View source for Skyline Drive

{{Short description|National Scenic Byway in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, US}}
{{About|the road in Shenandoah National Park|other roads with the same name|Skyline Drive (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox road
|country=USA
|type=Skyline
|tourist=[[File:MUTCD D6-4.svg|20px|alt=|link=]] Skyline Drive
|map={{maplink-road|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/Wikipedia KML/Skyline Drive}}}}
|map_custom=yes
|map_notes=Road map of Skyline Drive showing nearby major roads and cities in west-central and northwestern Virginia
|length_mi=105.5
|length_ref=<ref name=sdmap/>
|established=1939
|restrictions=No trucks
|direction_a=North
|terminus_a={{jct|state=VA|US|340}} near [[Front Royal, Virginia|Front Royal]]
|junction=
*{{jct|state=VA|US|211}} in [[Thornton Gap, Virginia|Thornton Gap]]
*{{jct|state=VA|US|33}} in [[Swift Run Gap, Virginia|Swift Run Gap]]
|direction_b=South
|terminus_b={{jct|state=VA|US|250}} / [[Blue Ridge Parkway]] in [[Rockfish Gap, Virginia|Rockfish Gap]]
|counties=[[Warren County, Virginia|Warren]], [[Rappahannock County, Virginia|Rappahannock]], [[Page County, Virginia|Page]], [[Madison County, Virginia|Madison]], [[Greene County, Virginia|Greene]], [[Rockingham County, Virginia|Rockingham]], [[Albemarle County, Virginia|Albemarle]], [[Augusta County, Virginia|Augusta]]
|system1={{infobox road/browselinks/USA|type=NSB}}
|embedded={{Infobox NRHP
 | name = Skyline Drive Historic District
 | embed = yes
 | nrhp_type = nhld
 | nocat = yes
 | designated_other1 = Virginia Landmarks Register
 | designated_other1_date = December 4, 2006; July 2, 1997; June 18, 2003<ref name=register>{{cite web |author = Virginia Department of Historic Resources |author-link = Virginia Department of Historic Resources |date = n.d. |title = Virginia Landmarks Register |url = http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register_counties_cities.htm |publisher = Virginia Department of Historic Resources |access-date = June 5, 2013 }}</ref>
 | designated_other1_number = 069-0234
 | designated_other1_num_position = bottom
 | image = File:Sunset View from Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.jpg
 | caption = View from Skyline Drive
 | image_size = 290
 | nearest_city = [[Front Royal, Virginia]]
 | coordinates = {{coord|38|32|54|N|78|27|38|W|display=inline}}
 | locmapin = Virginia#USA
 | area =
 | built = 1931
 | architect =
 | architecture =
 | designated_nrhp_type= October 6, 2008<ref name="nhlsum">{{cite web |author = National Park Service |url = http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1226590862&ResourceType=District |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110523004328/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1226590862&ResourceType=District |url-status = dead |archive-date = May 23, 2011 |title = Skyline Drive Historic District |date=n.d. |access-date = May 31, 2012 |publisher = National Park Service }}</ref>
 | added = April 28, 1997
 | mpsub=Historic Park Landscapes in National and State Parks MPS
 | refnum=97000375<ref name="nris">{{NRISref |version = 2010a |access-date = September 20, 2016 |dateform = mdy}}</ref>
 }}
}}

'''Skyline Drive''' is a {{convert|105|mi|km|adj=on}} [[National Parkway]] that runs the entire length of the [[National Park Service]]'s [[Shenandoah National Park]] in the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] of [[Virginia]], generally along the ridge of the mountains. The drive's northern terminus is at an intersection with [[U.S. Route 340 in Virginia|U.S. Route&nbsp;340]] (US&nbsp;340) near [[Front Royal, Virginia|Front Royal]], and the southern terminus is at an interchange with [[U.S. Route 250 in Virginia|US&nbsp;250]] near [[Interstate 64 in Virginia|Interstate&nbsp;64]] (I-64) in [[Rockfish Gap]], where the road continues south as the [[Blue Ridge Parkway]]. The road has intermediate interchanges with [[U.S. Route 211|US&nbsp;211]] in [[Thornton Gap]] and [[U.S. Route 33 in Virginia|US&nbsp;33]] in [[Swift Run Gap]]. Skyline Drive is part of [[Virginia State Route 48|Virginia State Route&nbsp;48]], which also includes the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but this designation is [[unsigned highway|not signed]].

