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Complete Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap, with additional access points at Thornton Gap on Route 211 and Swift Run Gap on Route 33. Set aside time on a clear day to travel its length, stopping off at many of its 75 scenic overlooks. You’ll appreciate incredible views of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, and the Piedmont.
Blooming azaleas line the drive in summer, while vibrant foliage greets you in the fall. You might also spot wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, and black bear, and wildflowers such as goldenrod, trillium, and black-eyed susans.
This scenic byway is also popular among cyclists and bikers, so drive carefully and stick to the 35 mph speed limit. You can complete Skyline Drive in about three hours, but take your time to enjoy the views, picnic at an overlook, or venture down one of the many trailheads along its length.
Hike the Trails
One of Shenandoah National Park’s biggest draws is its 500-mile network of hiking trails, 101 of which are also part of the Appalachian Trail. You can access the park’s trail system from many points along Skyline Drive. Choose a day hike such as the moderate 3.7-mile Snead Farm Loop, which winds through apple orchards and past the historic Snead farm. The park also has many kid-friendly hikes, such as the 1.2-mile Frazier Discovery Trail, which features lovely views off Loft Mountain. Experienced hikers might try their hand a summiting Old Rag Mountain.
Before embarking on a hike, however, make sure you’re equipped with a trail map, proper footwear, and drinking water. Know how to read the trail markers, which will ensure you stay on the right path, provide mileage updates, and indicate points of interest.
Hunt for Waterfalls
Shenandoah National Park is home to dozens of waterfalls, from small, unnamed cascades to rushing, 90-foot drops. You can access most of them from trailheads and parking areas along Skyline Drive. Just know they all involve a brief hike to an overlook.
The park’s tallest waterfall is Overall Run Falls, which drops 93 feet and provides views of Massanutten Mountain and the Shenandoah Valley. A 5-mile round-trip hike from milepost 21.1 on Skyline Drive will take you to it. Another popular fall is South River Falls, an 83-foot cascade accessible from milepost 62.8 with a 2.6-mile round-trip hike. One of Shenandoah’s easiest waterfalls to access is 70-foot Dark Hollow Falls, which requires a 1.4-mile round-trip hike from milepost 50.
In addition to these highlights, you can mountain bike, horseback ride, camp, fish, rock climb, hunt for geocaches, picnic, look for wildlife, practice your photography skills, and more during a visit to Shenandoah National Park.
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