Skyline Drive, Shenandoah Virginia Mountain Park Information

Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park information, comments, and observations of a long-time visitor to Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Skyline Drive is a total vacation and tourist experience that touches all five of the senses, and leaves you with a deep respect and love for the mountains.

	"Within this park are a virtual cornucopia of sights, sounds, and smells that will astound and inspire every member of the family. In almost every hollow, there lies the remains of pioneer settlements that date back to the 18th and 19th century, including cemeteries long-forgotten." The Drive itself is a two-lane asphalt road with gentle grades that do not exceed the federally required maximum of nine degrees. To meet this requirement, the Drive winds around knobs, knolls and gaps, instead of following the contour of the spine. Because of this, there is a trade-off. In the process of eliminating steep, dangerous grades that could cause damage to your brakes or transmission, turns can be quite sharp. The speed limit is a very moderate (and enforced) 35 mph. Despite the fact that elevations range from 1900 to 3800 feet, it is easily traversed by all vehicles, including large RV's. Bicycling on the drive is allowed, but not encouraged by the NPS (National Park Service) because of the sharp, twisting turns and the lack of shoulders. Nonetheless, on any given day, bikers, and even hikers, can be seen every few miles.	Skyline Drive. You have heard about it. But do you really know all there is to do? And all there is to see? No, it is not just a road that runs along the spine of a chain of mountains. It isn't just overlooks and picnic areas. And while Skyline Drive does make the perfect day trip (providing you are lucky enough to live within a few hours' driving distance), you must take your time to partake of all its offerings, and really foster a deep appreciation for this serene destination. Skyline Drive is located within the Shenandoah National Park. As such, it is protected and preserved. Billboards and Houses are --- thankfully --- non-existant. Skyline Drive "begins" in Front Royal, Virginia, less than 90-minutes from Washington, DC, easily accessible via I-66 West. (For a map of the region, Click Here) It terminates in Afton, Virginia, at the intersection of I-64 , where it becomes the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the 105-miles that separate the two junctions, there lies a world so totally different from the one you are accustomed to, it's easy to lose track of what time, or even what day it is. In fact, spend just a day here, and you won't care. There are overlooks that give you breathtaking views of the Virginia Piedmont (East), or the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley to the West. At Big Meadows, there is the official Visitor Center that explains the History of the Park, and all that it offers. And almost every few miles of the Drive feature access to hiking trails that range in difficulty from novice to expert. And when you get hungry, roadside restaurants offer hearty, American fare at family prices. For those who wish to stay more than a day, affordable Lodging and Camping facilities are available.
	One of the biggest lures that the Drive presents is its plentiful Wildlife. Lovers of Wild Animals can see Deer along the road, grazing on grass, plants and trees. Bear are a common sight in the summer, especially during mating season. Birds, including a massive population of Red-Tailed Hawks and Owls, are in almost constant sight. Needless to say, it is a bird-watchers paradise. And because it is a National Park where hunting is prohibited, the Wildlife here have little fear of humans, and it's possible to stop the car and watch a herd of Deer move about within a few yards of your car, posing as if they know you are taking snapshots of them.
		Despite its isolation, you're never far from one of the many small, but beautiful towns and villages that rest at the foot of the Blue Ridge throughout its length. In addition to the main entrance stations at the North and South end of the Park, there are two entrance stations accessible by State Highways 33 and 211. From either of these stations, you can descend into the valleys and visit countless historical points of interest, including civil war battlefields, attractions (such as Luray Caverns, pictured on the left), and interstate highways that will lead you to all major cities and points of interest in Virginia, and surrounding states. And for those who just can't stay away from the Mall for more than a day will rest assured knowing that just an hour or so from Skyline Drive are larger cities and towns with major shopping centers and -- yes --- those wonderful shopping malls to assist you in parting with your cash.

	More Information............

Pets

Pets are allowed on a leash. But it really is best when you leave them at home. Deer can smell dogs, and the dogs' scent will alarm the Deer and they will scurry away, ruining a chance for someone else to observe the animal. If a dog were to confront a Deer, the Deer can easily kill the dog by kicking it if it feels threatened, especially if a fawn is around. Then, there is the barking that pet owners seem unable to control. Not only is the noise annoying to humans, but also to wildlife, who will run from the noise. But, if you absolutely have to show off your animal and bring it to the park, please be considerate of residents (the wildlife) and other visitors. And if you're staying here, remember that pets are not allowed in any lodging units, although they are allowed in campgrounds, and always on a 6-foot leash.

