One of the best ways to enjoy the magnificence of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is by driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Roanoke, all the way up to the top of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. This route covers 225 miles, and will take you about eight hours to complete, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the landscape. This scenic road trip offers magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding valleys. Take your time and stop often to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic along the way.
Before Heading Out
The Blue Ridge Parkway is marked clearly by mileposts, and organizing your drive according to these markers is an excellent way to budget your time and intersperse activities along the way. The highest speed limit on the parkway is 45 mph, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of time. If planning to explore Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, note that it closes at dusk. Plan to arrive in plenty of time to finish your drive before sundown.
Where to Stay
Located at milepost 41.7 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Skyland Resort provides comfortable lodging that is both family and pet-friendly. At 3,680 feet, its location marks the highest point on Skyline Drive, and the views from the property are spectacular. The resort is listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Skyline Resort offers two dining options. The Pollock Dining Room serves regional specialties and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Mountain Taproom offers a lighter menu and is open from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. It also provides free nightly, family-friendly entertainment. Room prices vary, depending on size and season, but start as low as $103. You will also need to purchase a National Parks pass to enter Skyline Drive.
Where to Eat
Located at milepost 51 on Skyline Drive, Big Meadows Wayside is a small complex that includes a gift shop, diner, general store and gas station. It is open from late March through late November, and offers an excellent value for your dollar. If you’d prefer to picnic instead, order take-out from the diner and travel to the picnic area, just about a mile from the complex. Here, you will find plenty of picnic tables, grills and open space for Frisbee with the kids.
What to Do
Six miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 27 in Virginia, you’ll find the trail head to Crabtree Falls, the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. These falls are made up of several cascades, including five major ones that offer fantastic views and drop a total of 1,300 feet. The first overlook is just a short distance from the parking lot, and is easily accessible for most ages and abilities. For those interested in a longer, more adventurous hike, the entire trail is approximately 4.5 miles long, and is moderately strenuous. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, travel to milepost 27. Exit onto VA 56 east and follow the signs to Crabtree Falls (about 6.3 miles). It is open from dawn to dusk daily.
Wildlife viewing is also a rewarding activity along the parkway. Be sure to have your camera handy, as photo ops tend to pop up often and unexpectedly. Expect to see deer, bobcats, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a black bear or two.