Skyline Drive
United States, north-america
169 km
1,234 m
easy
April-November, peak fall color October
Skyline Drive is a 169-kilometer road running the entire length of Shenandoah National Park along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Built during the Great Depression as a public works project, the road features 75 overlooks offering sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the rolling Piedmont to the east.
The drive connects to over 800 kilometers of hiking trails, including 160 kilometers of the Appalachian Trail which crosses the road at numerous points. The road meanders through dense hardwood forests that explode with color each autumn, and past rocky outcrops where peregrine falcons have been successfully reintroduced. Whitetail deer are so abundant that they are a constant roadside presence, and black bears are regularly spotted in the park's backcountry. At its southern end, Skyline Drive connects directly to the Blue Ridge Parkway, allowing drivers to continue the mountain crest journey into North Carolina.
Where is it?
Skyline Drive is located in Virginia, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 38.5328, -78.3514
Driving Tips
The 35 mph speed limit is strictly enforced. Fog can reduce visibility to near zero, especially in spring and fall mornings. A park entrance fee is required. Peak fall foliage is typically mid-to-late October. Big Meadows Lodge and campground make a good midpoint stop. Deer are especially active at dusk.
Road Surface
Paved, well-maintained two-lane road
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Virginia
- Length
- 169 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,234 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Surface
- Paved, well-maintained two-lane road
- Best Season
- April-November, peak fall color October
- Coordinates
- 38.5328, -78.3514
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