In compliance with ADA, "Service" animals are allowed on all trails and in all lodges and facilities.

Motorcycles

Licensed motorcycles are allowed in the park. But if your bike has loud 'pipes,' please consider muffling them before entering the park. Loud motorcycles and automobiles scare wildlife deep into the woods. Anything lurking near the drive will run when a loud bike or automobile roars by. Many times, a good photo opportunity or wildlife sighting has been marred by a loud vehicle approaching the scene. And nothing can be more irritating than the sound of loud 'pipes' or mufflers when you're trying to enjoy a quiet moment on a trail or picnic area.

While we're on the subject of noise, the same courtesy should be extended by motorists with loud, booming car stereos. Trust us when we tell you that we are not impressed with how loud your stereo is. Save the noise for your own neighborhood.

Bicycles

When Skyline Drive was built, it was built for motor vehicles. Period. In those days, very few were thrilled at the prospect of the incredibly grueling task of riding a bike on the long grades and sharp switchbacks. Today, those who are up to the challenge are allowed to bring their bikes and tackle the bicycle-unfriendly drive. But it isn't easy, and if you're not in top physical condition, you won't be riding very long. You'll be walking ... pushing your bike up the grades instead of riding it.

And that is no walk in the park. Pun intended.

The National Park Service allows cyclists on the drive. But be advised .... more than on any other public road, it is just plain dangerous to ride a bike on Skyline Drive. There are no shoulders or special trails to ride on. Turns can be sharp, especially switchbacks ... most of which are 'blind' turns. And when a bicycle is in a switchback, the oncoming motorist(s) have no room, no place to go, and almost no time to maneuver or avoid a collision, especially if two cars are in the apex of the switchback at the same time. Each year, bicyclists are injured in those blind curves from either being hit by a car, or being forced to swerve off the road to avoid a collision. Cyclists using a portion of the road can cause traffic backups, usually on long-uphill grades where no passing is allowed. Remember, this road was built for cars, motorized bikes and trucks. Not bicycles.

Bicyclists must exercise, and are expected follow all normal cycling laws with regards to conduct on the road. Motorists are expected to extend the same courtesy to those cyclists sharing the road. By law, cyclists have every right to use Skyline Drive just as any motorist is.

However, if you are a cyclist, please consider another, safer venue for your hobby. Additionally, common sense dictates that children should never ride bikes on Skyline Drive, even if accompanied by parents. Again, it is just too dangerous. And the most dangerous part are usually the motorists, not the cyclers.

As for mountain or performance cycling, forget it. The NPS forbids any bicycles on any hiking trail in the park, or fire roads.

Other Frequently Asked Questions ............

What does it cost to get in? Fees vary on the time of year. Be it cars or RV's, everyone forks over $15 from March through November. From December through February, it drops to $10. Motorcyclists are charged $10 year round. Bicyclists pay the same fees at walk-in visitors. Your admission is good for seven days so you can venture on and off the drive at your leisure. If you walk-in or hike in between March and April, you'll be charged $8 at the entrance stations. In Winter, it is only $5. But, sometimes, the park's hiking trails don't exactly go near those entrance stations. And always have a park trail map handy before entering the park, of course. Really, you don't want to get lost, do you?

Anyway... if you are lucky enough to live close enough or are able to visit frequently enough, it is best to get a Yearly Pass for only $30. It doesn't take long to pay for itself if you're a frequent visitor. You can get them at any entrance station --- when there is someone there. Now, if you're 62 years of age or older, you can obtain a Senior Pass ---- good at ANY National Park in America ---- for just $10.

Entrance stations take cash and all major credit cards and travelers cheques.

Are There Any ATM Machines? You bet! And they take all the cards --- debit and credit, even foreign cards that are members of participating international banking networks. You'll find ATM machines at the main office at Skyland (Mile 42.1), and Big Meadows Wayside (Mile 51.2). Be advised that all food service, campstore, wayside and lodging facilities take most major credit cards.

