Skyline Drive is a 105-mile (169 km) road that runs the entire length of the National Park Service's Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, generally along the ridge of the mountains. It’s incredibly easy to do, too. 1.9 miles from Skyline Drive 250 (also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). Bicycles, motor vehicles, and pedestrians share the road. The roadway then makes a hairpin turn to the southwest. This section cost $1,570,479 or … If there are no staff at the entrance stations when you first arrive at the Park, you may proceed into the Park and pay your fee when you exit. [5][10], Past the US 211 interchange, Skyline Drive continues to the southeast past Panorama, which is site of restrooms. The road heads along the border between Rockingham and Greene counties as it runs southerly. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was formed in 1933 and would have a hand in the construction of Skyline Drive. Groundbreaking for Skyline Drive took place in 1931. The roadway passes through Smith Roach Gap and comes to the Bacon Hollow Overlook to the south, where it curves to the west. [5][10], From here, the road continues southwesterly and passes to the west of Jones Run Parking, where a trail leads to Jones Run Falls, before heading east of Blackrock Summit Parking. Allow yourself at least three hours to do the entire drive, as the speed limit is only 35mph and the road is a series of narrow curves and windy turns. The roadway heads west and straddles the boundary between Page and Rappahannock counties, coming to Mathews Arm, where a campground and ranger station are located. A free Annual Pass is also available for members of the United States Armed Forces and fourth graders can get free admission for their whole family through the Every Kid in a Park Pass. Luray, VA The scenic drive is particularly popular in the fall for leaf peeping when the leaves are changing colors. [5][10], Following the US 33 interchange, Skyline Drive heads southwest. Skyline Drive comes to an interchange with US 211 at the Thornton Gap Entrance Station, which is located in Thornton Gap to the east of Luray and the west of Sperryville. 6.8 miles from Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive The National Scenic Byway that rides along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and through the heart of Shenandoah National Park! A tunnel was constructed at this location as opposed to a cut. Skyline Drive winds its way across the crest of the Blue Ridge, cutting across the park’s heart from north to south. Be sure to save room for a local Shenandoah favorite, our Signature Blackberry Ice Cream Pie! [17], Skyline Drive was originally lined with miles of chestnut log guardrails. The road between Jarman Gap and Rockfish Gap was built as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1939 and was incorporated into Skyline Drive in 1961. Skyline Drive continues along and comes to the Jeremys Run Overlook on the west side of the road before it winds to the east. The roadway comes to the east-facing Thornton Hollow Overlook and heads back to the south, coming to the Beahms Gap Parking on the west side of the road. Shenandoah National Park Home Page. Skyline Drive is designated a National Scenic Byway and a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re driving further south, the town makes the perfect stopping point for the night before getting on the Blue Ridge Parkway and continuing south. [8] Skyline Drive is designated a National Scenic Byway.[9]. This 105-mile stretch runs the entire length of the long and narrow park, following the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The road curves south and passes through the Front Royal Entrance Station, where a ranger station is located. Skyline Drive winds south and reaches the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, which has a ranger station, picnic grounds, and restrooms. Think about how much time you have to explore Shenandoah National Park. It is accessible via I-64 and Route 250. In 1983, the Federal Highway Administration began work to replace several of the original stone walls on the drive with concrete walls that used the original stone as a veneer. Past here, the road heads south and comes to a bridge over I-64 before it reaches an interchange with US 250 that provides access to I-64 in Rockfish Gap in Augusta County, which is located east of Waynesboro and west of Charlottesville. This guide describes 110 hikes covering more than 430 miles of trails. Three different companies were awarded contracts for bituminous surfacing of the road. Park Webcam images provided in part by entrance fee funding and a generous donation from the National Park Foundation. RVs, camping trailers, and horse trailers are welcome, but be prepared to shift into low gear. Winter on Skyline Drive is Quiet The highlight of any trip to Shenandoah National Park is completing the 105-mile long Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive Skyline Drive is a 105-mile-long scenic byway that runs north-south through Shenandoah National Park. Finally, in 1934, the first 34-mile segment of Skyline Drive was opened and on July 3, 1936, Shenandoah National Park itself was dedicated by President Roosevelt. $801.77. The 200-site Loft Mountain ($15), the biggest in the park, is located at mile 79.5, at the southern end of Skyline Drive, on top of Big Flat Mountain with big views into Shenandoah Valley. Shenandoah National Park lodging inside Shenandoah Park is most likely full at this time of the year, but ask your National Park Reservations agent about available Shenandoah hotels at either end of the gorgeous Skyline Drive. Finally, in 1934, the first 34-mile segment of Skyline Drive was opened and on July 3, 1936, Shenandoah National Park itself was dedicated by President Roosevelt. Shenandoah National Park is the place to go. At this interchange, Skyline Drive ends and the road continues to the south as the Blue Ridge Parkway. Watching a sunrise in Shenandoah