"Side trip to Shenandoah National Park" Top 5 Page for this destination Charlottesville Things to Do Tip by Ewingjr98

When in Charlottesville, be sure to make the 30-minute side trip to Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park. The cost is $10 per car for one week of unlimited entry and exit. The feature of the park is Skyline Drive, a twisty, turny two-lane road that follows the ridge of the mountains providing countless breathtaking views to the east and west, along with wildlife, hiking trails, falls, and a few rest areas with snacks and souvenirs.

Shenandoah National Park is a 105 mile long park that sits in Western Virginia between Interstate 66 to the north and I-64 to the south. The park covers almost 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness, with scenic, winding Skyline Drive running through the middle. Most of Skyline Drive is atop the ridges and has dozens of beautiful overlooks, quiet picnic areas, and peaceful hikes.

Skyline Drive is the centerpiece of Shenandoah National Park. It is controlled-access, meaning only vehicles which pay the $10 fee may enter. Though the price seems steep, it greatly limits the numbers of vehicles on this scenic and historic route. The 105 mile long roadway, running northeast to southwest has only four entrances, from north to south: Dickey Ridge off US Highway 340, Thornton Gap from US 211, Swift Run Gap at US 33, and Rockfish Gap at US 250 and Interstate 64.

Skyline Drive is packed with overlooks, gaps, and picnic areas announced with fanciful names such as Bearfence Mountain, Little Stony Man, and Hogwallow. You will be hard pressed to find a 1/4 mile stretch with no pull-off areas. Food and gas are a little more difficult to find... the drive has about 5 areas with food and only 2 with gasoline. You may need to venture off the parkway to get necessities.

Address: Park Supt, 3655 US Highway 211 East , Luray, VA
Directions: From Charlottesville, enter the park at Rockfish Gap which is accessible via I-64 and Route 250
othercontact: Emergency Line: (800) 732-0911
Phone: (540) 999-3500
Website: http://www.nps.gov/shen/