Best Scenic Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
Driving Skyline Drive is one of the best things to do when visiting Shenandoah National Park. It is the main road that runs through the park, and it takes you to 75 scenic overlooks,the trailheads for most hikes, all visitor centers, and even campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park.
Just this one drive alone will allow you to see the best of Shenandoah National Park and be the launchpad for your adventures further into the park. Read on to find out which stops along Skyline Drive you shouldn't miss!
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About Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
This 105 mile scenic drive follows the Blue Ridge Mountains from north to south the entire distance of Shenandoah National Park. Driven straight through, it would take just under 3 hours, however, you'll want to make multiple stops along the way to check out all of the amazing views and hiking trails that branch off of it.
To make the most of your time, it's recommended to enter Shenandoah NP at either the northernmost entrance at milepost 0.6, the Front Royal Entrance, or at the southernmost entrance at milepost 105.4, the Rockfish Gap Entrance. This allows you to cover the full distance of the park with minimum retracing of your steps.
Fortunately, Skyline Drive is well marked with mile markers and most must-see places in the park are labeled by their milepost. This makes it easy to follow where things are in relation to the park entrances and each other.
Map of Skyline Drive
The following Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive map features each of the four entrances – all located in Virginia. Click on them to find the address for Skyline Drive at each of the entranceways.
As you can tell from the map, Skyline Drive runs the length of the park surrounded by greenery and views for days. In this post, you'll find the best mileposts on Skyline Drive to visit for hikes, overlooks, lodging, and more!
- Front Royal Entrance to Skyline Drive
- Thornton Gap Entrance to Skyline Drive
- Swift Run Gap Entrance to Skyline Drive
- Rockfish Gap Entrance to Skyline Drive
Read more: Visiting Shenandoah National Park: What to Know Before You Go
The Best Stops on Skyline Drive
Let's take a deeper dive into the Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive and all of the amazing places along the way. Stop at one or stop at them all! If you want to take in all of the hikes along the way, you'll need more than one day to cover them all.
Mile 0.6: Front Royal Entrance (North Entrance)
The Front Royal Entrance on Skyline Drive is the northern most entrance to Shenandoah National Park. It is accessible via Highway 340, which is also called Stonewall Jackson Highway. This is one of the most popular places to enter Skyline Drive as you can make your way down the entire park from here.
Address of the Front Royal Entrance: 21073 Skyline Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Mile 4.6: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
Stop at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center to find exhibits about Shenandoah National Park. It's also a great place to find restrooms, maps, a small souvenir shop, and information about the park.
Mile 17: Range View Overlook
As you start driving down Skyline Drive, you'll start finding scenic overlooks, like Range View Overlook, that you won't want to pass by. This overlook sits at 2,810 ft and provides views of the center of Shenandoah, including Keyser Mountain, Old Rag, and Stony Man Mountain.
Mile 22.1: Mathews Arm Campground
One of the five campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park, Mathews Arm offers 165 total camping sites, including 3 group campsites. Each site provides a place for a tent, space for an RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table. If you're in need of camping supplies or food, head to Elkwallow Wayside. It's only two miles away!
Mile 24.1: Elkwallow Wayside
The Elkwallow Wayside is one of the few options for food in Shenandoah National Park. It is a great place to stop if you need something to eat or simply a restroom. It offers groceries, gifts, camping supplies, and more! It typically is only open April – November.
Mile 31.5: Thornton Gap Entrance
This central entrance to Shenandoah National Park is accessible via Highway 211. Highway 211 is also named Lee Highway. From here, you'll start to gain more elevation and enter into what some people consider to be the most beautiful part of Shenandoah NP.
Address of the Thornton Gap Entrance: 31339 Skyline Drive, Luray, Virginia 22835
Mile 31.6: Marys Rock North Trail
If you're looking for a challenging hike in Shenandoah National Park, try Marys Rock North trail. It offers some steep elevation gain and beautiful views at the top.
This trail is considered the "official trail" vs. the alternate southern option at milepost 33.5.
- Parking: Panorama parking area
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,210 ft
- Type of hike: Out & back
- Time needed: 2 hours
Check out: 28 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park & Beyond!
Mile 32.5: Tunnel Parking Overlook (Sunrise)
One of the best places to catch sunrise in Shenandoah National Park is Tunnel Parking Overlook. It sits at 2,510 ft and allows you to see two giant mountains in the distance, Skinner Ridge to the right and Oventop Mountain to the left. It's one of the most popular overlooks along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah.
