There are many different options for hiking in the area, and it is the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors! We love driving down Skyline this time of year and choosing different hikes to do along the way. The entrance fee is $25 for one vehicle for 7 days, or $50 for an annual pass into the park. They also give you a map of the drive so you can choose different overlooks or trails to explore along the way.

The website included is a great resource when choosing hikes as well. Hikes off Skyline are on the website and other hikes in Shenandoah are listed as well. From the ceremony site, you will be able to see Old Rag mountain in the distance, which is a fun and popular hike in the park!

Skyline Drive

The drive between Thornton Gap(Rt 211 entrance) and Swift Run Gap(Rt 33 entrance) is approximately 34 miles, spanning the most beautiful and spectacular overlooks in the park, as well as Skyland and Big Meadows Lodges. The Byrd Visitor Center, located across from Big Meadows, houses various park exhibits, movies, and a bookstore.

Popular hikes originating from Skyline Drive

Upper Hawksbill: The highest point in SNP offers some of the best views from an easy 2.1 mile out and back.

Stony Man: The second highest point in the park and one of the most popular hikes, due to its proximity to Skyland Lodge and its relative ease over a 1.6 mile loop.

Bearfence Mountain: Fun 1.2 mile loop with serious rock scrambles up to a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Hikes from the bottom of the mountains are the most accessible from Sperryville and the surrounding area.

Old Rag Mountain: The parking area is only a few miles up Nethers Rd from Sharp Rock Vineyards. Old Rag is a strenuous, yet beautiful all day hike. The hike covers 9.2 miles with a serious rock scramble to great views.

Nicholson Hollow: Starting from the same parking area as Old Rag, but a much easier 8 mile out and back hike along the Hughes river up to Corbin Cabin.

White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run: Located just on the other side of Old Rag, near Syria. There are spectacular views of waterfalls along this hike, which can be done as individual out and back hikes or as a 7.9 mile loop.

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