A park entrance fee is charged at the four access points to the drive. Skyline Drive is a two-lane road that has 75 overlooks providing views of the [[Shenandoah Valley]] to the west and the [[Piedmont (United States)|Piedmont]] to the east. The drive provides access to numerous trails, including the [[Appalachian Trail]], and it is also used for [[cycling]] and [[horseback riding]]. Skyline Drive is the main road through Shenandoah National Park and has access to [[campground]]s, [[visitor center]]s, and resorts such as [[Skyland Resort]] and [[Big Meadows]]. The scenic drive is particularly popular in the fall for [[leaf peeping]] when the [[Autumn leaf color|leaves are changing colors]].

Plans for the road date back to 1924 when a national park was planned in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the main feature was to be a "sky-line drive" providing views of the surrounding land. President [[Herbert Hoover]], who had a summer home at [[Rapidan Camp]], called for the construction of the road. Groundbreaking for Skyline Drive took place in 1931. The first section, which originally was to run from Rapidan Camp to Skyland, was extended between Swift Run Gap and Thornton Gap and opened in 1934. Skyline Drive was extended north to Front Royal in 1936 and south to [[Jarman Gap]] in 1939. The road between Jarman Gap and Rockfish Gap was built as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1939 and was incorporated into Skyline Drive in 1961. The [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] played a large part in constructing Skyline Drive. Improvements have been made to the roadway since it was built. Skyline Drive was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1997, became a [[National Scenic Byway]] in 2005, and was designated a [[National Historic Landmark]] in 2008.

==Route description==
Skyline Drive takes a winding north–south path along the mountaintops of the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] east of the [[Shenandoah River]] from [[Front Royal, Virginia|Front Royal]] to [[Rockfish Gap]], serving as the only public road through [[Shenandoah National Park]]. There are four entrance points to Skyline Drive located at [[U.S. Route 340 in Virginia|US&nbsp;340]] near [[Interstate 66|I-66]] in Front Royal, [[U.S. Route 211|US&nbsp;211]] in [[Thornton Gap]], [[U.S. Route 33 in Virginia|US&nbsp;33]] in [[Swift Run Gap]] and [[U.S. Route 250 in Virginia|US&nbsp;250]] near [[Interstate 64 in Virginia|I-64]] in Rockfish Gap. At the south end in Rockfish Gap it connects to the northern terminus of the [[Blue Ridge Parkway]], a free-access road that continues southward along the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the west side of the drive, mileposts are present. They are numbered from 0 to 105 (north to south) and serve as reference points to directions in the drive. There are 75 overlooks throughout the drive, providing views of the [[Shenandoah Valley]] to the west and the [[Piedmont (United States)|Piedmont]] to the east.

The [[speed limit]] is {{convert|35|mph|km/h}} and is strictly enforced by park rangers. Bicycles, motor vehicles, and pedestrians share the road. There are also [[white-tailed deer|deer]], [[American black bear|black bears]], [[Turkey (bird)|turkey]], and other wildlife, which may appear and cross the road without warning.<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name=drivingskyline>{{cite web |author = National Park Service |title = Shenandoah National Park: Driving Skyline Drive |publisher = National Park Service |url = https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm |access-date = September 11, 2016 }}</ref> Numerous trails can be accessed along the drive, including a portion of the [[Appalachian Trail]], which follows the road's path.

[[Biking]] and [[horseback riding]] are other recreational activities that are allowed on the road.<ref name=npbook>{{cite book |last = White |first = Mel |title = Complete National Parks of the United States: Featuring 400+ Parks |publisher = National Geographic |location = Washington, D.C. |date = 2009 |pages = 97–101 |isbn = 9781426205279 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=lMZL58PowDYC&q=%22skyline+drive%22&pg=PA97 |access-date = September 20, 2016 |via = [[Google Books]] }}</ref> The drive is popular in the fall months for [[leaf peeping]] to view [[fall foliage]]. Skyline Drive is closed from dusk to dawn from November to early January to ensure rangers can control illegal hunting. The drive can also close for a short time following snow or ice storms.<ref name=nsbp3>{{cite web |author = Federal Highway Administration |author-link = Federal Highway Administration |date = n.d. |url = http://byways.org/explore/byways/60646/services |title = Skyline Drive: Visitor Services |work = America's Byways |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |access-date = September 12, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120428110305/http://byways.org/explore/byways/60646/services |archive-date = April 28, 2012 }}</ref> Skyline Drive is designated a [[National Scenic Byway]].<ref name=nsbp>{{cite web |author = Federal Highway Administration |date = n.d. |url = http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/60646 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131005084353/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/60646 |url-status = dead |archive-date = October 5, 2013 |title = Skyline Drive |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |access-date = September 11, 2016 }}</ref>

