Skip to Main Content

Skyline Drive

Description

Tracing the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park, the 105-mile Skyline Drive traverses one of the largest wilderness areas in eastern North America. Numerous overgrown orchards, building foundations and stone fence lines crisscross the park, attesting to the settlements that once stood there. Today, this area is resplendent with verdant forest and species such as white-tailed deer, black bear, and red fox. Located less than two hours from Washington D.C., the drive is a very popular spot year-round. In spring, numerous songbirds can be found preparing to breed after they return from their winter vacations further south. As spring turns to summer and the temperatures begin to climb, the drive along wildflower-lined roadsides to higher elevations provides respite from the heat. Through the summer progression, bear cubs and white-tailed fawns can be seen learning to forage with their mothers as dragonflies and butterflies team around meadows. Once fall arrives, the birds start returning south again. Watch for concentrations of raptors following the ridgelines along the drive. In late October, the leaves begin to turn, providing a spectacle of color famous across the globe. Once the leaves fall, the air gets crisp and spectacular views of the Shenandoah River, Massanutten Mountain, and the Allegheny Mountains accompany travelers along their journey. Skyline Drive is perfect for a few days away from the city or a lifetime of exploration.

Loop Map

Click to open PDF of Skyline drive loop map

Services

Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce
434.295.3141
tim@cvillechamber.com

Charlottesville-Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau
877.386.1102
info@visitcharlottesville.org

City of Waynesboro
540.942.6644
crookshanksll@ci.waynesboro.va.us

Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce
540.635.3185
kwalker@rmaonline.net

Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
540.949.8203
becarter@ntelos.net

Greene County Chamber of Commerce
434.985.6300
grnmail@cstone.net

Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services
540.432.8935
tourism@ci.harrisonburg.va.us

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce
540.434.3862
christinem@hrchamber.org

Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce
540.743.3915
luraypage1@earthlink.net

Madison Chamber of Commerce
540.948.4455
chamber@madison-va.com

Nelson County Chamber of Commerce
434.263.5971

Nelson County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
800.282.8223
mcorum@nelsoncounty.org

Shenandoah Valley Travel Association
540.740.3132
info@svta.org