them they start to look the same. It also slows down your visit. I would suggest stopping periodically to get different views. There are several "lists of suggested overlooks" on line. We stopped at about 10 overlooks and spent considerable time enjoying each one.
2. Be sure when you visit to make sure the air quality is good. The air quality when we visited was poor...I imagine the views would have been much more spectacular if we had come on a different day.
3. We found the that the southern half of the drive was slightly more enjoyable than the northern half. The views were also slightly better. If it hadn't been our goal to do the whole 105 mile drive, we might have considered turning out at one of the two intermediate entrance stations. This might also help if your time to spend in the park is limited.
1. While almost all of the overlooks are AMAZING, if you try to stop at too many of them they start to look the same. It also slows down your visit. I would suggest stopping periodically to get different views. There are several "lists of suggested overlooks" on line. We stopped at about 10 overlooks and spent considerable time enjoying each one.
2. Be sure when you visit to make sure the air quality is good. The air quality when we visited was poor...I imagine the views would have been much more spectacular if we had come on a different day.
3. We found the that the southern half of the drive was slightly more enjoyable than the northern half. The views were also slightly better. If it hadn't been our goal to do the whole 105 mile drive, we might have considered turning out at one of the two intermediate entrance stations. This might also help if your time to spend in the park is limited.
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gayle E
Orlando, FL1,203 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This is part of the National Park so fees apply but the picture opportunities are endless. Lots of pull out places to stop with great overlooks. Some facilities along the way. The back road is under construction so slow going but you just have more time to view the mountains.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Colleen C
Troy, NY1,767 contributions
Jul 2021
We took a detour from the coast of North Carolina to go to Upstate NY just to be able to drive through Shenandoah on this Drive. Everywhere I looked for the top things to do in this National Park Skyline Drive was always in the top 3 and I know why ~ beautiful!.
You can enter Shenandoah in 4 different entrances that will lead you right onto Skyline Drive. We caught the Drive on the second entrance in the southern tip (Swift Run Gap) and drove right to the northern tip.
Wish we had time to actually hike a bit but just to be able to drive through was awe inspiring and we were able to stop at the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center Small but cute. Restaurants was in a build right next door.
I can see this park being VERY busy during the fall month when the leaf foliage is in it's peak!
You can enter Shenandoah in 4 different entrances that will lead you right onto Skyline Drive. We caught the Drive on the second entrance in the southern tip (Swift Run Gap) and drove right to the northern tip.
Wish we had time to actually hike a bit but just to be able to drive through was awe inspiring and we were able to stop at the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center Small but cute. Restaurants was in a build right next door.
I can see this park being VERY busy during the fall month when the leaf foliage is in it's peak!
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Arthur G
Endicott, NY592 contributions
Jun 2020
Take your time! Plenty of overlooks, fresh air and beautiful scenery. The entry fee is $30, but an America the Beautiful pass gets you in for free. Lots of folks out bicycling up and down the hills. Make sure you have your camera.
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Luci_J_M
Chadds Ford, PA223 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Having Skyline Drive and the overlooks is a beautiful manner in which to experience a natural wonder. You can spend many hours or days along the drive or you can spend a few hours. It all depends on what you want to get out of the experience. Therefore, the best thing you can do is some planning before undertaking the drive.
The drive can be broken down into 3 segments. There are multiple, multiple outlooks. Go on line and see what some of best outlooks are for the segment you are traveling and mark these on the physical map. The physical map is very helpful to have the passenger read from because it's not as easy to see on a phone screen. Same thing with any hikes you would like to take. Investigate them ahead of time and take enough water with you.
If you are active military or a veteran with ID showing that status, you will not be charged the car entrance fee.
The drive can be broken down into 3 segments. There are multiple, multiple outlooks. Go on line and see what some of best outlooks are for the segment you are traveling and mark these on the physical map. The physical map is very helpful to have the passenger read from because it's not as easy to see on a phone screen. Same thing with any hikes you would like to take. Investigate them ahead of time and take enough water with you.
If you are active military or a veteran with ID showing that status, you will not be charged the car entrance fee.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,015 contributions
Oct 2021
The park service does a wonderful job maintaining and highlighting this "great American drive". When we visited they were improving the surface at one point, even though it did appear to need it, so you drive on a very curvy, but very smooth road. There are many, dozens, or turnouts and viewpoints, each worth stopping at. Many have interpretive signs about the park, the road, or the area. The turnouts also let you pull over when another driver is imagining Le Mans in their SUV. I don't know if anyone ever drives the full length of the road, simply because there are so many places to eat or picnic, hike, or take pictures along the way. The road is mentioned in all park literature and any guidebook you read in preparation. Even with all that, it lives up to the hype.
Written November 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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, PA223 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, IL228 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, MI220 contributions
I’m thinking of traveling from Michigan with my daughter late March of 2021. Is the Skyline Drive open then?
Ellen B
Bear, DE349 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, OH1,073 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, SC737 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, MA973 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, UK210 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, Ireland33,689 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.
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 1 Skyline Drive tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Skyline Drive:
- (0.64 mi) Shadow Mountain Escape
- (0.59 mi) Loft Mountain Campground
- (5.68 mi) South Court Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (7.22 mi) Hopkins Ordinary Bed & Breakfast
- (5.18 mi) The Inn of the Shenandoah
- Restaurants near Skyline Drive:
- (1.31 mi) Brookside Restaurant & Cabins
- (7.08 mi) Three Blacksmiths
- (7.07 mi) Triple Crown BBQ
- (5.56 mi) West Main Market
- (5.34 mi) Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe
- Attractions near Skyline Drive:
- (1.80 mi) Bear Mountain Ziplines
- (1.95 mi) Stony Man Mountain Hike
- (0.71 mi) Shenandoah National Park
- (0.59 mi) Burg E-Bike Tours
- (1.95 mi) Mary's Rock Summit Trail