===Front Royal to Thornton Gap===
[[File:Skyline Drive between Front Royal and Thornton Gap.jpg|thumb|left|Skyline Drive northbound at the Indian Run Overlook]]

Skyline Drive begins at an intersection with [[U.S. Route 340 in Virginia|US&nbsp;340]] south of [[Front Royal, Virginia|Front Royal]] in [[Warren County, Virginia|Warren County]], heading east into dense forests in [[Shenandoah National Park]] as a two-lane undivided road. The road curves south and passes through the Front Royal Entrance Station, where a [[Park ranger|ranger station]] is located. At this point, the drive winds south and ascends the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]]. The roadway heads southwest and comes to the Shenandoah Valley Overlook on the west side of the road.

Skyline Drive winds south and reaches the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, which has a ranger station, [[picnic area|picnic grounds]], and [[restrooms]]. Farther south, the roadway reaches Dickey Hill. The road continues southerly to the Gooney Knob Overlook facing southwest, at which point it turns to the east and winds through Low Gap. The drive heads east to an overlook at Compton Gap, where it bends south along a winding path, straddling the border of Warren and [[Rappahannock County, Virginia|Rappahannock]] counties, and runs parallel to the [[Appalachian Trail]], which closely follows Skyline Drive for the remainder of its route. The road curves southwest and reaches the summit of North Marshall. Upon reaching the south-facing Range View Overlook, the roadway turns to the west along a winding path, bending southwest. The drive passes the Mount Marshall Overlook on the east side, at which point it heads west.<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name="nps map"/>

Skyline Drive reaches the Hogback Overlook on Hogback Mountain that faces northwest and turns southerly. The roadway heads west and straddles the boundary between [[Page County, Virginia|Page]] and Rappahannock counties, coming to Mathews Arm, where a [[campground]] and ranger station are located. The drive turns to the south and comes to Elkwallow, which hosts restrooms, picnic grounds, a camp store, and [[food service]]. Skyline Drive continues along and comes to the Jeremys Run Overlook on the west side of the road before it winds to the east. The roadway comes to the east-facing Thornton Hollow Overlook and heads back to the south, coming to the Beahms Gap Parking on the west side of the road. The drive traverses Pass Mountain as it continues to the south. Skyline Drive comes to an interchange with [[U.S. Route 211|US&nbsp;211]] at the Thornton Gap Entrance Station, which is located in [[Thornton Gap]] to the east of [[Luray, Virginia|Luray]] and the west of [[Sperryville, Virginia|Sperryville]]. A ranger station is present at the entrance station.<ref name="Google Maps">{{google maps |url = https://www.google.com/maps/dir/38.9067664,-78.2003473/38.0312465,-78.8581857/@38.541096,-78.9894905,159331m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m19!4m18!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-78.2867141!2d38.7543507!3s0x89b5ca9bd7efb321:0x687cb2a9adc945d6!3m4!1m2!1d-78.4228304!2d38.5324639!3s0x89b44453c54185f7:0xf1b16725c73bbc09!3m4!1m2!1d-78.744984!2d38.2057274!3s0x89b486a28c24efa1:0x9411a34e36e60028!1m0!3e0?hl=en |title = Skyline Drive |access-date = September 6, 2016}}</ref><ref name="nps map">{{cite map |author = National Park Service |date = n.d. |title = Shenandoah National Park |publisher = National Park Service |url = https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/whole_park.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026204808/http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/whole_park.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-date = October 26, 2006 |access-date = September 6, 2016 }}</ref>

===Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap===
[[File:Marys Rock Tunnel - Late Fall (22160116773).jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.69|Marys Rock Tunnel]]

Past the US&nbsp;211 interchange, Skyline Drive continues to the southeast past Panorama, which is site of restrooms. The road passes through the [[Marys Rock Tunnel]] under [[Mary's Rock]] and winds to the south. The roadway passes west of the Meadow Spring Parking before coming to the south-facing Pinnacles Overlook, where it winds to the west. Skyline Drive reaches the Jewell Hollow Overlook that faces to the west and heads southwest straddling the border of Page and [[Madison County, Virginia|Madison]] counties. The road passes Pinnacles, where restrooms and picnic grounds are located, and runs through the Hughes River Gap. The drive continues to the south and passes the Stony Man Overlook and the Little Stony Man Parking on the west side of the road, where a trail leads to [[Stony Man Mountain]]. Farther along, the roadway bends to the west along a winding stretch. Skyline Drive reaches its highest point at an elevation of {{convert|3680|ft|m}} and continues southwesterly. The road reaches Skyland, where the [[Skyland Resort]] is located offering food, [[lodging]], and restrooms. Also located at this point is Whiteoak Canyon Parking on the east side of the road. The drive continues to the south and passes Limberlost Parking on the east side and the west-facing Timber Hollow Overlook. The roadway then winds south past Bettys Rock. Farther to the south, Skyline Drive reaches Hawksbill Gap Parking, where a trail leads to [[Hawksbill Mountain]], the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park at {{convert|4051|ft|m}}. The road continues along and comes to the east-facing Old Rag View Overlook, where it turns to the west and passes south of Upper Hawksbill Parking. The drive comes to the west-facing Spitler Knoll Overlook and curves south.<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name="nps map"/> The roadway bends to the southwest and passes northwest of Dark Hollow Falls Parking, where a trail leads to the {{convert|70|ft|m|adj=on}} high [[Dark Hollow Falls]], the closest [[waterfall]] to Skyline Drive.<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name=npbook/><ref name="nps map"/> Past here, the road reaches [[Big Meadows]], where there is a ranger station, restrooms, a campground, picnic grounds, food, and lodging. Big Meadows is also site of the Byrd Visitor Center and a wayside with a restaurant, [[gas station]], [[gift shop]], and camp store.<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name="nps map"/>

Past here, Skyline Drive continues along a southerly track.<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name="nps map"/> At the Milam Gap Parking, a trail leads east to the [[Rapidan Camp]], where President [[Herbert Hoover]] had a summer residence from 1929 to 1932.<ref name=npbook/> The road passes Hazeltop before it passes through Bootens Gap, where it straddles the boundary of Page and [[Greene County, Virginia|Greene]] counties. The roadway traverses Bush Mountain before coming to Bearfence Mountain Parking at Bearfence Mountain. Skyline Drive continues to the south to Lewis Mountain, where a campground, picnic grounds, lodging, and restrooms are located. The road heads along the border between [[Rockingham County, Virginia|Rockingham]] and Greene counties as it runs southerly. The drive continues to the south-southwest and reaches South River, which is home to restrooms and picnic grounds. The roadway heads southwest and comes to an interchange with [[U.S. Route 33 in Virginia|US&nbsp;33]] at the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station, which is situated in [[Swift Run Gap]] east of [[Elkton, Virginia|Elkton]] and west of [[Stanardsville, Virginia|Stanardsville]].<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name="nps map"/>

===Swift Run Gap to Rockfish Gap===
[[File:Mini Falls... (21872780253).jpg|thumb|right|Skyline Drive in the fall]]

Following the US&nbsp;33 interchange, Skyline Drive heads southwest. The roadway passes through Smith Roach Gap and comes to the Bacon Hollow Overlook to the south, where it curves to the west. The drive heads through Powell Gap and reaches the west-facing Eaton Hollow Overlook, where it turns to the southwest and winds along. The road bends south and comes to a ranger station at Simmonds Gap. Skyline Drive continues southerly to the Loft Mountain Overlook on the east side, where it turns westerly before heading northwest. The roadway then makes a [[hairpin turn]] to the southwest. The road straddles the border of Rockingham and [[Albemarle County, Virginia|Albemarle]] counties and continues to the south to the Loft Mountain Wayside, which is site of restrooms and food service. Skyline Drive heads southwest and comes to Loft Mountain, where a ranger station, restrooms, campground, and camp store are located. The drive heads past Browns Gap Parking before it comes to Dundo, where an overlook to the northwest, restrooms, picnic grounds, and Dundo Group Camp are located.<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name="nps map"/>

