Ultimate Guide to Virginia's National Park Scenic Drives: Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway & More
Virginia's national parks boast some of America's most renowned scenic roadways: the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. These picturesque routes, managed as national parks, offer stunning vistas perfect for fall foliage viewing, crisp winter panoramas, spring blooms, or summer escapes. Discover another hidden gem for breathtaking drives—read on!
Key Highlights Along Skyline Drive
Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson
Skyline Drive serves as the 105-mile spine of Shenandoah National Park, winding atop the Blue Ridge Mountains and connecting trails, attractions, visitor centers, campgrounds, lodges, and more. Enjoy panoramic views from 75 overlooks while accessing endless park experiences tailored to your interests.
Begin at the northern end near Front Royal, ascending from the lowlands into cooler air and expansive vistas. Embrace the serenity, stopping at overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley, crystal-clear pools of Jeremy's Run, or the 93-foot Overall Run Falls.
Visit Old Rag Overlook for views of one of Virginia's iconic peaks. Summit Hawksbill Summit, over 4,000 feet above sea level, or hike to Dark Hollow Falls and South River Falls. Spot deer at Big Meadows and gather insights at the visitor center.
Continuing south, explore Blackrock's talus slopes or Piedmont views from Moorman River Overlook. Embrace spontaneity—any stop along this paved ribbon delivers Shenandoah's splendor.
Experiencing the Blue Ridge Parkway
Photo Credit: Kristina Love IG account: @kristinalovephotography
The Blue Ridge Parkway, America's premier scenic byway, links Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park across Virginia and beyond. Its 216 miles through Virginia span 12 counties, rivaling the parks it connects with unmatched roadside beauty.
Overlooks provide interpretive signs on history and nature, enriching every vista. Trails from short strolls to 10-mile hikes lead to waterfalls, viewpoints, and cultural sites. Campgrounds, Peaks of Otter Lodge, and picnic areas enhance your journey.
Start near Waynesboro at Rockfish Gap, linking seamlessly with Skyline Drive for a 320-mile adventure from Front Royal to the North Carolina line. Fun fact: The entire parkway took 52 years to complete, finishing in 1987.
A Northern Scenic Gem: George Washington Memorial Parkway
Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson
Explore another Virginia national parkway designed for scenic drives: the 25-mile George Washington Memorial Parkway. From George Washington's Mount Vernon along the Potomac River to I-495 near Maryland, it blends history, nature, and views.
Conceived in the 1930s for Northern Virginia and D.C. visitors, it features overlooks, trails, and landmarks like Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Jones Point Lighthouse, Arlington National Cemetery (including the now-reopened Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial), Theodore Roosevelt Island, and Turkey Run Park.
Hike the parallel 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail, picnic in shaded areas, or visit Claude Moore Farm for Revolutionary War-era insights. This under-the-radar route delivers big rewards.
