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Scenic drive · Luray, Virginia
Skyline Drive
The roughly 169 km road that runs along the crest of Shenandoah National Park, with dozens of overlooks, trails, and visitor areas such as Skyland and Big Meadows.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Skyline Drive
The Skyline Drive was built in the 1930s along the Blue Ridge crest, together with the creation of Shenandoah National Park. It runs about 169 km between Front Royal to the north and Rockfish Gap to the south, where it continues as the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Speed limits are low, about 56 km/h, and the road has dozens of stone overlooks over the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont hills to the east. Numbered mileposts along the road help locate trails, visitor centers, and picnic areas.
Four entrances provide access to the road: Front Royal, Thornton Gap (near Luray), Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap. In the central section are Skyland, the highest part of the road with the Stony Man trail, and Big Meadows, with the Byrd visitor center and open fields where deer often graze.
Black bears live in the park and sometimes cross the road. Sections of the drive can close for snow, ice, or heavy fog.
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
From half a day to two days, depending on the stretch and stops.
Best time
Mid-October to early November for fall colors; April to June for wildflowers. At sunrise and sunset, the low light enhances the mountains and overlooks are less crowded.
How to get there
Via the entrances at Front Royal to the north, Thornton Gap—about 15 km from Luray on US-211—Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap to the south.
Tip
Fuel up before entering: there are few gas stations in the park. Check road conditions on the park website before you go, especially in winter, and do not feed wildlife.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Skyline Drive
How long does it take to drive Skyline Drive?
About three to four hours without stops, due to the low speed; with overlooks and hikes, one to two days.
Is Skyline Drive open year-round?
It is, but sections can close for snow, ice or fog. Check conditions before you go.
Can you see bears on Skyline Drive?
Black bears live in the park and sometimes appear near the road, especially early morning and late afternoon. Keep your distance.