Skyline Drive (A car view).
View from Pinnacles Overlook
:''This article refers to the road in Virginia. For other roads named Skyline Drive, see
Skyline Drive (disambiguation).''
'Skyline Drive' is a 105 mile (169 km) road that runs the entire length of the
National Park Service's Shenandoah National Park in the
Blue Ridge Mountains of
Virginia, generally along the ridge of the mountains. The scenic drive is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Annually, over two million people visit the Skyline Drive, which has been designated a
National Scenic Byway.
Major Entry Points
★
Front Royal, Virginia (
U.S. Highway 340), the northern terminus
★
Thornton Gap (
U.S. Highway 211)
★
Swift Run Gap (
U.S. Highway 33)
★
Rockfish Gap (
Interstate 64,
U.S. Highway 250), the southern terminus.
At Rockfish Gap, the
Blue Ridge Parkway begins, and continues a similar path along ridge tops through Virginia and into
North Carolina.
[1]
Experience
As the name suggests, the road takes a winding path along the mountaintops of the
Blue Ridge Mountains east of the
Shenandoah River. There are nearly seventy five overlooks throughout the drive. Some of the most spectacular views of the
valley can be seen. During the drive (especially in early morning and late evening) wildlife can be seen on the road. Interestingly,
Shenandoah National Park has one of the densest populations of black bears documented within the U.S., although these bears stay deep in the forest.
[2]
Apart from the drive, one can hike and even camp. There are numerous
trails throughout, including a portion of the
Appalachian Trail, which follows the road's path.
Biking and
horseback riding are other recreational activities which are allowed on the road. There are also visitors centers, cabins for rent, and even restaurants (the one at the Skyland Lodge gives diners a spectacular vista of the valley south of
Luray).
Before entering
Currently as of June 2007 there is an entry fee for all vehicles. One week passes are issued with this fee. The entry fee for a single car is $15.00. This fee, which may be paid with cash, credit, or debit cards, provides a 7-day pass, valid for unlimited entries within that period of time.
A white-tailed deer as seen from car
Driving precautions
The
speed limit is 35 miles per hour (60 km/h). The road is very tortuous and hence such a limit is enforced. One might see stopped vehicles in the road either enjoying the wildlife or just turning to stop at an overlook. Bicycles, vehicles and pedestrians share the road. This requires extra precaution. There are also many deer, bear and other wildlife crossing the road, which can appear with no prior warning. The speed limit within the park is also strictly enforced by park police.
Mary Rock Tunnel, seen from car
In addition there is a
tunnel named "Mary Rock Tunnel" in the drive. The clearance is 12'8" (3.8 m). It is 670 feet (203 m) long.
Mileposts
On the west side (right when travelling from north to south) of the drive mileposts are present. They are numbered from 0.0 to 105 (north to south). These are the reference points to directions in the drive.
[3]
Time to allow
In general one should allow six to eight hours to enjoy the byway. For anyone who enjoys activities out of their vehicle such as hiking, more than one day should be allowed.
Campgrounds and cabins
Most of the
campgrounds are open from April to October-November. There are five major campgrounds:
[4]
★ Mathews Arm Campground
★ Big Meadows Campground
★ Lewis Mountain Campground
★ Loft Mountain Campground
★ Dundo Group Campground
There are three
lodges/cabins:
[5]
★
Skyland Resort
★
Big Meadows
★ Lewis Mountain Cabins
Ranger Programs
Park
rangers are very friendly and helpful. They organize several programs from spring to fall. These include ranger-led hikes. Interesting discussions of the history, flora, fauna etc. are the part of these ranger programs.
[6]
Stony Man Trail
This is one of the most scenic trails in the skyline drive. It ends up at a cliff and offers a beautiful
overlook. It is ideal to watch sunset. Pets and horses are not allowed in this trail.
[7]
Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Dark Hollow Falls is another scenic trail of the Skyline drive which ends up in
waterfalls. It is located near the Byrd Visitor Center. The trail is at the edge of a stream which enhances the enjoyment. During the hike, birds, butterflies, deer and occasionally
black bear and
timber rattlesnake can be seen, but these have not been known to harm any visitors.
[8]
Visitors who hike down to see the waterfall call it a worthwhile experience. The trail is a steep hike down about ¾ mile, with no restrooms or emergency shelter. Those who make this hike should be prepared, preferably carrying a bottle of water, and avoiding the hike altogether if there is any prediction of rain. The return trip up to the parking lot is very steep, and may be exhausting for some, especially older persons and those not accustomed to physical activity.
History
Main articles: Shenandoah National Park
Begun as a
Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the
Great Depression, construction of the Skyline Drive was both difficult and dangerous. Huge cuts were made into the sides of knolls and peaks to allow for a road wide enough to handle traffic. The work began in
1931, and the final section (from Swift Run Gap to Rockfish Gap) was completed and opened in
1939.
Since user fees are charged at entry points along the Skyline Drive, the Drive is sometimes mistaken as a
toll road. The fee, however, is not a toll charged to drive on the road, but rather to enter, and enjoy, the park. A $15.00 pass is valid for one thru seven days (as opposed to charging by the mile, or by the day, as toll roads do).
References
1. [1]
2. [2]
3. [3]
4. [4]
5. [5]
6. [6]
7. [7]
8. [8]
See also
★
Appalachian Trail
★
Big Meadows
★
Skyland Resort
★
Rapidan Camp
★
Lost counties, cities and towns of Virginia
External links
★
National Park Service, Shenandoah National Park, official website
★
Skyline Drive Historic District
★
Mile-by-Mile website, detailed information and many photographs
★
The Ground Beneath Our Feet: Building the Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park
★
A Skyline Drive webpage a non-commercial website with lots of history, information, and photos
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