The 12 Most Memorable Stops on Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive

North District of Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive

Compton Peak (10.4)

The first hike you’ll come across on Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive (or last depending on which direction you’re going), also has one of the neatest geologic formations in the whole park. There are two highlights of this trail: column-like volcanic rock formations and a sweeping panorama of the nearby mountains. Both are located close to each other so it’s easy and recommended that you do both.

In order to see both sights, you’ll hike 2.5-miles round trip. Once you reach the end of the trail you can either go left for the rock formations or right for the viewpoint. If you are pressed for time, check out the rocks. The viewpoint is nice, but compared to some of the other views on this list it can be a little underwhelming.

It’s worth noting that the trek to the geologic formation is a little treacherous with some uneven terrain and steep steps you’ll have to navigate.

Range View Overlook (17.0)

Range View and Pinnacles (below) are the two best overlooks on Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive. They each offer stunning panoramic views of various mountain ranges and ridges. It’s truly awe-inspiring seeing these mountains as they endlessly stretch into the distance. When you’re standing at these overlooks, it’s hard to imagine anything existing beyond these mountain landscapes.

Central District of Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive

Pinnacles Overlook (35.0)

Just 18 miles from Range View Overlooks is one of my other favorite viewpoints on Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive: Pinnacles Overlook. I love how the mountains just seem to stretch endlessly away into the distance here.

Stony Man (41.7)

We didn’t do the Stony Man hike, but despite that, it’s recommended on every Shenandoah list I came across when researching this trip. So, I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t recommend it.

It’s only a 1.6-mile hike with a rock outcropping at the end of the trail where you can view the surrounding region. Dogs are not allowed on this trail which is why we weren’t able to hike it during our trip.

Upper Hawksbill (45.5)

Hawksbill Summit is the highest peak in the park at 4,049′. As you can imagine, it has some fantastic views of the Shenandoah Valley below. There are also some fun rock outcroppings to climb on at the summit to try to find the best vantage point for photos.

You can get to the summit via one of three trails. We chose to do the Upper Hawksbill trail, but the trails aren’t really the star of this stop so pick whichever you prefer. All three trails are around two miles and have steep climbs to the top.

One thing I liked a lot about the Upper Hawksbill hike was how the trees change to firs as you gain elevation near the end of the hike. Even in early July, it felt like walking into a Christmas memory.

Old Rag Overlook (46.5)

Unless you have done or are going to hike Old Rag you can skip this overlook. Like most of the other overlooks that aren’t on this list, it isn’t bad, but it just isn’t anything that left me breathless.

If Old Rag is on your itinerary, then briefly stop at this overlook to see the peak you’ll be climbing.

Rose River Falls and Lower Dark Hollow Falls (49.4)

If waterfalls are what you’re looking for on Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive, the Rose River Falls loop is the hike for you! Over the course of about four miles, you’ll discover two true waterfalls and numerous cascading streams.

You can approach this hike in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It doesn’t make much of a difference which way you go in terms of difficulty.

For most of the hike you’ll follow the river through the woods. There are parts where the water is cascading over moss-covered boulders making it look like something out of a fairy tale. It’s one beautiful scene after another as you make this trek through the woods.

Make sure you take the small spur for Dark Hollow Falls. Even if you don’t add this short 0.25-mile hike, you can still check out the lower part of this waterfall from the Rose River trail. This is all we did because we weren’t able to take our dog on the spur.

Lewis Falls (51.0)

This waterfall hike is a strenuous 2.8-mile out-and-back hike on Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive. There are no rock scrambles or anything like that, but it is very steep in parts. You can make it into a loop by taking the Appalachian Trail which might make it a little easier. Talking to other people on the trail, though, it sounds like either way you go you have some steep climbs ahead of you.

Nevertheless, the waterfall itself is quite stunning. There’s an observation area where you have good views of the waterfall plunging out from the surrounding forest to fall 81′ feet to the river below. At this height, Lewis Falls is the largest waterfall in the park.

We went in the middle of summer when the water level was low, but it was still worth the effort of the hike. If you can, try to go either at the beginning of spring or after heavy rainfall to see Lewis Falls in all its majesty.

Big Meadows (51.0)

Besides being a great spot at the mid-point of Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive to stop and rest, Big Meadows is a lovely open meadow vista after driving through miles of verdant Appalachian forests. You can wander at your own leisure around the meadow, or you can do what I did and just admire the views while eating your lunch.

After you’re done taking in the pleasant meadow scenery, you can fill up your gas tank, take a restroom break and restock your supplies. Big Meadows also has camping and hotel lodgings if you want to break your drive up into two days.

Bearfence (56.4)

Bearfence was a remarkable hike! At only 1.1 miles round trip, it packs a ton into its short distance. The trail starts out pretty easily with a gentle climb away from Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive. However, shortly into the hike you’ll encounter the start of the rock scramble that Bearfence is known for.

