Skyline Drive is perhaps the most important feature of Shenandoah National Park as the only public road through the park. It was not only created to showcase outstanding views of the scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont Region of Virginia, but also to give President Herbert Hoover easy access to his summer retreat – Rapidan Camp.
Although best known for its vibrant fall foliage, the park is spectacular – and even less crowded- in the spring when the wildflowers and trees are in full bloom. Portions of Skyline Drive are occasionally closed during severe weather and in the evenings during deer hunting season. However, visitors can enter the park on foot to hike even when the road is closed.
Be sure to take your time on Skyline Drive. White-tailed deer, chipmunks, wild turkeys, and other wildlife are abundant and likely to cross the road at any point.
Start and Endpoint: Beginning near the town of Waynesboro, 105-mile Skyline Drive runs north through Shenandoah National Park and ends in the town of Front Royal. It is located 91 miles from Richmond, VA and 80 miles from Washington, DC.
