Shenandoah National Park

Skyline Drive

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. The bucolic drive is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Annually, over two million people visit the Skyline Drive, which has been designated a National Scenic Byway.

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 Major Entry Points

• Front Royal, Virginia (U.S. Highway 340), the northern terminus
• Thornton Gap (U.S. Highway 211)
• Swift Run Gap (U.S. Highway 33)
• Rockfish Gap (Interstate 64, U.S. Highway 250), the southern terminus.

At Rockfish Gap, the Blue Ridge Parkway begins, and continues a similar path along ridge tops through Virginia and into North Carolina.

Experience

As the name suggests, it's a pleasant driving experience. There are nearly seventy five overlooks throughout the drive. Some of the most spectacular views of the valley can be seen. During the drive (especially in early morning and late evening) wildlife can be seen on the road. Interestingly, Shenandoah National Park has one of the densest populations of black bears documented within the U.S., although these bears stay deep in the forest.

Apart from the drive, one can hike and camp. There are numerous trails throughout. In addition, it's a fun camping in the woods. Biking and horseback riding are other recreational activities.

Before entering

Currently as of June 2007 there is an entry fee for all vehicles. One week passes are issued with this fee. The entry fee for a single car is $15.00. This fee, which may be paid with cash, credit, or debit cards, provides a 7-day pass, valid for unlimited entries within that period of time.

Driving precautions

The speed limit is 35 miles per hour (60 km/h). The road is very tortuous and hence such a limit is enforced. One might see stopped vehicles in the road either enjoying the wildlife or just turning to stop at an overlook. This requires extra precautions. There are also many deer crossing the road, which can appear in the road with no prior warning. Usually, attempting to exceed this speed at any time is very difficult.

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