Skyline Drive is a stunning 105-mile stretch of road that takes drivers straight through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. It also happens to be the only road that cuts through the park and, along the way, fantastic vistas from its 70 or so overlook points provide cascading views from the mountain range. It's known as one of the most scenic drives in the world and does not disappoint... if one is brave enough to travel its switchbacks.
No drive is complete, though, without pulling off to the side to take in the views. Although the drive can be completed in full within three hours, it's made even more worth it by knowing how to navigate this unbelievable mountaintop road.
Knowing The Entrance Stations Onto Skyline Drive
While Skyline Drive is the only way in and out of Shenandoah National Park and through the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are four different entrances that give drivers access to various sections of the road. It's also important to note that the speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 MPH, and drivers should be wary of white-tailed deer and black bears that may cross the road. The entrances are as follows:
Front Royal Gap Entrance Station
- At mile 0
- Off Route 340
Thornton Gap Entrance Station
- At mile 31.5
- Off Route 211
Swift Run Gap Entrance Station
- At mile 65.7
- Off Route 33
Rockfish Gap Entrance Station
- At mile 105
- Off Route 250
Visitor's Centers On Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive is also home to two visitor's centers which are worth stopping at for newcomers. Both centers offer information about the park, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the wildlife that calls it home. One of them is home to an introductory orientation movie, which is a great addition to any trip through the Blue Ridge, especially for those who plan on hiking or taking in the views from the overlooks.
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
For those coming from the north end of Skyline Drive, the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center will be easy to find near mile 4.6. This should be the first stop for travelers if only to watch the national park orientation movie, which is part of what makes Shenandoah National Park so unique - it's one of the only national parks to showcase a film like this. Additionally, visitors will find bathrooms, exhibits on the park and its wildlife, a bookstore, information desk, maps, permit request papers, and other helpful pamphlets about the area.
Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center
Roughly 46 miles away on the opposite end of Skyline Drive is the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center, which is located in Big Meadows, offering expansive views of the valley in which it sits. Ideally, it's best to hit both visitor centers and while there's no specific order, coming from the north and heading south to Harry F. Byrd provides a better experience. Harry F. Byrd is a gateway to several hiking trails as well as Big Meadows Campground and has all the same features as Dickey Ridge with the exception of the national park movie. Visitors will also find a snack bar and a gas station here, so it makes sense to gas up prior to getting on Skyline Drive, and then fueling up for a second time at Harry F. Byrd, as it's the only gas station in Shenandoah National Park.
Stopping At Skyline Drive's Best Overlooks
While a seemingly infinite number of overlooks line Skyline Drive, there are only five that are truly worth adding to the list for their scenic beauty. It's here that visitors can get views of the Blue Ridge as well as the valleys without hiking or doing so much as lacing up hiking boots. Here they are in order of appearance when starting at mile 0 near Front Royal, Virginia:
Range View Overlook
This overlook features views of the surrounding area from an elevation of 2,810 feet, from Blue Ridge to Stony Man Mountain. Onlookers will be able to see all the way to the Alleghenies on a clear day.
- Mile 17.1
Hogback Overlook
As the longest overlook on Skyline Drive, visitors will be able to drive from one end to the other to see the entire view. This gives dramatic views of the Shenandoah River below as well as Massanutten Mountain and the Alleghenies.
- Mile 20.8
Spitler Knoll Overlook
Around this switchback curve, Spitler Knoll sits at the bend in the road, giving astounding views of Page Valley and the Shenandoah Valley. The town seen below is the town of Stanley, which resides in Page Valley.
- Mile 48.1
Big Run Overlook
While the views from the previous three overlooks have been fairly breathtaking up to this point, it's Big Run Overlook that's packing a punch. This vantage point provides incredible views of the stream running below (the largest in the park), Rockytop Ridge, the quartz summit of Rocky Mountain, and Brown Mountain Overlook.
- Mile 81.2
Crimora Lake Overlook
As the highest overlook on the list, Crimora Lake sits at an elevation of 2,985 feet, giving off views of Turk Mountain and Rocks Mountain, with Crimora Lake in the center. This lake is historic as a mining relic, and it's also home to more magnesium than any other place in the country, according to skylinedriveoverlooks.com.
- Mile 92.6