Skyline drive how long does it take

The shortest hike to a waterfall is 1. It is a very popular hike that is steep and rocky in places. When is the park open? How long does it take to get through the park? What are the park entrance fees? What outdoor activities can I do in the park? Where can I hike? Where can I fish? Where can I go horseback riding? Where can I ride my bike?

Where can I see a waterfall? Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By Rachel Cooper. Rachel Cooper. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions.

TripSavvy's editorial guidelines. Share Pin Email. Was this page helpful? In addition to mountain summits and wilderness, several trails also lead to spectacular waterfalls. I strongly recommend doing at least one waterfall hike in Shenandoah National Park when driving Skyline Drive. One of my favorite things to do in Shenandoah National Park is watching sunrises and sunsets from Skyline Drive.

There are several Skyline Drive campgrounds in the park, as well as two historic lodges and a collection of fun cabins. For accommodation in towns around Shenandoah National Park, consider staying in Harrisonburg or Charlottesville. If you have any other questions, most of them will be answered elsewhere in this post.

This scenic national park road runs through the heart of Shenandoah National Park in central Virginia. The total length of Skyline Drive, from the northern to the southern entrance station, is miles. The speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 mph, which means that you can cover its miles in just 3 hours without stopping. Count on hours or more to really get the most out of driving Skyline Drive. This would include a short hike , a visit to a visitor center and several stops at scenic overlooks.

While you can rush through Shenandoah National Park in one morning or half a day, I do recommend dedicating at least one full day to exploring this beautiful park. There are four different entrances, located at regular intervals along the road. From north to south:. The vast majority of closures occur in winter, when ice and snow can make driving impossible. Note that even when the road is closed to vehicles, you can still enter the park on foot at all four entrances.

Like most U. In , the difference Skyline Drive entrance fees are as follows:. All entrances fees are valid for seven consecutive days starting on the date of purchase. 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. The miles begin at 0 in Front Royal and continue to at the southern end of the Park. The largest developed area, Big Meadows, is near the center of the Park, at mile All Park maps and information use these mileposts as a reference. The speed limit is 35 mph in most places, so feel free to roll down your windows, feel the breeze, and experience every curve and turn of this beautiful drive.

There are nearly 70 overlooks that offer stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the rolling Piedmont to the east. Be sure you will clear Marys Rock Tunnel mile