Exploring Skyline Drive: A Scenic Journey Through Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive is a very scenic drive running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the US state of Virginia, that runs the entire length of the Shenandoah National Park. Inclement weather may necessitate closure of Skyline Drive at any time.
Can you drive Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park?
Skyline Drive is totally paved. It is the only public road through the Shenandoah National Park. Authorities keep the speed limit at 35 mph (56 kmh) throughout the park in order to protect the animals that often cross the roadway. The speed limit within the park is strictly enforced by park police. RVs, camping trailers, and horse trailers are welcome, but be prepared to shift into low gear. Be sure you will clear Marys Rock Tunnel (mile 32.2), with a maximum clearance of 12'8". There are also deer, bears, and other wildlife, which may appear and cross the road without warning. These all require extra precaution.
Where does Shenandoah Skyline Drive start and end?
Part of Virginia State Route 48, the drive is 105-mile (169-km) long running south-north from I-64, near Afton, to US-340, near Front Royal.
Is Skyline Drive closed?
The road is typically open all year round (24 hours a day / 7 days a week), with the occasional closure in winters due to dangerous weather conditions (snowy or icy conditions). Because of cold mountain temperatures, it can take several days to reopen the road after winter storms.
How long does it take to drive the Skyline Drive?
To drive the winding road without stopping will take most people between 3 and 4 hours. However, you’ll want to make many stops along the way to check out all of the views. The drive is dotted with various campsites and visitor centers along the route as well. Drivers will see stunning views of mountains and valleys, flowers and wildlife as they wind 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). These posts help you find your way through the park and help you locate areas of interest. Drivers will see stunning views of mountains and valleys, flowers and wildlife as they wind through the park. Remember to roll down your windows, feel the breeze and experience every curve and turn of this beautiful drive. There are 75 overlooks that offer stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the rolling Piedmont to the east.
When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park?
Tucked away in the Eastern United States, fall is an especially popular time to travel along the road, with its colorful foliage from late September to mid-November, providing miles of brightly colored foliage to enjoy. Spring is also a great time to visit with spectacular views of wildflowers and mountain laurel in an explosion of color. Skyline Drive draws over 1.2 million visitors every year.