Skyline Drive: The Ultimate Summer Road Trip Guide
- Casey Woodburn
- Mar 27
- 7 min read
Your Go-To Itinerary, Must-See Stops, and Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Shenandoah Adventure.
If you’re dreaming of rolling mountains, golden sunsets, and winding roads that beg for windows down and playlists up, then Skyline Drive is calling your name. Spanning 105 miles through Virginia’s breathtaking Shenandoah National Park, this scenic route is the ultimate summer road trip destination.
Perfect for families, solo travelers, road trip enthusiasts, and nature photographers, Skyline Drive offers more than just pretty views—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
By the early 1900s, residents of Washington, D.C. were eager to escape the city's bustle and find refuge in the great outdoors. In 1925, Congress authorized the National Park Service to acquire up to 521,000 acres in Virginia to create Shenandoah National Park. But here's the twist: the state had to raise the funds privately—no federal money was allowed for land acquisition.
Fast forward to 1929, when William Gregg of the Southern Appalachian National Park Committee proposed building a "sky-line drive" along the mountain ridges. Construction kicked off in 1931, and the project was initially known as the Hoover Highway. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked tirelessly, grading slopes, building retaining walls, scenic overlooks, and planting trees to create what would become a national treasure.
Although President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially opened Shenandoah National Park on July 3, 1936, only the northern section of Skyline Drive was complete at the time. It wasn’t until 1961 that the full 105-mile drive from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap was finished and formally established. Today, it's one of the most scenic and historically rich routes in the country—a must-drive for adventurers of all kinds.
Before you hit the road, make sure you're ready to roll through the gates of Shenandoah National Park. All visitors are required to pay an entrance fee—whether you're arriving by car, hiking in from outside the park, or getting dropped off by a friend.
Single Vehicle Pass: $20 per vehicle (good for 7 consecutive days and covers everyone in the car)
Individual Entry: $10 per person (for those entering without a vehicle, also valid for 7 days)
Local Tip: If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80. It covers entrance to all U.S. National Parks for one full year—perfect for adventurers who can’t sit still.
Why Skyline Drive?
105 miles of stunning mountain road through Shenandoah National Park
75+ overlooks offering sweeping valley views
Abundant wildlife sightings: black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and more
Four visitor centers with helpful rangers and historical exhibits
Easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots
Pro Tip: Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds and more peaceful pull-offs.
3-Day Skyline Drive Itinerary
Day 1: Entering the Skyline
Route: Front Royal (MP 0) to Big Meadows Lodge (MP 51)
Start: Enter via Front Royal Entrance Station (MP 0). Don’t forget your park pass!
Stop 1: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (MP 4.6) – Pick up maps, grab souvenirs, and stretch your legs.
Stop 2: Hogback Overlook (MP 20.8) – One of the longest vistas on the drive. Binoculars recommended.
Lunch: Elkwallow Wayside (MP 24.1) – Try the blackberry cobbler!
Short Hike: Fox Hollow Trail (1.2-mile loop)
Sunset: Thornton Hollow Overlook (MP 27.6)
Overnight: Big Meadows Lodge (MP 51.2) – Cozy rooms, incredible star-gazing.
Reserve Big Meadows Lodge
Day 2: Waterfalls & Overlooks
Route: Big Meadows to Skyland Resort (MP 51 to MP 57.5)
Breakfast: Lodge dining room – Try the mountain trout and eggs!
Morning Hike: Dark Hollow Falls Trail (1.4 miles round trip, moderate)
Stop 1: Franklin Cliffs Overlook (MP 49.8)
Picnic Lunch: Pack one and eat at South River Picnic Area (MP 62.8)
Leisure Stop: Bearfence Viewpoint – Great for golden hour photos
Sunset: Crescent Rock Overlook (MP 44.4)
Overnight: Skyland Resort (MP 41.7)
Reserve Skyland Resort
Day 3: Southbound Serenity
Route: Skyland to Rockfish Gap (MP 57.5 to MP 105)
Start: Early coffee and views at Skyland’s terrace
Stop 1: Baldface Mountain Overlook (MP 61.2)
Stop 2: Loft Mountain Wayside (MP 79.5) – Restrooms, snacks, souvenirs
Stretch Your Legs: Jones Run Falls Trail (3.6 miles round trip, moderately strenuous)
Final Stop: Moormans River Overlook (MP 92.0)
Exit: Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (MP 105)
Top Attractions Along Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive isn’t just about scenic overlooks and winding roads—it’s packed with historic gems, iconic hikes, and even a signature dessert that visitors rave about. If you're planning your first visit (or your fifth), these standout attractions should be on your must-see list:
Take a step back in time at the former summer retreat of President Herbert Hoover. Nestled in the Central District of the park, Rapidan Camp features restored 1929-era cabins beside the Rapidan River. It's a peaceful spot full of presidential history and serene natural beauty.
