National Park Access Points Under Consideration in Shenandoah
Exploring Shenandoah National Park's Four Stunning Entrances
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey! Shenandoah National Park offers four entrances to its scenic byway, Skyline Drive, each providing a unique starting point for your exploration. Take a look!
Map of 4 Shenandoah National Park Entrances
- Location & Mile Marker: Front Royal, Virginia, at US 340 - Skyline Drive Mile 0
- Key Features: Nearest access to the Shenandoah Valley and the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Great for first-time visitors. Serves as the park's northern entrance.
- Location & Mile Marker: Luray, Virginia, at US Route 211 - Skyline Drive Mile 31.5
- Key Features: Ideal for guests visiting Luray, Virginia, or Luray Caverns. Offers access to numerous trails and viewpoints. Central location.
- Location & Mile Marker: Elkton, Virginia, at US Route 33 - Skyline Drive Mile 65.5
- Key Features: Gateway to the central portion of the park, popular Big Meadows area. Another central entrance, perfect for exploring the heart of the park.
- Location & Mile Marker: Waynesboro, Virginia, at Interstate 64 - Skyline Drive Mile 105 (Southern terminus)
- Key Features: Connects to Blue Ridge Parkway, allowing you to continue your scenic drive. Southernmost entrance, ideal if you're coming from Charlottesville or Richmond.
Each entrance grants breathtaking views and access to the park's natural wonders along Skyline Drive.
Let's take a look at some top tips for driving along Skyline Drive:
- Speed Limit: The speed limit is set at 35 mph. This helps protect wildlife and enhances safety.
- Watch for Wildlife: Stay alert for deer, bears, and other critters, particularly during dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously.
- Stop-and-Go Safely: Make use of designated overlooks and pullouts for photo ops, scenic views, or to let faster traffic pass.
- Stay Focused: Roads may be narrow and winding with blind curves, so avoid distractions and stay focused.
- Check Road Conditions: Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so check for road closures or hazardous conditions before you go.
Park Entry Fees
- Private Vehicle (Non-commercial): $30 for a 7-day pass, covering all occupants within the vehicle.
- Motorcycle: $25 for a 7-day pass.
- Pedestrian or Bicyclist: $15 for a 7-day pass.
Annual Passes
- Shenandoah National Park Annual Pass: $55, valid for one year from the month of purchase and good for unlimited visits.
- Interagency Annual Pass: $80, granting access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks.
For regular updates on park entrance fees, visit: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Now, let's hit the road and discover the magic that awaits at Shenandoah National Park! ✌️🌲🌄
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- Embark on a fascinating trip as Shenandoah National Park's four entrances grant access to the breathtaking Skyline Drive, each offering a unique starting point for exploration.
- The northern entrance to the park is situated in Front Royal, Virginia, at US 340 - Skyline Drive Mile 0, serving as an ideal starting point for first-time visitors and providing access to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.
- Luray, Virginia, at US Route 211 - Skyline Drive Mile 31.5, is the location of another entrance, perfect for guests visiting Luray or Luray Caverns, offering access to numerous trails and viewpoints.
- Elkton, Virginia, at US Route 33 - Skyline Drive Mile 65.5, marks the gateway to the central portion of the park, specifically the popular Big Meadows area, another prime location to explore the heart of the park.
- The southernmost entrance is found in Waynesboro, Virginia, at Interstate 64 - Skyline Drive Mile 105, connecting to the Blue Ridge Parkway, allowing you to continue your scenic drive if you're coming from Charlottesville or Richmond.
- As you drive along Skyline Drive, be mindful of the speed limit, set at 35 mph, to protect wildlife and ensure safety.
- Stay alert for deer, bears, and other wildlife, particularly during dawn and dusk, and drive cautiously.
- Use designated overlooks and pullouts for taking in scenic views or letting faster traffic pass, following the rules for safe and enjoyable travel through Shenandoah National Park.
- Regular park entrance fees apply for private vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists, with various options available for single visits or annual passes to cover frequent visitors and unlimited visits.