Mile 32.8: Buck Hollow Overlook (Sunrise)
Looking to catch sunrise in Shenandoah National Park? Buck Hollow Overlook is one of the best options. It looks directly into the mountains facing east-northeast at an elevation of 2,710 ft. You can see Skinner Ridge on the left and Buck Ridge to the right.
Mile 33: Hazel Mountain Overlook (Sunrise)
Continue driving Skyline Drive to Hazel Mountain Overlook. Not surprisingly, you will be overlooking Hazel Mountain at this overlook. It sits at 2,770 ft and looks southeast making it a popular sunrise spot in Shenandoah NP.
Mile 33.5: Marys Rock South Trail
For the shorter easier hike to Marys Rock, take the Marys Rock South trail. It will take you up the Appalachian Trail. This trail is 3.1 miles round trip with just 800 feet of elevation gain and provides some of the same great views you'll find on the main Marys Rock trail.
- Parking: Meadow Springs parking area
- Distance: 3.1 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 784 ft
- Type of hike: Out & back
- Time needed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Mile 36.5: Jewell Hollow Overlook
Stop at this amazing scenic overlook in Shenandoah National Park, which is located at 3,320 ft of elevation. Jewell Hollow Overlook faces north-northwest and allows you to see into the Blue Ridge Mountains as they descend into the Shenandoah Valley. You'll be able to see Morning Star Lake, Leading Ridge, and Jewell Hollow from here.
Mile 40.5: Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Sunrise)
One of the best places to catch sunrise in Shenandoah National Park, Thorofare Mountain Overlook looks east and sits at 3,595 ft. It is also the highest overlook in Shenandoah National Park. From here, you can see Thorofare Mountain, Hazel Mountain, and Pinnacle Ridge. If you really look, you can catch the slopes of Old Rag Mountain in the distance from this viewpoint.
Mile 41.7: Stony Man Mountain Trail (Sunset)
The second highest peak in Shenandoah National Park at 4,040 feet is Stony Man. The short Stony Man Mountain trail starts at the Stony Man parking lot in Skyland and takes you up 300+ feet to the summit of Stony Man Mountain. It's only a 1.5 mile loop trail and will only take about 1 hour to tackle. The summit is also one of the best places to catch sunset in Shenandoah National Park.
- Milepost: 41.7
- Parking: Stony Man parking lot
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 320 feet
- Type of hike: Loop
- Time needed: 1 hour
Mile 41.7 – 42.5: Skyland Lodging, Massanutten Lodge, & Skyland Wayside
Skyland sits at the highest elevation on Skyline Drive – 3,680 ft. It is home to some of the only accommodations and food options in Shenandoah National Park, offering a wide variety of options and amenities.
For lodging in Shenandoah NP, you'll find options like small cabins, traditional rooms, suites, pet-friendly rooms, and more! Even though there is variety and over 178 guest rooms and cabins, they do sell out quickly, so book early!
At Skyland, you'll also find one of the only sit-down dining options in Shenandoah National Park. The Skyland's Pollock Dining Room is a full service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here you'll also find Mountain Taproom, with a light menu, evening entertainment, and beer and wine.
Not ready to settle in for some food and drink? Take advantage of the Grab 'n Go options, which include salads, sandwiches, snacks, and pastries. All these facilities are typically open April – November.
Mile 44: Crescent Rock Overlook
Offering some of the most scenic views in Shenandoah National Park, Crescent Rock Overlook sits at 3,550 ft and looks west. It has awesome views of the highest peak in Shenandoah, Hawksbill Peak, as well as Nakedtop, Hershberger Ridge, and into the Shenandoah Valley.
Mile 45.6: Hawksbill Summit Trail or the Hawksbill Loop
Hawksbill Summit trail, also known as Lower Hawksbill trail, is one of the most popular trails in the park as it takes you to the summit of the tallest peak in Shenandoah at 4,049 ft! It also offers amazing views when you get to the top.
- Parking: Hawksbill Gap parking area
- Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 672 feet
- Type of hike: Out & back
- Time needed: 1 – 1.25 hours
An alternative to the above, Hawksbill Loop trail gives you some of the same great views, but on a looping trail! Head counterclockwise for a more gradual ascent or challenge yourself by going clockwise with the steeper ascent.
