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
29 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Lisa JPlant City, Florida710 contributionsJust BeautifulI 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 2022Written 16 December 2022
- Joseph PBarboursville, West Virginia9 contributionsIt's amazingI 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 January 2023
- MTB-Illinois234 contributionsBeautiful DriveIt 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 2023Written 11 March 2023
- Sarah MPurcellville, Virginia127 contributionsExcellent 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 April 2023
- jim19034Fort Washington, Pennsylvania35 contributionsI found solitude and peaceI 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 11 April 2023
- Jerry W49 contributionsBeautiful driveMy 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2023
- JoeCosentinoWhitesboro, New York149 contributionsNice side trip if you want to get off of art 81 and have a few extra hoursThe 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 parkVisited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 May 2023
- Ocean 215Coopersburg, Pennsylvania86 contributionsScenic, peacuful driveScenic 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 June 2023
- Jeana P766 contributionsBeautiful drive; waterfallsWe 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 July 2023
- Andrea N9 contributionsQuick Stop - Mile 9 FallsAmazing 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
2,784 reviews
Excellent
2,125
Very good
528
Average
110
Poor
15
Terrible
6
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!
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.
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.
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.
Travel Queen
Washington DC, DC17 contributions
Are there places to stop off and eat on the drive ? Of do any recommendations
Roger B
Melrose Park, IL245 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, DE428 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, OH1,188 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, SC806 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, MA996 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, UK215 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, Ireland38,356 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?
RissiMan
Innerkip, Canada30 contributions
I'd do it both ways, especially if over two different days. We had one day overcast and one day Sunny and it was amazing the difference.
Plus one day stop at the overlooks on one side and the next day the overlooks on the other side of the road, you will not regret it
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Claim your listingSKYLINE DRIVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Skyline Drive
- 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
- (0.94 km) Blackrock Summit Trail
- (0.94 km) Compton Gap Trail