National Park is one of the five absolute highlights in this magnificent park in central Virginia. Skyline Drive continues to the south to Lewis Mountain, where a campground, picnic grounds, lodging, and restrooms are located. Skyline Drive is … 356 Ruffners Ferry Rd, Luray, VA 22835-4402. Skyline Drive takes a winding north–south path along the mountaintops of the Blue Ridge Mountains east of the Shenandoah River from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap, serving as the only public road through Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah National Park – The intersection of Skyline Drive with the Blue Ridge Parkway is the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park and the start of the road at Rockfish Gap. On July 18 of that year, an official groundbreaking for Skyline Drive took place. Shenandoah National Park is the home to endless natural beauty. Explore Shenandoah National Park Today. Skyline Drive begins at an intersection with US 340 south of Front Royal in Warren County, heading east into dense forests in Shenandoah National Park as a two-lane undivided road. The drive continues to the south and passes Limberlost Parking on the east side and the west-facing Timber Hollow Overlook. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The more notice you have, the better. Food Stops Along Skyline Drive Our culinary teams at Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge set the table with traditional favorites like roasted turkey and famous fried chicken - as well as lighter, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and seasonal selections. You can enter Shenandoah at four places. There are several Shenandoah hotels that should have availability. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A $30.00 pass is valid for unlimited entrances within a seven-day period for a private non-commercial vehicle. The road has intermediate interchanges with US 211 in Thornton Gap and US 33 in Swift Run Gap. [5][7][10] Skyline Drive winds south past Blackrock and turns to the west. [11], In 1924, the Southern Appalachian National Park Committee was searching for a site for a national park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia that would be easily accessible from major cities on the East Coast of the United States such as Washington, D.C. and settled on the current site of Shenandoah National Park. 211, Swift Run Gap at Rt. Remember, your fee dollars go towards projects that have direct benefits for the visitors! Skyline Drive is a 105-mile (169 km) road that runs the entire length of the National Park Service's Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, generally along the ridge of the mountains. Shenandoah National Park Entrance Fees. The fee is not a toll charged to drive on the road, but rather an entry fee for the park itself. Farther to the south, Skyline Drive reaches Hawksbill Gap Parking, where a trail leads to Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park at 4,051 feet (1,235 m). For other roads with the same name, see, Road map of Skyline Drive showing nearby major roads and cities in west-central and northwestern Virginia, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, List of National Historic Landmarks in Virginia, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, "Shenandoah National Park: Driving Skyline Drive", "Shenandoah National Park: Entrance Fees", "Shenandoah National Park: The Greatest Single Feature", "Shenandoah National Park: Skyline Drive History", "NHL nomination for Skyline Drive Historic District", Shenandoah National Park official website, Skyline Drive, From Front Royal, VA to Rockfish Gap, VA, Luray, Page County, VA, National Register of Historic Places listings in Shenandoah National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Skyline_Drive&oldid=992256724, National Register of Historic Places in Shenandoah National Park, Roads on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia, Works Progress Administration in Virginia, Historic American Engineering Record in Virginia, Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia, Park buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia, Transportation in Augusta County, Virginia, Transportation in Albemarle County, Virginia, Transportation in Rockingham County, Virginia, Transportation in Greene County, Virginia, Transportation in Madison County, Virginia, Transportation in Rappahannock County, Virginia, Transportation in Warren County, Virginia, Tourist attractions in Augusta County, Virginia, Tourist attractions in Albemarle County, Virginia, Tourist attractions in Rockingham County, Virginia, Tourist attractions in Greene County, Virginia, Tourist attractions in Page County, Virginia, Tourist attractions in Madison County, Virginia, Tourist attractions in Rappahannock County, Virginia, Tourist attractions in Warren County, Virginia, National Register of Historic Places in Madison County, Virginia, National Register of Historic Places in Warren County, Virginia, National Register of Historic Places in Rappahannock County, Virginia, National Register of Historic Places in Rockingham County, Virginia, National Register of Historic Places in Augusta County, Virginia, National Register of Historic Places in Albemarle County, Virginia, National Register of Historic Places in Page County, Virginia, National Register of Historic Places in Greene County, Virginia, Articles using NRISref without a reference number, Infobox road temporary tracking category 1, Infobox road instances in the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Historic Park Landscapes in National and State Parks MPS, December 4, 2006; July 2, 1997; June 18, 2003, Thornton Gap Entrance Station, interchange, Swift Run Gap Entrance Station, interchange, This page was last edited on 4 December 2020, at 09:26. Located just outside of Harrisonburg, the Shenandoah National Park is a national treasure which includes the scenic 105-mile long Skyline Drive – a designated National Scenic