- Parking: Hawksbill Gap parking area
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 748 feet
- Type of hike: Loop
- Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours
Mile 46: Upper Hawksbill Trail
A short but sweet trail to get to the summit of Hawksbill is Upper Hawksbill trail. You'll find it's a bit less steep than some of the other trail options.
- Parking: Upper Hawksbill parking area
- Distance: 2.1 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 488 feet
- Type of hike: Out & back
- Time needed: 1 – 1.5 hours
Mile 48.1: Spitler Knoll Overlook
Sitting at an altitude of 3,285 ft, the Spitler Knoll Overlook is one of the best scenic overlooks in Shenandoah National Park. It faces west-northwest and looks over Dovel Mountain, Dog Slaughter Ridge, Roundhead Ridge, and the town of Stanley.
Mile 49: Franklin Cliffs Overlook
This scenic overlook is one of the best options in Shenandoah National Park. Looking northwest, Franklin Cliffs sits at 3,140 ft and offers a view of Blackrock, Roundhead Ridge, and the towns of Stanley and Luray.
Mile 49.5: Rose River Falls Trail
If you're a waterfall lover, the Rose River trail may be your favorite hike in Shenandoah National Park. Follow this loop trail clockwise to take you down to Rose River Falls and then past a number of other waterfalls along the Rose River.
- Parking: Fishers Gap Overlook parking lot
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 875 feet
- Type of hike: Loop
- Time needed: 2 – 3 hours
Be prepared: What to Pack for a Day Hike: The Essential Hiking Packing List
Mile 50.7: Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Another fantastic waterfall hike in Shenandoah is Dark Hollow Falls trail. This short trail offers a quick trip out and back with very pretty views. Because it is one of the easier trails in the park, expect it to be decently crowded!
- Parking: Dark Hollow Falls parking area
- Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 560 feet
- Type of hike: Out & back
- Time needed: 1 – 1.5 hours
Mile 51: Byrd Visitor Center & Rapid Camp
Stop to find exhibits about Shenandoah National Park and the option to take a tour of Rapidan Camp, the former summer retreat of President Herbert and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. These tours do require reservations, so make sure to make reservations!
Mile 51.2: Big Meadows Lodge & Campground & Wayside
Another awesome option for lodging, food, & camping in Shenandoah National Park is Big Meadow. Typically open from early May to late October, you'll find a craft shop, playground, terrace seating, the Spottswood Dining Room, and more at this beautiful lodge.
It's the perfect place to spend a few days exploring the park and taking advantage of the picturesque surroundings. Check availability now.
If you're more of a camper, you can also check out Big Meadows Campground. It features 221 total campsites, including 2 group sites.
Mile 55.5: The Point Overlook (Sunset)
Located at an elevation of 3,235 ft and looking west-northwest, the Point Overlook is one of the best places to catch sunset in Shenandoah National Park. You'll have views out over the town of Elkton in the Shenandoah Valley, Green Mountain, Grindstone Mountain, and Powell Mountain. If you follow the short steep trail at this overlook, you'll get to a viewpoint which is how this overlook received its name.
Mile 56.4: Bearfence Mountain Trail (sunset)
Get a 360 view of Shenandoah National Park by climbing up Bearfence Mountain trail. This short 1 mile hike will challenge you with a number of rocks and boulders to scramble over, but you'll be rewarded with amazing views over the Shenandoah Valley. It's also one of the best places to catch sunset in Shenandoah NP.
- Parking: Bearfence Mountain parking area
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation gain: 242 feet
- Type of hike: Loop
- Time needed: 30 minutes
Mile 57.5: Lewis Mountain Cabins & Campground
Lewis Mountain Cabins is one of the few cabin options for lodging in Shenandoah National Park. It offers options for one room cabins, two room cabins, hiker's cabins, and pet-friendly cabins, and it gives you the opportunity to enjoy the fireside experiences of camping while staying in a cabin.
Here you'll also find the Lewis Mountain Gift Store, which offers limited food and shopping opportunities.
Alternatively, you can stay at Lewis Mountain Campground, one of the five campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park. This campground is the smallest offering only 30 campsites and is on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are no reservations available, and it is closed through winter, November through March.
Mile 65.7: Swift Run Gap Entrance
One of the two central Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive entrances, Swift Run Gap Entrance is accessible via Highway 33.
