Virginia's Skyline Driveis a National Scenic Byway that runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains starting in the north of the Shenandoah Valley at Front Royal toWaynesboro, where it meets the Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive is open to RVs and camping trailers, but they must be able to clear Marys Rock Tunnel which is 12 feet, 8 inches high near the Thornton Gap entrance at Rt. 211.
Highlights:
Fall is the most popular time to travel along Skyline Drive, with its colorful foliage from late September to mid-November. But spring offers the most colorful wildflowers along the drive, as well as blooming azaleas and mountain laurel.
Entrances to Skyline Drive:
Front Royal
at Rt. 66 & 340. The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center has maps and information about Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park
Thornton Gap at Rt. 211 - See Marys Rock Tunnel near this entrance.
Swift Run Gap at Rt. 33
Rockfish Gap at Rt. 64 - this is also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Speed Limit: 35 mph - various animals might walk down the middle or cross the road. With 75 overlooks spaced along the drive, you'll have plenty of opportunities to pull over to take photos, too.
Driving Time: About 3 hours non-stop on a clear day.
Tour Highlights: Skyline Caverns is famous for its Anthrodites — Orchids of the Mineral Kingdom — that radiate spike formations resembling flowers. These must be seen to be believed!
The famous Appalachian Trail runs parallel to Skyline Drive, and 101 miles lie in beautiful Shenandoah National Park, with 500 miles of hiking trails and plenty of wildlife and Outdoor Adventure Programs. Skyland Resort in the park offers quaint cabins to spacious suites with spectacular vistas. And Big Meadows Lodge offers rustic cabins to modern suites and multi-unit buildings offering views of the spectacular Shenandoah Valley.