The DC Traveler

Every year around this time, for perhaps the past four years, I’ve pledged to take a drive to enjoy the Fall colors on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. For some reason I always get detoured.  The explosion of reds, oranges and yellows in the area are truly beautiful.  I’ve driven around and even through the park a bunch of times but never on Skyline Drive, this time of year. Bad traffic, rain on the planned weekend, or some other silly excuse has kept me away. Well, no more.  This year, my time has come and my camera is ready. 

Skyline Drive reportedly has some of the best views of the wooded Fall colors in the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains this time of year. 

Located in the almost 80,000 acres, 70 miles long Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive was built in the 1930s.  The highest peak, Hawksbill Mountain, is just over 4,050 feet.  The park has an abundance of wildlife and is known for hosting one of the largest populations of black bears within the continental U.S., although they reportedly stay deep in the forest (most of the time).  At one point along the drive, it joins with the 2,000 mile long Appalachian National Scenic Trail that runs from Maine to Georgia.

The Drive is a picturesque 105-mile winding road along and through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east of the Shenandoah River.  There are around seventy five overlooks  and stops along the drive where you can stop and take photos, picnic or just take in the views.  You can also park and hike along many trails or stop by the several visitor’s centers.

Generally at thins time of year, October 8th and 20th, the Fall colors are at their most brilliant.  But check the Park’s Fall Colors webpage or the Big Meadows live webcam at the Byrd Visitor Center (Mile 51) for the current conditions; but remember, the fauna at higher and lower elevations may change colors earlier or later.

Traffic during peak weekends can cause Skyline Drive to slow to a crawl, so if you can visit on a weekend, you’ll most likely enjoy less traffic.

PHOTO SUBMISSION CHALLENGE - If you have any great Fall nature photos, send them in to The DC Traveler ([email protected]) by November 21st, and I’ll post the best ones here in a Fall Colors Photo Recap.

A couple of the Drive’s highlights and hikes include: 

Stony Man Trail
This is one of the most scenic trails, this 4 mile hike has some of the best views in the park. Look for rock wall climbers just below the main peak. Location - near Mile 38. 

Dark Hollow Falls Trail
Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a scenic hiking trail that follows a stream ending at a water fall.  The 3/4 mile hike starts at the Byrd Visitor Center and runs down a steep trail ending at Dark Hallow Falls.  The climb back up the trail can be tough. And since the trail has no facilities, bring water and use the restroom before starting.  Location - near Mile 51.

Marys Rock Tunnel
Located just south of the Thornton Gap entrance (Route 211) is the 13 foot tall Mary’s Rock Tunnel.  It was cut through the solid granite mountainside in 1932 to allow motorized traffic to pass.  Location - near Mile 32.

More…

Hawksbill Point 
It’s the highest point in the park at 4,051 feet. You can park nearby in the Hawksbill Gap Parking lot. Location - near Mile 46.                   

Skyland Resort - Then and Now

Skyland Resort, originally called Stony Man Camp, was opened in 1886 as a summer vacation retreat. At the highest point on Skyline Drive, (3,680 feet), the resort offered some of the most breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Skyland Resort is still in operation with 177 lodging units, including rustic cabins to suites, many with great views. Rates: $66 - $275 per night.

Skyline Drive 
Shenandoah National Park 
From roughly Front Royal, VA  in the north to Swannanoa, VA in the south (map it)

For a detailed map of Skyline Drive and the Park - click here.

A Couple of Warnings -   

• The speed limit in the park is 35 mph, and it’s strictly enforced. 
• Make sure you have plenty of gasoline.

Food and Dining - While I think a picnic would be the most fun, there are four mini-stores that sell groceries near Mile markers 24, 51, 57.5 and 79.5. You can also eat at one of the six dining stops located at Mile 24, 41.7 and 42.5, 51.2 and 79.5.

Dates and Times - Daily, but parts of Skyline Drive may be closed at night during deer hunting season (October - November) or due to bad weather.  Plan on three to four hours to drive the length of Skyline Drive, without heavy traffic or bad weather. With lots of people checking out the Fall colors, the travel time can double.

Tickets - A pass good for 6 days is available for $15.00 per vehicle, and are available at any of the four Park’s entrances; motorcycles - $10.00, on foot or bicycle - $8.00.

The park’s entrances are located at:

• Front Royal accessible via I-66 and Route 340, (Zero Mile marker)
• Thornton Gap accessible via Route 211 (Mile 32)
• Swift Run Gap accessible via Route 33 (Mile 65)
• Rockfish Gap accessible via I-64 and Route 250 (Mile 105)

The Front Royal and Thorton entrances are the closest entrance to Washington, DC, depending on which route you take.

This time, I won’t miss the great explosion of Fall colors.

Images - Flickr

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