Address of the Swift Run Gap Entrance: 22591 Spotswood Trail, Elkton, Virginia 22827
Mile 78: Rockytop Overlook (Sunset)
The Rockytop Overlook is one of the best places to catch sunset in Shenandoah National Park. It sits at an elevation of 2,860 ft and offers views into the more rugged mountains of Shenandoah, including Patterson Ridge, Lewis Mountain, Rockytop, and Loft Mountain.
Mile 79.5: Loft Mountain Campground & Wayside
The largest of the five campgrounds in Shenandoah NP, Loft Mountain offers 207 campsites. It sits on top of Big Flat Mountain and has views to both the east and west. You'll also find trails and waterfalls nearby.
Loft Mountain also offers a Wayside to grab a quick meal or shop for souvenirs in the park. It typically is only open April to November. You'll also find picnic tables, a restroom, a bike repair station, and a backcountry registration board here.
Mile 83.7: Dundo Group Campground
The last of the five campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park is Dundo Campground. It only offers 3 group campsites with each site including fire rings and picnic tables. The Appalachian Trail also passes through this campground.
If you're looking to book one of the group sites, plan ahead. Reservations open up one year in advance and are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.
Mile 92.6: Crimora Lake Overlook
This popular overlook in Shenandoah National Park sits at 2,985 ft and faces northwest. From here you can see Thorofare Ridge, Crimora Lake, and Wildcat Ridge.
Fun Fact: The view you see between the two ridges is also the spot of one of the largest manganese deposits in the US. There used to be a giant mine there from 1867 to 1946.
Mile 105.4: Rockfish Gap Entrance (South Entrance)
The southernmost entrance on Skyline Drive to Shenandoah National Park, Rockfish Gap is accessible via Highway 250 and I-64.
If you continue to head south from here, you'll be entering the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. It can take you all the way to Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Address of the Rockfish Gap Entrance: 282 Skyline Drive, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980
BONUS: Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park
One of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park is actually located outside of the famous Skyline Drive that travels through the center of the park. You'll have to exit Shenandoah's Skyline Drive and go around the outside of the park to get to either of the trailheads for Old Rag, but it will be worth it!
Old Rag Mountain Loop
One of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag Mountain Loop is truly stunning and a must for serious hikers visiting the Shenandoah Valley. It will take you up switchbacks through the forest, over boulders, and past many false summits.
You'll know you've reached the top when you find the Old Rag Mountain sign. Here you'll have a 360 degree view making the climb well worth the effort!
- Parking: Old Rag parking area
- Distance: 9.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,683 feet
- Type of hike: Loop
- Time needed: 4-6 hours
Old Rag via Berry Hollow
As an alternative route, you can hike to Old Rag via Berry Hollow. This option is shorter and a bit easier as it avoids the lengthy boulder scramble that makes the Old Rag hike infamous. It is however, still a challenging hike.
- Parking: Berry Hollow parking area
- Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,745 feet
- Type of hike: Out & back
- Time needed: 3.5 hours
Learn more in the Complete Guide to Hiking Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park
Hotels near Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive
While you will find some lodging on Skyline Drive in the park, there are additional places to stay nearby. Here are your options for the best hotels near Shenandoah National Park based on each of the entrance stations.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Front Royal, VA
15 minutes from the northern Front Royal Entrance, you'll find a few awesome hotels, including the TownPlace Suites by Marriott Front Royal. It offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a grill, and continental breakfast. You'll also have the option to choose a room with a kitchen, including a dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator!
Check current rates at TownePlace Suites in Front Royal.
You can also check out the Hampton Inn Front Royal and Doubletree by Hilton Front Royal Blue Ridge Shadows for additional hotels near the Front Royal Entrance.
Hotel Laurance in Luray, VA
This hotel near Shenandoah National Park is located in Luray, just 15 minutes west of the Thornton Gap Entrance. The Laurance Hotel offers a home-like vibe, featuring family rooms, a terrace, and even a garden. It's also located just 1.1 miles from Luray Caverns!
Check current rates at Hotel Laurance in Luray.
Lafayette Inn & Restaurant in Stanardsville, VA
Located in the town of Stanardsville in a historic building, less than 15 minutes east of the central Swift Run Gap Entrance Station, is the Lafayette Inn & Restaurant. In this picturesque Inn, each room offers is own personality, and you'll find a terrace and bar onsite. Nearby are also vineyards and other historic sites to round out your visit.