Did you know that 101 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail run directly through Shenandoah National Park? You can hop on the AT at numerous points along Skyline Drive. Popular hikes that include AT segments include Mary’s Rock, Stony Man, and Hightop Mountain.
For the best views in the entire park, make your way to Hawksbill Summit, the highest point in Shenandoah at 4,051 feet. This moderate hike rewards you with a viewing platform, panoramic mountain vistas, and a charming stone picnic shelter.
Sure, it’s not a trail or a landmark—but Skyline Drive’s signature dessert is absolutely worth the stop. The mile-high blackberry ice cream pie is a must-try at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge. It's sweet, refreshing, and the perfect end to a mountain adventure.
Get a dose of local history on the Fox Hollow Trail, a short and peaceful loop near the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. This interpretive trail walks you through the former homestead of the Fox family, one of many who lived on the land before the park was created in 1935.
Dickey Ridge (mile 4.7)
Elkwallow (mile 24.1) – Open year-round.
Pinnacles (mile 36.7) – Open year-round.
Big Meadows (mile 51.2)
Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5)
South River (mile 62.8) – Open year-round.
Loft Mountain (mile 79.5)
Dundo (mile 83.7)
Local Hack: Bring a thermos and enjoy coffee at sunrise from an overlook.
Most Instagrammable Stops
For the most Instagrammable spots along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, consider Stony Man Overlook, Hazeltop, Franklin Cliffs, and Jewell Hollow Overlook, offering panoramic views and unique rock formations.
Stony Man Overlook: This overlook is one of the highest points in the park, offering stunning panoramic views of forests, farmland, and towns.
Hazeltop: Located south of Big Meadows, Hazeltop is a great spot for capturing a panoramic view, especially during early or late light.
Franklin Cliffs: This northwest-facing overlook features a large rock and is best for early morning or afternoon photography.
Jewell Hollow Overlook: This overlook is known for its unique rock formations at the south end of the parking lot, which can be used as a foreground element for photos, especially in late light.
Big Meadows: This is a large, developed area in the center of the park, offering a change in scenery and variety in your photos.
Timber Hollow Overlook: Located at mile marker 43, this overlook offers a path to explore trails.
Crescent Rock Overlook: Just to the left of the parking area is a .1 mile “leg stretcher” path to a narrow rocky overlook.
Baldface Mountain Overlook: A west-facing overlook near the Swift Run entrance for Skyline Drive.
Tanner's Ridge: Right beside Big Meadows.
Naked Creek: Great spot for late light. Natural pano composition.
Blackrock Summit: An easy one-mile hike leading to an immense boulder field with views of the mountains and valley beyond.
Dining Along Skyline Drive
Skyland Dining Room – Elegant mountain dining
Big Meadows Wayside – Casual eats, great ice cream
Elkwallow Wayside – Burgers, barbecue, and sweet treats
Share Your Shenandoah Summer Adventures!
We want to see your Skyline Drive journeys! Tag us on Instagram and TikTok using #HikingVA #OutdoorAdventure #ShenandoahViews #SummerVibes. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, relaxing at scenic overlooks, or enjoying a picnic with a view, your story could be featured!
Extend Your Adventure: Stay with Elite Hosting Co.
After a day of winding roads and epic overlooks, unwind in comfort with Elite Hosting Co. Our premium Airbnb properties are located just minutes from Skyline Drive’s top entrances, wineries, breweries, and hiking trails. Enjoy a luxurious stay with all the amenities you need for the perfect mountain escape.
📍 Book your stay today and make your Skyline Drive adventure even more unforgettable!👉 Book Now
💟 Connect with Us!
Instagram: @elitehostingco
Facebook: Elite Hosting Co.
Plan your summer road trip today and experience the very best of Shenandoah from the comfort of an Elite Hosting Co. stay!
Official Resources for Planning
Ready to make unforgettable memories this summer? Skyline Drive is more than just a drive – it’s a journey into nature, nostalgia, and natural beauty. See you on the road!
Commentaires