Byway. Skyland, located at miles 41.7 and 42.5 on Skyline Drive, was founded in 1888 by George Freeman Pollock Jr. Mr. Pollock, who chose the perfect spot for his summer retreat at 3,680 feet, with breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and cool mountain breezes.It encompasses 36 acres in Shenandoah National Park with 28 buildings situated on 16 of those acres along the crests and wooded areas. May, 1933. This guide describes 110 hikes covering more than 430 miles of trails. The road continues southerly to the Gooney Knob Overlook facing southwest, at which point it turns to the east and winds through Low Gap. The magnificent Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles from Front Royal to Waynesboro along the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park. Farther south, the roadway reaches Dickey Hill. Some trails will lead you to spectacular waterfalls or viewpoints while others penetrate deep into Shenandoah's wilderness. [11] An annual park pass costs $55.00 for a private non-commercial vehicle. While the park is open, parts of Skyline Drive will close to cars if the weather is not safe in winter. [14] The road was proposed to be named Hoover Highway, but would instead become known as Skyline Drive. The … [14] The CCC graded the slopes on both sides of the roadway, built guardrails and stone walls, constructed overlooks, and planted thousands of trees and shrubs along the parkway. S kyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the park.. You can enter Shenandoah at four places. Rockfish Gap Entrance Station at Rt. The road has intermediate interchanges with The drive continues along and passes through the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station, where a ranger station is located. [13] In 1929, President Herbert Hoover, who established a summer home in the area, called for the roadway to be built along the Blue Ridge Mountains. [12] The idea for the roadway was suggested by committee member William C. Gregg to Board of Shenandoah Valley, Inc. member L. Ferdinand Zerkel during a visit to Skyland. Jordan Hollow Stables #1 of 4 things to do in Stanley 246 reviews. Watching a sunrise in Shenandoah National Park is one of the five absolute highlights in this magnificent park in central Virginia. The drive's northern terminus is at an intersection with U.S. Route 340 (US 340) near Front Royal, and the southern terminus is at an interchange with US 250 near Interstate 64 (I-64) in Rockfish Gap, where the road continues south as the Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive heads past Browns Gap Parking before it comes to Dundo, where an overlook to the northwest, restrooms, picnic grounds, and Dundo Group Camp are located. The roadway heads southwest and comes to the Shenandoah Valley Overlook on the west side of the road. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, VA. 1.9 miles from Skyline Drive. Big Meadows Campground is located at Milepost 51 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, approximately two hours from Washington, DC. The Shenandoah National Park has three Skyline Drive Parkway Gas Stations! [2] On September 22, 2005, Skyline Drive was designated a National Scenic Byway. We entered Shenandoah National Park at the Front Royal Entrance and departed via the Thornton Gap Entrance, a distance of about 32 miles of the 105-mile Skyline Drive that runs through the park. [13] The creation of the park and the construction of Skyline Drive resulted in many people losing their homes either voluntarily or forcibly; several homes within the present-day park were razed. The park lies along the crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, less than 90 miles southwest of Washington, DC. Accommodations are conveniently located along Virginia's scenic attraction, Skyline Drive, at the following mile markers: Skyland - miles 41.7 and 42.5 ; Big Meadows Lodge - mile 51 We entered Shenandoah National Park at the Front Royal Entrance and departed via the Thornton Gap Entrance, a distance of about 32 miles of the 105-mile Skyline Drive that runs through the park. [13] The road was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 28, 1997. The stunning road works its way along the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, looking out over the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. The Best of Shenandoah National Park: A Guide to Trails and the Skyline Drive (Tag-Along Book) The first section of the road was to be built from the Rapidan Camp to the Skyland Resort, but would be extended from Swift Run Gap to Thornton Gap. The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the park. Skyline Drive Information. Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park Maps Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia just west of Washington, D.C. and stretches 105 miles from its northern entrance at Front Royal to its southern entrance near Waynesboro, VA. Upon reaching the south-facing Range View Overlook, the roadway turns to the west along a winding path, bending southwest The drive passes the Mount Marshall Overlook on the east side, at which point it heads west. The drive winding south through Jarman Gap before it curves southwest and continues to the west-facing Calf Mountain Overlook, where it turns to the southeast. The drive continues to the south and passes the Stony Man Overlook and the Little Stony Man Parking on the west side of the road, where a trail leads to Stony Man Mountain. Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. The road passes Pinnacles, where restrooms and picnic grounds are located, and runs through the Hughes River Gap. There is a dining room, family-friendly entertainment, ranger guided programs, horseback riding and a … Emergency Phone: 1-800-732-0911. Skyline Drive Hours. The portion of Skyline Drive from Swift Run Gap to Jarman Gap was opened to traffic on August 29, 1939, costing $1,666,528 (equivalent to $24.5 million in 2019,[16]). Some 70 overlooks line Skyline Drive, offering you a scenic view every 1.5 miles on average. As part of the recommendation for the park was the "greatest single feature" to be a "sky-line drive" that would provide views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont to the east. In this section, I’ll briefly answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Skyline Drive passes through Beagle Gap, winding to the south. If you have any other questions, most of them will be answered elsewhere in this post. Shenandoah Skyline Drive FAQ. Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap was completed in the summer of 1934 and opened to the public on September 15, 1934. Skyline Drive is a two-lane road that has 75 overlooks providing views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont to the east. The drive's northern terminus is at an intersection with U.S. Route 340 (US 340) near Front Royal, and the southern terminus is at an interchange with US 250 near Interstate 64 (I-64) in Rockfish Gap, where the road continues south as the Blue Ridge Parkway. Deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other woodland animals call Shenandoah home and regularly cross Skyline Drive in their daily travels. Package includes lodging, dinner, a bottle of Shenandoah Private Label Wine and more at Big Meadows Lodge or Skyland. Biking and horseback riding are other recreational activities that are allowed on the road. This section of the roadway included the Marys Rock Tunnel, a tunnel that was bored through Marys Rock. Concrete posts numbered every mile keep you apprised of your whereabouts. If you want a closer look, be sure to pull completely off the road and stay in your vehicle. The road passes through the Marys Rock Tunnel under Mary's Rock and winds to the south. The roadway passes west of the Meadow Spring Parking before coming to the south-facing Pinnacles Overlook, where it winds to the west. The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park. As you travel along Skyline Drive you will notice mileposts on the west side of the road (right side if you are traveling south, left if you are heading north). In this series, the Annual Pass costs $80.00, the Annual Senior Pass costs $20.00, the lifetime Senior Pass costs $80.00, the lifetime Access Pass allows free admission for persons with disabilities, and the Volunteer Pass allows free admission for volunteers who work 250 service hours for the following year. Skyline Drive draws over 1.2 million visitors every year, and is famous for bursting into a landscape of rainbow-colored foliage every autumn. Various passes allow for admission to the park. The speed limit is 35 mph, so feel free to roll down your windows, feel the breeze, and experience every curve and turn of this beautiful drive. These posts help you find your way through the Park and help you locate areas of interest. On the west side of the drive, mileposts are present. The roadway heads north before a hairpin turn to the south at Blackrock Gap, where it closely follows the border between Augusta and Albemarle counties. The tunnel was justified as a money-saving measure but was also suggested to challenge Bureau of Public Roads and National Park Service landscape architects. Gradually, the orange of sassafras and the red of maple trees are mixed between boxwood and hickory trees. Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park Take a drive. The drive continues to the south-southwest and reaches South River, which is home to restrooms and picnic grounds. [5][10] At the Milam Gap Parking, a trail leads east to the Rapidan Camp, where President Herbert Hoover had a summer residence from 1929 to 1932. It looks like a small slice of wild paradise, filled with wildflowers in the spring, incredible foliage in the fall, and opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park, Mile Marker 79.5. Big Meadows is also site of the Byrd Visitor Center and a wayside with a restaurant, gas station, gift shop, and camp store. Skyline Drive Information. Improvements have been made to the roadway since it was built. By the end of October, the entire park will be covered with frosts. [7] The road passes Hazeltop before it passes through Bootens Gap, where it straddles the boundary of Page and Greene counties. 66 and 340. Day 1: Skyline Drive. Shenandoah National Park would eventually benefit from ten CCC camps. Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive in Virginia. Skyline Drive is 105 miles worth of incredible vistas from Front Royal south to Rockfish Gap, where it connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the south end in Rockfish Gap it connects to the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a free-access road that continues southward along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive reaches its highest point at an elevation of 3,680 feet (1,120 m) and continues southwesterly. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. The drive can also close for a short time following snow or ice storms. Skyline Drive is Shenandoah National Park’s linear conduit, with 75 overlooks connecting travelers to all the major visitor centers, campgrounds, lodges, picnic areas and most trailheads. [17] On October 1, 1936, the drive was completed between Front Royal and Thornton Gap at a cost of $1,235,177 (equivalent to $18.2 million in 2019,[16]). The drive traverses Pass Mountain as it continues to the south. Skyline Drive is closed from dusk to dawn from November to early January to ensure rangers can control illegal hunting. There are 75 overlooks throughout the drive, providing views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont to the east. Some trails will lead you to spectacular waterfalls or viewpoints while others penetrate deep into Shenandoah's wilderness. The funds for the first stretch of the drive came from the Federal Drought Relief Administration and employed local farmers and apple pickers who suffered from a severe drought in 1930.
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