Can We Bring Alcohol into the Park? Yes. They even sell cold beer and wine at locations inside the park. But there can be no open containers when you arrive or are traveling Skyline Drive itself, and you cannot consume alcoholic beverages in public (other than restaurants and pubs), which includes hiking trails, picnic areas, overlooks, streams or waterfalls. This rule is usually waived at campgrounds, and only at your campsite. And if you are caught driving under the influence, you will be arrested, you will go to jail, your vehicle may be subject to impoundment, and your visit to Skyline Drive will go downhill very fast, especially when you are hand-cuffed, sitting in the back seat of the Park Rangers' cruiser heading to the nearest County Jail down in the valley.

Will Skyline Drive Accomadate Large Motor Homes and RV's? That's a big 10-4, good buddy! HOWEVER.... be aware that the TUNNEL at MARY'S ROCK has a clearance of only 12 ft. 8 inches. Your RV, and whatever you are towing behind it, should have plenty of room. And if your RV or camper is over 12' 8", you can still enter the park at three other entrance stations. Check the tunnel location on your driving itinerary.

Do They Pick-Up for Deliver Mail on Skyline Drive? There are postal drops at Elkwallow Wayside, Panorama, Loft Mountain, Skyland, Lewis Mountain Cabins, and Big Meadows. If you are staying long enough at the lodges of Skyland, Big Meadows, or the Cabins at Lewis Mountain, you can receive mail via the front desk, where it will be held until you are contacted. Your sender will need your room number and the address of your lodging. Mail is not delivered to campgrounds. And, yes, you can buy stamps.

Are The Park Facilities Wheelchair Accessible? Absolutely! Remember, this is a federally-funded national park. As such, ADA regulations strictly and passionately ensure access for the disabled to all lodges, restaurants, waysides, gift shops, as well as lavitory and shower facilities on Skyline Drive. There's even a beautiful walking trail ---- the Limberlost Trail ---- which is wheelchair-acccessible!

Do We Have To Be Staying In The Park To Participate In Activities? No. Any activity --- from horseback rides, ranger programs, campfires and trail hikes, arts and crafts demonstrations, to the enjoyment of the restaurants, shops and pubs for nightly entertainment, is open for anyone visiting Skyline Drive. Even locals from nearby towns drive up for dinner or drinks or just to enjoy the view at an overlook at night.

When Is The Best Time To Visit And See The Fall Colors? It is a difficult question to answer because the peak-time for foliage depends on the amount of rain that the region gets during the previous summer. And that changes every year. Sometimes, the peak is mid-October. Sometimes it is the end of October. Sometimes, in rainy seasons, it can be the first week of November before the most brilliant hues attract you. To be safe, the third or fourth week of October is right about where the calendar needs to be if you want to enjoy the peak colors. A call to the Shenandoah National Park Association at 540-999-3582 can get you the answers or estimates you need. You can also contact the NPS at 540-999-3500.

What Shouldn't We Bring To Skyline Drive? It is pretty standard here. No firearms or fireworks are allowed. Some people have brought spotlights to see wildlife at night. But, if a Ranger spots you, you will be confronted and questioned as to your intent. It can also be grounds for the Ranger to search your vehicle to look for firearms, hunting and trapping contraband or animal carcasses. Poaching is a big problem along Skyline Drive, especially in the late fall and winter months. Anyone caught with a spotlight is immediately suspect, and treated as such. So, leave the spotlight at home. It isn't worth the hassle if you are questioned about it. Besides, there are enough furry critters to see during the day.

What Shouldn't We Take From Skyline Drive? We're glad you asked. Like all national parks, the only thing you should leave here with are photos, videos, memories, fish (where allowed), and maybe some nice things from the gift shops. You cannot remove any historic artifacts, living or dead animals, pick living flowers, trees, shrubs, plants, or anything else that you didn't have when you came to the park. This even includes rocks! The 'Leave No Trace' protocol is passionately practiced and dutily enforced here. Additionally, you cannot dig or use metal detectors within the park. The latter is a federal felony that can put you behind bars.

The one exception to these rules is edible fruits, nuts and berries that grow naturally along Skyline Drive. If you find a stand of apple trees with their tasty fruit ready for picking and eating, then don't wait another minute. Pull over, get out of the car, and go enjoy a treat. Walking a trail and come upon some blackberry bushes? You're welcome to enjoy a few of those, too. Just be considerate of others behind you who might want to enjoy a tasty treat, too.