Skyline Drive, National Scenic Byway in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States.
Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, running 105 miles (169 kilometers) along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The route passes through eight counties and offers access to 75 overlooks where travelers can view the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont region.
Construction began in 1931 as part of a federal program to create jobs during the Great Depression and expand access to recreation areas. The road was completed in 1939, linking existing paths along the mountain range with new sections.
The road'Skyline s name describes how drivers can see for miles across mountain ridges and valleys from this elevated route. Local wildlife such as deer and black bears often appear near the roadway, especially during early morning and late afternoon hours.
The speed limit is set at 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour), and the route may close during winter conditions or severe weather. A park entrance pass is required year-round to access the road.
The route connects with 500 miles (805 kilometers) of hiking trails within the park, including sections of the Appalachian Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine. Mileposts along the road number the entire length from north to south, helping travelers identify their location.
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