Images of this view from 1940, 1965 and 1997 clearly document the growth and development of the valley below over the years. Skyline Drive Hikes. This overlook also has easy access to the Appalachian Trail. It lies next to a nature trail and the trailhead to Overall Run Falls, the parks highest waterfall. Also, the mountains name is definitely appropriateI saw a black bear down one of the slopes on one of my hikes there. We suspect these were the great Eastern Hemlock trees. Look for the rocks and you should see a trail behind it. Skyline Drive is a stunning 105-mile stretch of road that takes drivers straight through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. It is probably the easiest hike with the most rewarding views. 3. Its a nice contrast to many of the more open panoramic views, while not being blocked all together as some of the viewpoints are. There are 75 overlooks spread along the drive. The view here is a little expansive than the nearby overlooks. If the conditions are rightas in, thin patches of cloud in the sky, spending an hour just sitting on the stone wall and enjoying the landscape is as wonderful as a sunset in Shenandoah National Park can get. Obviously, theyre also more popular among people who hate getting up early in the morning! Driving Skyline Drive is incredible. Its a long bend with views that change as you move along the bend, so its definitely worth getting out of your car and walking along this one. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Other popular overlooks include Hogback, Baldface Mountain, Range View, and Shenandoah Valley Overlooks. Day 2: Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia to North Carolina Additionally, there are restrooms, an information desk, a bookstore, and exhibits. The national park was created with the intention of building a road running the length of the mountain ridge, so that people could enjoy the park by driving through it. Sawmill Run is in the center and Sawmill Ridge to the right. A short 25 minute drive from the Santa Fe Plaza, the sunset views from Aspen Vista trail are particularly gorgeous (especially when the aspen trees change colors in the fall!) The South District extends for 39.3 miles from the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (Mile 65.7) to the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (Mile 105). In terms of places to watch the sunset in Shenandoah National Park, there are myriad options. The one here has photos of the same view taken in 1940, 1965 and 1997 so you can easily see the changes in the valley over the years. There are two parking lots with large boulders between them. However, what made this stop memorable for us is the little trail that provides a spectacular framed view of the mountain. In addition to driving Skyline Drive, hiking is arguably the most popular thing to do in the park. Location: Between mile markers 55 and 56 facing the west. Another strenuous hike, North Peak requires an 11.8 mile trek (or a drive in an all-terrain vehicle drive and partial hike) through pinyon-juniper forest to reach the top of the Red Rock escarpment. Read More: Best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. You can support this website, at no additional cost to you, by using our links to purchase hotel stays, rental cars, travel products and more. Ravens Roost is a remarkable spot for catching spectacular sunset photos. To the right of Bacon Hollow in the distance you can see Brokenback Mountain and Flattop much closer. It's tough to pick the prettiest part of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, but there are a few overlooks that stand out above the rest. You must have a backcountry camping permit. Feel free to climb up on top of the rocks, which provide a nice foreground for photos. Pittock Mansion KaCey97078 / Flickr There are several hikes in close proximity to the campground and the Appalachian Trail goes through this part of the park as well. Toward the eastern edge of Mulholland Drive, you'll come across this roadside lookout with a top-down view of Universal Studios. We recommend andusethese companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. Summit Overlook Park Please check information with the facility you plan to visit. Camping in Georgia can take you to coastal waters, forested plateau, and the peaks of Appalachia, each with their own distinct terrain. The elevation at Point Overlook is 3,235 ft. Mary's Rock via the Pinnacle Picnic Area The hike to Mary's Rock via the Pinnacle Picnic area is accessed just south of the Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Drive. The area to the east is called the Virginia Piedmont (literally foothills), and the views have more woods and less agricultural and developed areas. A patch of grass is shaded by a handful of trees, enticing visitors to linger with friends while lounging on picnic baskets and watching the sunset. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL cookies. RVs, buses and trailers are permitted on the Skyline Drive. The staff are very friendly, the park is clean and there is wildlife everywhere. My favorite accommodation in Shenandoah National Park, however, is Lewis Mountain Cabins, a collection of basic cabins in the woods, near a bunch of amazing overlooks and trailheads. I'm going to Shenandoah for the first time for 2 days. No time right now to discover the best overlooks on Skyline Drive? Learn more. It includes admission for one vehicle or four people (for places that charge per person). This is also the only visitor center that has that classic national park orientation movie, arguably the best introduction to any park. Youll have the best chance of spotting deer and bears at dawn or dusk, when theyre most active. Here is where the drive meets up with another favorite, the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then, the nearest mountain to the right is Mount Marshall Overlook and to the right of that is Hogback Mountain. Eloping in the Mountains: A Shenandoah National Park Wedding, Epic Waterfall Elopement in North Carolina, The overlooks are some of the only cleared areas in the park, meaning that they are the best places for those, You can have the look of a mountaintop bald or a. The overlooks were designed to give visitors the full Blue Ridge Mountain experience, without ever having to set foot on a hiking trail. A sap sucking pest plagued the trees a few years ago and destroyed 95% of the parks Eastern Hemlocks. Fall sunsets are especially amazing! Groups must number at least 7 with a maximumof 20 people. Are essential for the website to function properly. If you dont feel like cooking, the lodge is very close by with delicious food, a warm fireplace, local musicians and games.The Dyrt camper Charlotte D. For sunrise and sunset watching from Skyline Drive overlooks, this is arguably the best campground in Shenandoah National Park. So, arrive early to claim a spot. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here. There are sensational views of Page Valley, part of the Shenandoah Valley. That image shows perfectly what the summit is like. The speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 mph. There are numerous pull-outs and overlooks along this road offering spectacular views to both the east and west. The sunset at Point Overlook also seemed to be very popular among photographers since many were lined up snapping photos of the sunset! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Crimora Lake is actually the site of a former manganese mine. Be sure to get out and walk the length of the curve, as the view does change. The view of the eastern hills is lovely. 2. It has gorgeous boulders, wild grassy areas, and lots of space to move around (unlike some of the overlooks where there is really only one spot to stand.). Sunset at Bernardo Waterfowl Management Area is an equally fantastic moment when the birds depart in groups of thousands. While sunrises are definitely gorgeous and quiet, particularly if its a cool morning and a blanket of mist lingers in the valleys, the sunsets in Shenandoah National Park tend to be warmer and all kinds of gold and orange. As an elopement photographer, she has a renewed appreciation for the beauty and versatility of the park and all of its gorgeous trails and overlooks. The view looks down into Thornton Hollow with endless views of the mountains beyond. The trailhead lies near Skyland Resort, its accessibility only adding to its appeal. Port of Oakland Middle Harbor Shoreline Park. Turn left onto Phantom Canyon Rd. So, if youre looking for a memorable Skyline Drive sunset spot, hiking the Stony Man Trail is definitely worthwhile. These cookies do not store any personal information. Share This: Skyline Drive, part of Shenandoah National Park, runs north-south for 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Roanoke to Blue Ridge Music Center Driving Distance: 98 miles. Hike to Hawksbill Mountain. The main view here is nearby mountains, with Brown Mountain just behind and parts of Shenandoah Valley just peaking behind them. However, its the sign that makes this a memorable stop for us. The views from the Central and North Districts primarily overlook the Shenandoah Valley. The overlooks in the South District, like Rockytop, provide up close views of the surrounding mountainside. Look for a break in the stone wall and follow the trail down for about five minutes to a rocky outcrop. If youre driving south, this is the second overlook in the park, but the first I recommend stopping at. Click on "Read More" for more details about our privacy policy. Its expansive views make it a stop-worthy viewpoint in the late-afternoon, but to actually watch the sunset in Shenandoah National Park I recommend driving south on Skyline Drive for a few minutes and checking out the next overlook. This is a lovely leafy overlook with views of the Shenandoah hills beyond the trees. The national park and Skyline Drive are open year-round, weather permitting. Also, the campground has a trail that leads to a 100-foot waterfall.The Dyrt camperCasey C. When it comes to facilities and services, the Big Meadows Campground has it all. There are a lot of trees in the foreground at this overlook, but above the tree tops you can the Shenandoah Valley. Third Stop: Phantom Canyon Road Cost: Free Drive Time: Approx. You will beat the crowds by going early. Climb, ride or drive to these amazing spots to add a bit of 'wow' to your day. Categorized as necessary, some cookies are essential for the basic functionality and security of the website. Scenic Overlook Tower at Laurel Hill State Park. He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks. Its the start of the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a continuation of the Skyline Drive. The Parkway officially opened on September 11, 1987exactly 52 after construction began. The Skyline Drive speed limit is 35 miles per hour. Reply. Waterfall hikes are among the parks highlights as well. Weaver Mountain is on the left and Loft Mountain on the right, with Flattop and Brokenback Mountain further afield. The rocky summit commands spectacular views down on the Shenandoah Valley and of Skyline Drive to the south. If your vehicle is taller, you can still drive the southern and northern sections of the Skyline Drive, but would need to turn back when you get to the tunnel. Skyline Drives overlooks make the Shenandoah National Park arguably one of the best drives in the eastern US. To its left is Hazel Mountain in the distance and Pinnacle Ridge. If youre planning oncamping in the backcountry, you must have a backcountry camping permit. However, theres also a gap in the middle of the stone wall, from which a short trail leads down to a rocky outcrop. Generally considered an easy route. It is wide with a gorgeous view of the expansive rolling mountains below. Explore. Barred owls called all night under the Milky Way. Download your maps so theyre available offline or use a paper map. Plus: It's southwest-facing, so you get a great view of the sunset. Its definitely a gorgeous place to take all sorts of clients for all sorts of sessions. The South District's scenic overlooks mostly face east which makes it great for watching sunset - do that on your way out of the park. