Make room for the wonder.
Skyline Drive strings together overlooks above Virginia’s valleys, with woodland walks and picnic stops close at hand. Choose a section and leave room to enjoy the views rather than treating the whole road as a checklist.
NPS Photo / Neal Lewis · Photography credit
NPS Photo / Neal Lewis · Photography credit
Places to consider
- 01Skyline Drive
- 02Big Meadows
- 03Short forest walks
Choose the stops that suit your time and your party. These are ideas for exploring, rather than a fixed itinerary or a promise that every road, trail or facility will be open.
Leave time for a walk
An overlook tour and a waterfall hike are different kinds of day. A walk such as Dark Hollow Falls involves a descent followed by an uphill return, so assess the trail before suggesting it to the whole group. Front Royal and Waynesboro are useful gateways at opposite ends of Skyline Drive.
Before you set out
Give the day room
Allow time for the approach, parking and breaks. Pick walks for the least mobile members of your party, and leave space for weather or a change of plans.
Bring your group
Confirm vehicle access, drop-off and parking with the park. Check any guided tours, transport and accessibility arrangements before fixing the rest of the itinerary.
Check the official NPS guide for current access, fees, passes, reservations and permits. Gateway names identify useful surrounding communities or access areas, not exact entrance directions. Photographs may show earlier seasons or conditions.