Is Skyline Drive Safe?

Skyline Drive is an iconic drive through the mountains of Virginia, USA. The road is within the Shenandoah National Park and runs along the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering the most amazing views. If you are a fan of the outdoors and the Great American Wilderness, then this is the road trip for you.

Skyline Drive begins in Front Royal and the 105-mile trip through Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains leads you to Rockfish Gap. The route passes high elevations you might find challenging but you can keep safe by being prepared.

Skyline Drive is a perfect route for exploring the great outdoors, and whether you visit for the scenery, the wildlife, or the many hiking trails on offer, there is so much to enjoy. Continue reading to discover what you will encounter along the way and the best time to visit.

Where is Skyline Drive located, and why might this drive be challenging?

The Skyline Drive is an immersive drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. The road stretches from Front Royal, Virginia, in the north to the south entrance at Rockfish Gap. Where the Blue Ridge Parkway ends in the North, is where the Skyline Drive starts.

As with any mountain route, some of the journeys will be at altitude, and you'll encounter steep inclines with the highest elevation reaching 3,680 feet. While this isn't a problem for most people, it can cause fatigue, dehydration, and headaches.

There are also some steep drops on the ridge of the mountain, and although the road is largely two-lanes, some of the older sections are single-lane and it can be nerve-wracking for drivers who aren't confident at altitude.

The original guardrails, made up of Chestnut logs have been replaced with stone walls, but there are some sections without a barrier giving a clear view over the edge.

The route also encompasses a series of switchbacks as it weaves its way through the mountains, which offer impressive overlooks over the surrounding wilderness.

When driving at high elevations, the weather is always susceptible to change quickly, so do be aware of fog and rain suddenly, making driving more challenging.

The route is also home to a variety of wildlife, which you may find wandering on the highway, so it's essential to be aware and concentrate on the road ahead at all times, particularly in challenging weather conditions.

Driving on the Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap

Running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the road offers wonderfully scenic views throughout. There are plenty of overlooks, 75 to be exact, where you can pull over and marvel at the wonder of nature in every direction.

The route also passes many popular hiking trails through the beautiful forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a bucket list drive for nature lovers.

Skyline Drive is the primary road through Shenandoah National Park, and there are no alternative routes for the journey, other than missing out on the park entirely and using adjacent highways that wind their way through the foothills.

There will be offshoots from the main route leading to campgrounds where you can spend a night under the stars in this amazing wilderness.

The speed limit along the route is generally limited to 35 mph, although it's advisable to slow down for the corners, and always pull over to let eager traffic pass, you want to enjoy every minute along this spectacular drive and not feel intimidated by other drivers.

Skyline Drive is the only paved road in the national park and the 105-mile drive is on a smooth and well-maintained surface.

There are two visitor centers along the route, Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is located at milepost five, and has an interactive exhibit giving an in-depth introduction to Shenandoah and what you can see and do within the Park. Please note that if you wish to hike Old Rag Mountain, you might need to make a reservation.

Byrd Visitor Center at Big Meadows is well worth a visit, where you can learn all about Shenandoah's development, how the spectacular landscape has evolved over time, and what is in store for the future. Both visitor centers have stores where you can stock up on supplies for the journey and buy a souvenir of the trip.

There are several other places available for food, gifts and even spending a night in the park. Elkwallow Wayside serves delicious regional cuisine, one of the highest places to dine along the route, with amazing views over the Shenandoah Valley.

Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort offer cozy woodland cabins, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you can experience an authentic night in the Park.

There are no gas stations within the park itself, but there are a couple near the Front Royal Entrance so it is advisable to fill the tank before entering the park, especially as there isn't a place to refuel at the southern entrance near Rockfish Gap.

Cell phone coverage is variable as you would expect on such a remote drive, so plan your route and stops in advance to be on the safe side.

Things to know that can impact the drive on the Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is a beautiful drive through Shenandoah National Park, but there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip.

It is important to drive carefully and enjoy the views along the way. Whilst the altitude, cliff edges, narrow sections, and lack of guardrails may be concerning to less confident drivers, taking your time and avoiding driving along the route at night are good ways to alleviate any fears.

There are many wildlife crossings along the route, so do keep your eyes peeled for bears, deer, and other wildlife that may stray into the road. This is their natural home and they should be treated with respect at all times.

Adverse weather conditions can impact the drive, and given the high altitude involved, you are more likely to experience road closures in winter, so consider this when planning your trip.

Tips to drive on the Skyline Drive in the safest way

Here are a few of our top tips for making a trip along Skyline Drive even more enjoyable:

• Make the trip early morning before 6:30am or late afternoon between 4pm and 6pm, and avoid traveling on weekends to miss the worst of the traffic.
• Make sure you have adequate fuel for your journey. Fuel up at Front Royal to avoid running low.
• Do not drive in the snow. Stay in a hotel in Front Royal at the North end of the road instead.
• Check the weather, traffic, and travel advisories here.
• Do a “virtual drive” using Google Street View so that you can prepare yourself and “see” the route for yourself beforehand.
• If possible, have two designated drivers share the load so you can stay fresh.
• Pack some essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, rainwear, and insect repellent, remember that most shops are closed in winter.
• Be patient and expect traffic at entrance stations and popular overlooks.
• Consider the remoteness of the road: cell phone coverage is limited and it's a remote drive. There are very limited services and no gas stations within the Park.

Alternatives to driving yourself on the Skyline Drive

There are several local bus tours operating in Shenandoah National Park, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the views, letting someone else do the driving.

Skyline Drive Scenic Tours and Skyline Drive and Luray Caverns Tour both offer guided tours of the route. You'll stop at many of the scenic overlooks, get to experience the wildlife trekking on one of the mountain trails and visit the area's main attractions.

Take to two wheels and cycle the length of Skyline Drive. There is a biking trail that runs parallel to Skyline Drive for much of the route, and it's a great way to explore the area's beauty at your own pace.

Best time to drive on the Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is open 24/7 throughout the year, and each of the seasons will bring a different look and feel to the stunning mountain landscape.

Visiting in the Summer is the most popular time to visit, which means the roads will be busier and there may be queues at the overlooks and viewing points along the way.

If you are looking to spend a night or two in the Park, plan ahead and book any lodgings in advance, and don't forget your sun protection and mosquito repellent.

Despite its popularity, summer in Shenandoah can often see a lot of rain, and there's a good chance you'll encounter thunderstorms, which can make driving at altitude more challenging.

Driving the route in Spring or Fall will bring clearer skies and the weather will be perfect for exploring the many outdoor trails throughout the Park. There will be fewer crowds and you can enjoy the spring wildflowers in bloom, or the stunning colors of the Fall, and it will be mild enough to stay at one of the many campgrounds.

Traveling along Skyline Drive in winter can see the road covered in ice or snow, and may result in the road being closed. Be sure to bring snow chains and fit winter tires and be well prepared.

That said, it's the quietest time to drive the route, and the snow-covered mountains in winter are a magical place.