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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  • Lisa J
    Plant City, Florida710 contributions
    Just Beautiful
    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.
    Visited November 2022
    Written 16 December 2022
  • Joseph P
    Barboursville, West Virginia9 contributions
    It's amazing
    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.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 29 January 2023
  • MTB-Illinois
    234 contributions
    Beautiful Drive
    It was a beautiful day for a drive. Enjoyed the Skyline Drive. We drove from Rockfish Gap to 211. We exited to explore Luray Caverns and opted to drive back on 341 through the valleys that we viewed from Skyline. There is a fee to enter but the National Park Pass is an option and can be used throughout the year.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 11 March 2023
  • Sarah M
    Purcellville, Virginia127 contributions
    Excellent drive! Just don’t go till summer.
    What a lovely drive!! As another reviewer said, the only reason I didn’t give this five stars is because of the time of year. I thought early April was a good idea, especially since it was 82 degrees the previous day, but it snowed, hailed, and rained on the drive, and many of the trees were barren. Still, though, it was super relaxing and adventurous at the same time, and I’m hoping to go again when the weather’s nicer:)
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 7 April 2023
  • jim19034
    Fort Washington, Pennsylvania35 contributions
    I found solitude and peace
    I had no idea how wonderful the sights and sounds would be having hiked just a mile from Skyline drive. I am not a hiker at all but when my wife and daughter took off for the summit, I found a soft and beautiful trail that was just my pace but I found it a spiritual experience. It vastly exceeded my jaded expectations.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 11 April 2023
  • Jerry W
    49 contributions
    Beautiful drive
    My wife and I drove the entire length of Skyline Drive from its south entrance to its northern exit. The drive took a little longer than 3 hours. There were frequent turnouts which afforded fantastic views. The highest points are about 3000 feet and unlike similar drives in places like Colorado, I did not find the drive to be harrowing. This is another one of our national treasures which need to be protected and preserved for future generations. Beautiful drive.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 April 2023
  • JoeCosentino
    Whitesboro, New York149 contributions
    Nice side trip if you want to get off of art 81 and have a few extra hours
    The park is a place I never drove before, I drove et 81 plenty of times so this time we took the side trip, the look outs are good but pretty much the view looks the same from each. We had a hazy day and it wasn’t at sunrise or sunset. My guess is sunset would be a nice tine to take the drive. Over all I am happy to get this park on my done list, we did not have any time for hiking and really exploring the nooks and crannies of the park
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 May 2023
  • Ocean 215
    Coopersburg, Pennsylvania86 contributions
    Scenic, peacuful drive
    Scenic drive through the Shenandoah National park. Skyline drive is 105 miles long. The speed limit is 35 MPH the entire way. Lots of places to pull over for amazing views. There is only one gas station along the route and it was closed for renovations while we were there. The price is also higher so get gas before you enter the park. There are quite a few places to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. There are several visitors centers with lots of good information and gift shops. Some of them also have food and drinks. The drive is a great way for someone with limited mobility to be able to enjoy the Park. Many of the overlooks have a small plaque with facts or history of the area. Be careful of cyclists who are biking the drive also. We saw quite a few.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 June 2023
  • Jeana P
    766 contributions
    Beautiful drive; waterfalls
    We started our drive at the Front Royal entrance. The ranger at the Visitor Center was helpful in identifying for us pet friendly hikes. Dogs are not allowed on certain trails. She told us about a hike that was just past the 9 mile marker at a turn off that could be easy to miss. There is a small parking area. The trail leads to a beautiful waterfall that was in full splendor due to recent rains. Lots to see and do in this stunning park!
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 July 2023
  • Andrea N
    9 contributions
    Quick Stop - Mile 9 Falls
    Amazing drive even during some haze. Found a beautiful small falls off Mile 9. About 3/4 of a mile each way. Park at Lands Run Parking. Worth the stop! Also don’t Miss Dark Hallow Falls at Mile 50, spectacular!
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

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2,784 reviews
Excellent
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Colette K
Hillsdale, NJ134 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Like all of National Parks, this one didn't disappoint! The scenic Skyline Drive is well maintained and has so many overlooks to enjoy along the way. The road is very curvey but safe. You can spend the entire day driving if you take every overlook stop.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ajay S
Ashburn, VA38 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
I’ve been on Skyline drive countless times and every time I enjoy it like first time. A must do in Virginia, the Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles. I took my family yesterday, a Sunday in late October. I was hoping to see not too many people but to my surprise it took us 45 minutes to get to the entrance. But once on the drive it was so much fun. The fall foliage is so beautiful and the camera just doesn’t “see” what eyes see. This time, unfortunately, we didn’t see any wildlife but enjoyed every second.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sam
Washington DC, DC11,997 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is the best drive in the whole DMV area. Wish I’ve spent more time driving around and relaxing. Fall season is also the best time to visit. Forest was all yellow!
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

D-Tektn
California, MO545 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Today’s adventure was in Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive in Virginia. This drive was so beautiful. The northern part was pretty much done with the color except yellow and the leaves were falling. Central and southern drive was pretty vivid with red, yellow, and orange. The views along the pull offs were breathtaking, although I feel like last week would have been the best for color. I noted there was no fishing in the park because of the drought conditions there were in. I didn’t see any deer or bears, they may have seen me, but I was happy they didn’t tag my vehicle. There was a wildfire in the northern area and some views were a tad obscured. I can’t tell you the number of times that I stopped at a pull off and said WOW!
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maureen B
Palmyra, PA88 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
You won’t be disappointed with a trip to Shenandoah National Park. There are many places to pull over and take in the wonderful views. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the fresh outdoors.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

4PAfam
Wrightsville, PA130 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Please respect and adhere to the 35 mph speed limit for people to take your time to enjoy the scenery and views. We had an impatient motorcyclist dangerously passing people. This is a leisure drive not a race course. Prepare for sudden stops as people wish to pull off and enjoy the overlooks. Don't follow too closely. We all pay to be in the park. So, we should be able to take our time to see it all. This drive is most beautiful when the leaves are changing but I'm sure other times are just as lovely.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vacationer794885
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A must do Park, plan on all day and buy the TripAdvisor Self-Driving Audio Tour. We were not sure about the $15, but it was well with it, adding so much info and history.
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

debwilltravel
Fort Myers, FL110 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is a very pretty drive, especially in October. It’s cooler and the colors are starting to change. There are plenty of opportunities to stop at overlooks, park to hike or stop for a picnic. There is also at least two stores for treats and ample restrooms.

Make it better by buying the very affordable self-guided audio tour!
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CoasterNerdett
Belfast, UK350 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I had already purchased an 'america the beautiful pass'. We had decided to stay outside the park for 5days to explore the area, We decided to drive this in parts, did a couple of hikes, stopped at view points and... It is lovely, the national park staff are so friendly and the views are great but from just driving about the area- so many views in this area are also fantastic without the price of admission.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SteveK28762
Worcestershire, UK95 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
105 miles through beautiful Shenandoah National Park, make sure you you have the time to savour everything on view. The speed limit is 35 mph, so it's 3 hours without stops, and there will be stops. It's tempting to stop at every parking place to enjoy the view, but you'd never make it to the end, so you have to be selective.
On the way, we saw deer, a groundhog, and the star of the show, a bear crossing the road... amazing. Worth the drive just for that moment.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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SKYLINE DRIVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Skyline Drive