Skyline Drive

Located in Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is one of the most scenic drives in the world.

With 75 overlooks, miles of trails, outstanding opportunities to see wildlife, and beautiful colors during the four seasons, it's a fantastic place to experience the outdoors in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the drive as the speed limit along the entire route is 35 mph.

It's also one of the most popular spots in the country for RVs, camping, and motorcycles.

Is Skyline Drive the same as the Blue Ridge Parkway?

No. But we understand why you might think that.

There is often confusion about the distinction between Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, but the two are closely connected.

As you enter Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is the road that runs the 105 miles through the park. The Blue Ridge Parkway does not enter the national park.

The following is a downloadable PDF map of the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive.

For comparison, here's a downloadable PDF map of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park at Rockfish Gap on Afton Mountain also serves as the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

From this point, the Blue Ridge Parkway goes 469 miles through the Virginia and North Carolina mountains until it reaches it's southern end near Cherokee, North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

From Virginia's Blue Ridge, it's a popular route for many travelers to take the Blue Ridge Parkway north through the George Washington National Forest before reaching the Parkway's ending point at Milepost 0 on Afton Mountain. From there, it's easy to continue traveling north on Skyline Drive as it makes its way into Shenandoah National Park.

Skyline Drive operates similarly to the Blue Ridge Parkway in that it features mileposts that serve as markers to help guide you through the park and denote points of interest. The drive starts at Milepost 105 at the southern end of the park and the numbers go down as you travel north.

Skyline Drive's proximity to the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge (approximately 3 hours) also makes it a fun adventure and experience to add on to your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway.

Whether it's a day-trip or something added on to the beginning or end of your trip to Virginia's Blue Ridge, spending some time on Skyline Drive will provide the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the mountains.

Skyline Drive Fees

Is it free to travel on Skyline Drive?

Unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is a fee to visit Skyline Drive due to its location in the Shenandoah National Park. The following fee information is via the National Park Service.

Vehicle - $30
Per private, non-commercial vehicle. Pass is valid for day of purchase and next six days. Includes passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs, vans, and converted buses.

Motorcycle - $25
Pass is valid for day of purchase and next six days.

Individual - $15
Per person 16 years of age or older when entering by means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle, such as bicycles, taxis, and limousines providing transportation. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee.

Annual passes can also be purchased for the park for $55.

Skyline Drive is just one of numerous scenic routes in Virginia's mountains. To learn more about fun road trips you can take, check out our section on scenic drives in Virginia's Blue Ridge. You can also get more information about Skyline Drive & Shenandoah National Park on the National Park Service website.