Check current rates at the Lafayette Inn & Restaurant in Stanardsville.
Best Western Plus in Waynesboro, VA
Closest to the southern Rockfish Gap Entrance, the Best Western Plus is your best option just south of the park. Located just 12 minutes west in Waynesboro, you'll find a heated indoor swimming pool, 24 hour fitness center, and rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, and of course tv and internet! Best of all, you'll also be just down the road from Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Check current rates at the Best Western Plus in Waynesboro.
You can also check out the Comfort Inn in Waynesboro.
10 FAQs about Skyline Drive in Shenandoah
No matter how much you think you know about Skyline Drive, there is always more to find out! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about it and visiting Shenandoah NP!
1. Does Skyline Drive go through Shenandoah National Park?
Yes, this National Scenic Byway runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles in Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Dr. is the main road through the park with dozens of stops along the way to see some of the best views of the surrounding mountains.
2. What is the prettiest part of Skyline Drive?
For many, the area between Thornton Gap Entrance and Swift Run Gap Entrance is considered the prettiest part. It is also the highest part of the park offering stunning views and plenty of scenic overlooks over the mountains, ridges, and valleys below.
3. Where does Shenandoah Skyline Drive start and end?
The Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive starts at the northern entrance, Front Royal Entrance, at milepost 0.6 and ends at the southern entrance, Rockfish Gap Entrance, at milepost 105.4. The southern tip of Skyline Drive also connects to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway which will take you all the way to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
4. How long does it take to drive the entire Skyline Drive?
To drive the entire 105 mile Skyline Drive, it will take you about three hours. This is dependent on not stopping and also not hitting traffic. To make the most of this scenic drive, it's best to plan at least one full day.
5. Is it worth driving all of Skyline Drive?
If you have the time, plan to drive all of Skyline Drive. The entire 105 mile drive is gorgeous and offers amazing scenery. If you're short on time, plan to travel through just the central part as it is considered the most scenic. This includes the part from Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap.
From there, it's worth adding on the northernmost and southernmost parts if you have the time. They are also quite scenic and are a bit less busy.
6. Is there a fee to drive on Skyline Drive?
To drive Skyline Drive, you will have to pay the entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park. For a single vehicle, this is $30 for a seven consecutive day pass. You can also get in at no cost if you have an annual America the Beautiful pass, which costs $80.
7. What is better Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive?
This is a tough question to answer. Skyline Drive offers you full access to Shenandoah National Park with 75 scenic overlooks and lots of amazing hiking trails. Meanwhile, the Blue Ridge Parkway also offers dozens of scenic overlooks into the same mountain ranges and plenty of hiking and small towns.
Ultimately, Shenandoah is a National Park because it is well worth visiting. That being said, the overlooks and hiking trails off of the Blue Ridge Parkways are free to visit and tend to be less crowded overall than Shenandoah. In an ideal world – you'd do both!
8. Does Skyline Drive turn into Blue Ridge Parkway?
The southern end of Shenandoah's Skyline Drive does connect with the northern part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's awesome to plan them both into the same trip!
9. How many entrances are there to Skyline Drive?
There are four entrances to Skyline Drive in Virginia: Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap. You can see them all on the Skyline Drive map located at the top of this article.
10. What's the best time to go to Skyline Drive?
The most beautiful time of year to visit Skyline Drive is in autumn, when fall foliage is in full effect. However, you will also find the heaviest traffic then. Because of that, you may want to consider visiting Shenandoah in spring or on a weekday in the summer when the park is less crowded.
Summer weekends tend to see high traffic making the road backed up and parking a challenge. This makes it a less than ideal time to visit. Meanwhile, in the winter, many of the park facilities shut down and the beautiful trees along the road are bare changing the scenery immensely. For that reason, try to visit Shenandoah from May to October!
Learn More about Shenandoah National Park
Visiting Shenandoah would not be complete without driving the full Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. This famous drive is a must for all visitors and the best place to launch other adventures into the park!
Continue planning your Shenandoah adventures with:
- Visiting Shenandoah National Park: What to Know Before You Go
- 28 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park & Beyond!
- The Complete Guide to Hiking Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park
- What to Pack for a Day Hike: The Essential Hiking Packing List
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Source: https://thecureforcuriosity.com/driving-skyline-drive-in-shenandoah-national-park/
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