Shenandoah National Park is the crown jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Showcasing endless mountain views and breathtaking forests, the park offers endless adventures. And while hiking is a major draw to the park, many people visit just to experience Skyline Drive. This 105.5-mile drive weaves its way through the mountains, offering photo-worthy views at every turn. And what some people may not realize is that if you continue driving south on Skyline Drive, you’ll eventually enter the Blue Ridge Parkway.
There’s no doubt about it: Skyline Drive is one of the most beautiful roads in Virginia. Meandering through the entirety of Shenandoah National Park, it’s a bucket-list destination.
Kevin Voelker Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images
This well-maintained mountain road travels from Front Royal in northern Virginia all the way to the Waynesboro-Charlottesville region.
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Completing the entirety of Skyline Drive takes about three hours, plus more if you’re hoping to stop and do a little hiking or sightseeing.
TerryKelly / Getty Images We’d recommend closer to five or six hours if you’re not in a hurry. Here’s a short and easy trail if you’re looking for a place to stretch your legs.
There are plenty of designated pull-offs where you can enjoy a picnic with a view. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you!
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What’s even more impressive is that the road actually continues beyond Shenandoah National Park. Mile Marker 0 of Skyline Drive is the official beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which extends all the way through North Carolina.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway offers its own set of attractions that you’ll want to take the time to explore. Plus, admission is free!
Ken Lund / flickr The Blue Ridge Parkway is 470 miles and leads all the way to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
So the next time you’re looking for a beautiful drive that seemingly stretches on forever, you might consider taking Skyline Drive all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Have you driven Skyline Drive all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway? If so, we’d love to hear about your road trip adventures! Be sure to leave a comment below.
Kevin Voelker Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images
Zack Frank / 500px / Getty Images
TerryKelly / Getty Images
We’d recommend closer to five or six hours if you’re not in a hurry. Here’s a short and easy trail if you’re looking for a place to stretch your legs.
MizC / Getty Images
Brian Wainwright / Getty Images
Ken Lund / flickr
The Blue Ridge Parkway is 470 miles and leads all the way to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Joel Carillet / Getty Images
And if you love road trips, you’ll love learning about the ultimate waterfall road trip through Virginia.
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Address: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
