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Viewpoint and visitor centre · Front Royal, Virginia
North Entrance and Dickey Ridge
The start of the Skyline Drive, in Front Royal, with the Dickey Ridge visitor center, overlooks of the valley and short forest trails.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About North Entrance and Dickey Ridge
The Skyline Drive begins at the park’s northern entrance, a few kilometers from Front Royal’s center. Just past the entrance station, the road climbs in curves along the slope and reaches, near milepost 4.6, the Dickey Ridge visitor center.
The building was a restaurant in the 1930s and today houses exhibits about the park’s nature, a short film, ranger information and a shop. From the terrace the view opens over the Shenandoah Valley and the town below.
Short trails depart from there, such as the Fox Hollow Trail, which passes ruins of an old farmstead and the Fox family cemetery, who lived there before the park was created.
In the first 30 km of the Skyline Drive are overlooks like the Shenandoah Valley Overlook and the Signal Knob Overlook, with views of the folds of the Massanutten Ridge.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to three hours.
Best time
From April to November, when the visitor center is open; from mid-October to early November, for the fall colors.
How to get there
The north entrance is on US-340, about 2 km from downtown Front Royal. Dickey Ridge is about 7 km from the entrance.
Tip
Park entry is paid per vehicle. On October weekends, the line at the booth can be long: arrive early.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about North Entrance and Dickey Ridge
Where does Skyline Drive start?
At the north entrance of Shenandoah National Park, in Front Royal, on US-340.
Is the Dickey Ridge visitor center open year-round?
No; it usually opens from spring through late autumn. Check the park website for dates.
Which trail to do near Dickey Ridge?
The Fox Hollow Trail, a short trail that passes ruins and the cemetery of a family who lived there before the park.