Everything you need to know about Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah State Park

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – The Skyline Drive is a 105-mile road located along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah National Park.

The Skyline Drive travels north and south and takes about three hours to drive the entirety on a nice day. It is the only public road that goes through Shenandoah National Park.

The drive is typically open 24/7 but it may change due to the weather, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

There are four places to enter Shenandoah National Park along Skyline Drive:

• Front Royal Entrance Stadium
  • Located by Route 66 and 340 in Front Royal
  • It is the start of the Skyline Drive
• Thorton Gap Entrance Station
  • Located by Route 211 near Luray
  • It is 31.5 miles into the drive
• Swift Run Gap Entrance Station
  • Located by Route 33 near Elkton
  • It is 65.5 miles into the Skyline Drive
• Rockfish Gap Entrance Station
  • Located by Route 64 and 350 which is also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway
  • It is 104.6 miles into the drive

The National Park Service recommends that drivers follow their directions to get on Skyline Drive instead of using a GPS, as it may be incorrect when navigating Shenandoah National Park.

If you are unable to find a staff member at an entrance station, you can continue into the park but make sure to pay the fee when exiting.

There are lots of mileposts along the drive on both the north and south sides of the road. The largest area that is developed along the drive is Big Meadows, it is near the center of the park and located at mile 51. These mileposts are great references for finding your way through the park and locating any landmarks.

The Shenandoah National Park has wildlife roaming throughout the park, including deer and black bears. The posted speed limit for a majority of Skyline Drive is 35 mph, so make sure to drive with caution as wildlife may cross your path.

It’s also important to note that there aren’t many chances to fill up your car or charge it along the drive so it’s important to make sure that you plan ahead.

Check the National Park Service’s page for more information on the Skyline Drive.

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