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Just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia is Shenandoah National Park, offering 105 miles of natural beauty along Skyline Drive from Front Royal, Virginia to Afton, Virginia. Skyline Drive is a scenic roadway that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park and connects with the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are two different national park units.

Please note that Skyline Drive uses its own separate milepost numbering system which also begins at 0 at the northern end. The maximum speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 miles per hour, and this drops to 25 mph in the congested areas near visitor centers and other park service facilities.

Many visitors to this region enjoy both Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway – taking their time to explore the communities, natural beauty, and fun-filled activities the area offers.

Operating Hours & Fees

Unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park does have an entrance fee. Visitors to Shenandoah can purchase a one to seven day entrance permit or one of several annual or lifetime passes at Shenandoah’s entrance stations.

Portions of Skyline Drive are periodically closed during inclement weather and at night during deer hunting season in mid-November through early January. Visitors can still enter the park on foot to hike even when the Drive is closed.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/shen

Shenandoah National Park
3655 Hwy 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
540.999.3500

Stories from the Shenandoah National Park Region

June 16, 2022
I bet most of us have an example of a vacation that didn’t go as planned. A road was closed, a parking lot was full, traffic slowed or halted your progress to your destination. It throws a wrench into your travel plans and can even derail your trip. So, what should you do to help prepare for the unexpected? Here are nine practical tips for planning a successful Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.
March 16, 2022
The trees are budding, the sun is shining, rain is falling (plus a few snowflakes, too!), and spring ephemerals are starting to peek out on the forest floor. It is spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Some sections of the Parkway may still be closed due to winter weather at high elevations, but check out all these amazing spring activities that you can enjoy without needing to access the Parkway!

Recommended Itineraries

2 - 3 days
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the divinely placed mountain town of Waynesboro, Virginia, connecting ridge top vistas with the most flavorful local brews and downtown destinations. Round up your friends - this group-friendly itinerary will leave you cheering for more. You'll find Waynesboro a perfect starting point for exploring both Skyline Drive and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
2 - 3 days
Sweeping ridgetop curves and sunset-lit country roads converge in one divinely placed mountain town. Waynesboro, Virginia located at the base of Skyline Drive and Milepost 0 of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers the perfect base camp for motorcycle touring, with multiple days of beautiful riding and evening entertainment.