Things To Do Near Skyline Drive
While there are four different entrances to Skyline Drive, if you want to start your drive from the north, enter Shenandoah National Park at the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station. You can go on a bike ride on the drive, stop at the stables at mile marker 42.5 to go on a guided trail ride, or bring your horses to ride on over 100 miles of trails. There are fantastic fishing opportunities near Skyline Drive, like Jeremy's Run near the Elkwallow Picnic Area, Piney Branch near the Ranger's Cabin, and the Thornton River between mile marker 25 and 26. While you can see a lot of the beautiful scenery from the overlooks, there are also fantastic hiking trails that you will want to follow.
Hiking Trails
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Fox Hollow Trail
This 1.2-mile circular trail starts at the Dickey Ridge Visitors Center at mile marker 4.6. If you have children along, stop at the center to get their unique brochure about this trail. Visit the old cemetery, and see the historical rock walls along this route.
Location
Dickey Ridge Visitors Center, Mile Marker 4.6, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia 22835
Length
1.2 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Snead Farm Loop
The Snead Farm Loop is a great trail to follow in the spring when the apple trees blossom and in the fall when you can see the ripe apples hanging from the trees. Start this trail at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, which is at mile marker 4.6. After passing the old farmhouse and the apple orchard, continue on to see the historic barn.
Location
Dickey Ridge Visitors Center, Mile Marker 4.6, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia 22835
Length
3.6 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Little Devils Stairs Loop
Park in the Keyser Run Parking Area at mile marker 19.4 and follow the fire road to the trailhead. There are many small waterfalls along this trail. You will love seeing the old family cemetery and hiking through this peaceful forest setting.
Location
Keyser Run Parking Area, Mile Marker 19.4, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia 22835
Length
7.4 miles
Intensity
Difficult
Sightseeing
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Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitors Center
Stop at the Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitors Center to view the film on Shenandoah National Park. Then, see the special exhibits on this park's history and nature. Rangers often give informative presentations at this location across Skyline Drive from the Big Meadows Picnic Area.
Location
Mile Marker 51, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia 22835
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Bolen Cemetery
This cemetery contains some of the oldest graves in the cemeteries in Shenandoah National Park. See the poem talking about the families who lived in this area before the park was created at the entrance to this cemetery. Then, see the markers of the people who called this area home.
Location
Near Little Devils Stairs Loop, Keyser Run Parking Area, Mile Marker 19.4, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia 22835
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Crescent Rock Overlook
Near mile marker 44, you will find the Crescent Rock Overlook on the west side of Skyline Drive. Take a few steps down the trail from the rock pile, and you will find the perfect spot to photograph Hawksbill Mountain.
Location
Mile Marker 44, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia 22835
Museums
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Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
This museum tells the stories of the eight Virginia and two West Virginia counties that make up the Shenandoah Valley. They often host special art exhibits and have a tremendous permanent art collection in the home that was finished in 1796. There are also fantastic short hiking trails near this museum.
Location
901 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601
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Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum
The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum is in an old courthouse constructed in 1840, which served as a field hospital during the Civil War. See graffiti drawn by Civil War soldiers and letters they sent home. This museum contains over 3,000 Civil War artifacts.
Location
20 N. Loudoun Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Stokes General Store
If you need new hiking or camping gear, check out the selection at Stokes General Store. You can also find great seasonal clothing for the whole family. Take home souvenirs from this store.
Location
533 East Main Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
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Royal Oak Bookshop
Since 1975, readers have been getting great books at Royal Oak Bookshop. They also carry maps and are very knowledgeable about the local area. Check out the books on the porch as they are always deeply discounted.
Location
207 South Royal Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
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Pollock Dining Room at Skyland
While you can expect a short wait for a table when dining at Pollock Dining Room at Skyland, the food is terrific and the service top-notch. Try their Charleston crab soup as it has real pieces of crab meat in it, or their pulled pork sandwiches. Leave room for the Signature Blackberry Compote Pie.
Location
Mile Marker 41.7, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia 22835
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Spottswood Dining Room
Choose from the wide range of items on the menu, including fish and chips, Reuben, and pulled pork BBQ at Spottswood Dining Room. This full-service restaurant is also a fantastic place to get a beer or glass of wine. Dine in the spacious dining room or choose to eat outside and enjoy the stunning views of the valley.
Location
Mile Marker 51.2, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia 22835