Skyline Drive is generally open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
Inclement weather may necessitate closure of Skyline Drive at any time. Please call the park's recorded information line: (540) 999-3500, 1, 1 for the most current Skyline Drive status.
You may still enter the park on foot at one of the entrance stations or boundary access point if Skyline Drive is closed. Read about visiting in winter for suggestions about how to enjoy the park when Skyline Drive is closed.
Enjoy The Drive - Driving Skyline Drive
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Publishers Note: Twenty-two years ago when we first published the on-line version of The Auto Channel, there was no talk or even a thought (except for Jetson Fans) of ever having to consider giving up our freedom of mobility and the many pleasures of driving, in exchange for a robotic ride controlled by a bundle of (made in China) silicon valley invented chips and a fear of the implementation of a government run "Central Traffic Control Administration" who will have the political power and technical ability to “make us safer” by eliminating our hard earned freedom of mobility.
Those of you who are regular readers of The Auto Channel know that for the past few years the children from the digital world, along with a push from China; the backing of investment bankers; and misplaced enthusiasm of dumb politicians; have been pushing the adoption of "Autonomous Vehicles"...transportation appliances meant to eliminate personal vehicle ownership and replace Driving with Riding.
In the hope to counter the overwhelming autonomous and EV propaganda, The Auto Channel management has decided to feature "The Auto Channel; Enjoy The Drive" editorial philosophy and spotlight Great Drives in Great Car articles with which to rekindle and stimulate the daydreams of experienced drivers and awaken the appetites of those modern youngsters who have never experienced just how exhilarating and fulfilling the freedom of a Great Drive in a Great Vehicle on an open road can be... enjoy!
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Entering the Park on Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the park on a clear day. You can enter Shenandoah at only four places:
Front Royal Entrance Station near Rt. 66 and 340
Thornton Gap Entrance Station at Rt. 211
Swift Run Gap Entrance Station at Rt. 33
Rockfish Gap Entrance Station at Rt. 64 and Rt. 250 (also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway).
Get the details on driving directions to the Park.
If there are no staff at the entrance stations when you first arrive at the Park, you may proceed into the park and pay your fee when you exit. Remember, your fee dollars go towards projects that have a direct benefit for the visitors!
NPS
Basic Facts about Skyline Drive
As you travel along Skyline Drive you will notice mileposts on the west side of the road (right side if you are traveling south, left if you are heading north). These posts help you find your way through the park and help you locate areas of interest. The miles begin at 0 at Front Royal and continue to 105 at the southern end of the park. The largest developed area, Big Meadows, is near the center of the park, at mile 51. All park maps and information use these mileposts as a reference. View or download maps of Shenandoah National Park.
The speed limit is 35 mph, so you can roll down your windows, feel the breeze and experience every curve and turn of this beautiful drive. There are nearly 70 overlooks that offer stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the rolling Piedmont to the east.
Note: RVs, camping trailers, and horse trailers are welcome, but be prepared to shift into low gear. Be sure you will clear Marys Rock Tunnel (just south of Thornton Gap entrance from Route 211) at 12'8".
Deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other woodland animals call Shenandoah home and regularly cross Skyline Drive in their daily travels. Watch carefully for these animals who may dart across your path without warning. At 35 mph, you'll stand the best chance of a fun and exciting wildlife encounter rather than an unpleasant wildlife experience! If you want a closer look, be sure to pull completely off the Drive and stay in your vehicle. It is unlawful to feed the wildlife.
Check out the operating hours and seasons so you know what it is open in the Park before you arrive. Facilities tend to be limited during late fall and winter.