From here, it’s only about another 0.25 miles before you reach the peak, but it feels a lot longer due to some of the scrambles. The last little bit before you reach the peak is particularly difficult. There’s a moment where you have to gather your courage, trust that you have a good grip with your hands and feet, and just go for it while clinging to the precipice.

It’s worth the effort! After finishing the rock scramble, you’re rewarded with wide open, 360-degree views of the Appalachian Mountains. Take your time up here to appreciate your surroundings.

It is worth noting that you should give yourself at least 45-60 minutes to do this hike. Despite its short distance, it’s relatively difficult and you’re going to want to several minutes at the peak before leaving.

South District of Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive

Blackrock Summit (84.4)

The Blackrock Summit trail is a relatively easy 1-mile hike, but, like with Bearfence, there’s more to this hike than its short distance suggests. Blackrock is an easy hike with extremely impressive views once you reach the summit.

The summit here is equally as fascinating as the peak is entirely made up of large rocks and boulders rather than exposed rock like in other parts of the park. It looks like a river of rocks on the top of the mountain.

You can make the hike more challenging by climbing the rocks at the peak to gain a better vantage point to admire the mountains around you. There’s also a spur near the peak that takes you into the rock field where you can do some more hiking and climbing through boulders. If you wish to do this spur, turn right at the first intersection you come to as you walk around the rocky summit.

Moorman River Overlook (92.0)

Driving north along Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive, this was one of the first overlooks we came across. It just so happened to turn out to be one of my favorite viewpoints in the whole park!

The overlook is very picturesque with the Moorman River sitting down in a valley surrounded by mountains on either side and in the distance. It’s a great first impression of the park if you are coming from the south.

Park Fees

There is a fee of $30 per car when entering the park at any of its entrances. If you are a through hiker or motorcyclist, you can expect to pay $15 or $25, respectively. Your fee will grant you access to the park for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.

If you’ve read some of my other national park articles, you know I’m a huge fan of the National Park Pass. This pass is an amazing bargain if you plan to visit multiple federally owned lands in one year. For only $80 you can enter any federal recreation site for up to one year from the date of purchase. It is an excellent bargain when you consider most national parks charge around $30 to enter.

Gas and Food

Gas can only be found at the Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center at mile 51 (across from Big Meadows). It’s a good idea to have a full tank of gas when entering the park in case of limited supplies. Per the National Park Service, gas can be particularly unreliable during winter.

Food is a little easier to come by than gas. You can find dining services approximately every 20-25 miles along Skyline Drive. The main places to get food are Elkwallow Wayside (24.1), Skyland (41.7 and 42.5), Big Meadows (51.2) and Loft Mountain Wayside (79.5). Dining at these locations ranges from convenient to-go options to sit-down restaurants.

For more information on exactly what each stop offers, click here.

Visitor Centers

There are two visitor centers at Shenandoah National Park. Both offer restrooms, outdoor seating areas and information centers among other amenities.

The first visitor center is Dickey Ridge located at mile 4.6 and the second is the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center at Big Meadows (51).

Dickey Ridge has some impressive overlooks near it’s parking lot. There is also the Fox Hollow Trail located across the highway if you are looking for a relaxing hike through the woods.

Places to Stay

There are a variety of options if you wish to lodge in the park itself for more direct access to the trails. Whether you want to stay in a primitive cabin, camp in a tent below the stars or stay in a more traditional hotel, Shenandoah has you covered.

Hotel lodgings can be found at Skyland (41.7) and Big Meadows (51). Cabins are located at both of these locations as well as Lewis Mountain (57.5). There are also primitive cabins found throughout the park if you prefer more rustic accommodations. You can find more information about these types of lodgings at Shenandoah’s Lodging website.

If camping is more your style, there are five locations to do so along Skyline Drive. Campgrounds are found at Mathews Arm (22.1), Big Meadows (51.2), Lewis Mountain (57.5), Loft Mountain (79.5) and Dundo (83.7). More information can be found here.

It’s a Slow Drive

Even though its only 105 miles end-to-end, it will take at least 2.5 hours to do the whole drive. However, considering you will likely stop a handful of times to take in the views, you can expect the drive to be three hours at minimum.

It’s an easy drive, but it has lots of bends and hills that you’ll have to negotiate. There’s also one other consideration you’ll have to take into account while driving…

Wildlife (But Mostly Bears!)

One of Shenandoah’s most well-known features is its bear population. You will want to drive slowly to give yourself a good opportunity to gaze out of your car windows for bears in the surrounding woods.

I personally didn’t see any. Michelle, however, saw two in the woods while she was driving. We backed up to try to spot them again, but they were already hidden in the foliage.

Besides bears, there are also deer and other small mammals you might spy from your car as you drive along the highway. Make sure to take your time to see every bit of wildlife you can and to avoid any accidental run-ins with even the smallest of wildlife on the road.

Resources to Book Your Trip to Shenandoah National Park

Whether you’re looking for tours, hotels or flights, here are some tools to help get you started planning your trip to Shenandoah!

Look for activities and tours offered through GetYourGuide or Viator!

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out my travel essentials pages for more of my recommendations.

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