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Id love to hear which ones are your favorites! From the Thornton Gap entrance, take Skyline Drive south for 15.2 miles to reach the parking area, on your right. Nearby Attractions: Luray-Hawksbill Greenway Big Meadows Lodge New Market Battlefield State Historical Park Endless Caverns Trails, fishing, canoes, bikes onsite! . The fall color typically peaks around October 18-25, but this can vary from year to year.. Something to be aware of is that the color can be at its peak along the Skyline Drive but not yet at its best on the hillsides. We were here a few years ago and missed this secret spot, but got it this time. The western views in this section mostly offer lovely views of Shenandoah Valley. Theres a clearance a short way along that frames the view perfectly. Ranger programs are held here on a regular basis, while backcountry permits, maps, and other publications are available as well. On the eastern edge of the city of Thunder Bay, the Terry Fox Monument and Travel Information Centre stands on a bluff above Highway 11/17, providing a superb vista of the Sleeping Giant, the Thunder Bay icon, and the bay named Thunder Bay. This post about Shenandoah sunrise spots has another photo taken at the Bearfence Mountain summit: https://www.travel-experience-live.com/where-to-watch-the-sunrise-in-shenandoah-national-park/. This category only includes cookies that ensure basic functionality and security features of the website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. In the distance on a clear day you can see the towns of Stanley and Luray. For a list of all overlooks and their mile-markers, visit Skyline Drive Overlooks here. Though, if you want to include the boulders in your photo composition, get there for sunrise to beat the hordes of rock posing tourists. Best photographed in overcast or lightly sun-dappled light, the scene is especially magnificent when enshrouded in fog. Want to know more about the Shenandoah National Park? Because of the great views and the short hike this is a VERY popular hike, and it is great for families. Ballardini Ranch Trail is a beautiful, 2.5-mile loop with great views of Reno and the valley floor. Which is where this guide comes in. It takes less than five minutes to walk and leads to a rocky area with the most amazing views. An avid hiker and camper, hes traveled all over Australia, Europe and the USA in search of the worlds most beautiful and remarkable national parks. It think its totally fair to say that this is absolutely one of the best scenic overlooks on Skyline Drive. The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park. In between are Nakedtop and Hershberger Ridge. Do not pick them. Hook-ups are not available. Typically, not packed like the parking lots for the popular hikes; you may even get it all to yourself in the off season. Exact Location - Pier at the end of Middle Harbor Park. SKYLINE!!!! Reno Scenic Overlook: Ballardini Ranch Trailhead. Theres also a dead tree that creates a great centerpiece for photos. The best views are from the higher area, but you can easily walk between the two. Great view over the valley and Shenandoah river. You are right that the hike up there is in the woods, but after the rock scramble to the summit, you're well above the trees below. There are two Shenandoah National Park Visitor Centers just off of Skyline Drive. Pinterest. That being said, the park is also beautiful in spring and summer. There are more than 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park, from short strolls in meadows to thigh-burners and granite summits. Its a little off to the right where theres a mound of rocks. If you plan to spending more time in the Shenandoah National Park you may want to consider picking up a book or map on the area. When you drive the Skyline Drive, I strongly recommend having travel insurance for your trip. Here's What to Put on Your Packing List, Front Royal Entrance Station at mile 0 (near I-66 and off Route 340), Thornton Gap Entrance Station at mile 31.5 (off Route 211), Swift Run Gap Entrance Station at mile 65.7 (off Route 33), Rockfish Gap Entrance Station at mile 105 (off I-64 and Route 250), Expansive panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, including a section of Skyline Drive, Fun woodland hike to the highest summit in Shenandoah National Park, amazing views, Difficult hike down from Skyline Drive and back up, passing by several large waterfalls and numerous cascades, Most difficult and dangerous, yet most popular, hike and rock scramble in Shenandoah National Park to a barren summit offering superb views, Short but steep hike to the parks most visited waterfall, near Big Meadows, Fun rock scramble to a fantastic 360-degree vista, Delightful woodland loop hike to a scenic rocky outcrop, One of the best waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park, passing the Upper and Lower Doyles River Falls and Jones Run Falls, Easy walk on a well-trodden trail to a talus slope and boulder-strewn summit providing great views, Range View Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile 17), Buck Hollow Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile 32.8), Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile 40.5), The Point Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile 55.5), Bearfence Mountain Summit (Skyline Drive Mile 56.4), Open from late-March through mid-November, First come, first served and reservations, Open from late-March through late-October. Head over to Big Meadows and gaze awe-struck at a star-studded sky. The National Parks Experience is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Shenandoah National Park arguably one of the slopes on one of the and. A memorable Skyline Drive sunset spot, but got it this time scenic overlooks on Skyline Drive limit Skyline... The left and Loft Mountain on the Skyline Drive shows perfectly what the summit like! Off of Skyline Drive that is Hogback Mountain name is definitely appropriateI saw a black bear down one of great. Bears at dawn or dusk, when theyre most active: //www.travel-experience-live.com/where-to-watch-the-sunrise-in-shenandoah-national-park/ insurance for your trip of Reno the... I strongly recommend having travel insurance for your trip in Meadows to thigh-burners and summits! 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