[[File:Shenandoah SkylineDrive Milemarker103 FallColors.jpg|left|upright=0.75|thumb|Fall colors near Milepost 103]]

From here, the road continues southwesterly and passes to the west of Jones Run Parking, where a trail leads to Jones Run Falls, before heading east of Blackrock Summit Parking.<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name=npbook/><ref name="nps map"/> Skyline Drive winds south past Blackrock and turns to the west. The roadway heads north before a hairpin turn to the south at Blackrock Gap, where it closely follows the border between [[Augusta County, Virginia|Augusta]] and Albemarle counties. Further south, Skyline Drive passes the Wildcat Ridge Parking Area before coming to the Crimora Lake Overlook that faces to the west. The roadway continues along past the Turk Mountain Overlook on the west side of the road prior to reaching the Turk Gap Parking to the east. The drive winding south through [[Jarman Gap]] before it curves southwest and continues to the west-facing Calf Mountain Overlook, where it turns to the southeast. Skyline Drive passes through Beagle Gap, winding to the south. The roadway heads to the southwest and west to the north-facing McCormick Gap Overlook, where it curves back to the southwest. The drive continues along and passes through the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station, where a ranger station is located. Past here, the road heads south and comes to a bridge over [[Interstate 64 in Virginia|I-64]] before it reaches an interchange with [[U.S. Route 250 in Virginia|US&nbsp;250]] that provides access to I-64 in [[Rockfish Gap]] in Augusta County, which is located east of [[Waynesboro, Virginia|Waynesboro]] and west of [[Charlottesville, Virginia|Charlottesville]]. At this interchange, Skyline Drive ends and the road continues to the south as the [[Blue Ridge Parkway]].<ref name="Google Maps"/><ref name="nps map"/>

==Entrance fees==
[[File:South Entrance, Skyline Drive-4x6-300ppi.jpg|thumb|right|Sign at south entrance to Skyline Drive]]

Fees are collected at each of the four entry points to Skyline Drive, which are located in Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap.<ref name="nps map"/> The fee is not a toll charged to drive on the road, but rather an entry fee for the park itself. Various passes allow for admission to the park. A $30.00 pass is valid for unlimited entrances within a seven-day period for a private non-commercial vehicle. A seven-day pass costs $25.00 for motorcycles and $15.00 for individuals 16 years of age or older entering by means other than a private non-commercial vehicle. Commercial tours pay between $25.00 and $200.00 for a seven-day pass, depending on the number of passengers.<ref name=fees>{{cite web |author = National Park Service |date = n.d. |title = Shenandoah National Park: Entrance Fees |publisher = National Park Service |url = https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm |access-date = September 22, 2019 }}</ref> An annual park pass costs $55.00 for a private non-commercial vehicle. Entrance can also be gained through the [[America the Beautiful Pass]] series. In this series, the Annual Pass costs $80.00, the Annual Senior Pass costs $20.00, the lifetime Senior Pass costs $80.00, the lifetime Access Pass allows free admission for persons with disabilities, and the Volunteer Pass allows free admission for volunteers who work 250 service hours for the following year. A free Annual Pass is also available for members of the [[United States Armed Forces]], and fourth graders can get free admission for their whole family through the Every Kid in a Park Pass.<ref name=fees />

==History==
{{Further|Shenandoah National Park#History}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:SkylineDriveMarker.jpg|thumb|right|Skyline Drive Historic District marker, which stands in the Byrd Visitors' Center at Big Meadows]] -->
In 1924, the Southern Appalachian National Park Committee was searching for a site for a national park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia that would be easily accessible from major cities on the [[East Coast of the United States]] such as [[Washington, D.C.]], and settled on the current site of Shenandoah National Park. As part of the recommendation for the park was the "greatest single feature" to be a "sky-line drive" that would provide views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont to the east.<ref>{{cite web |author = National Park Service |date = n.d. |title = Shenandoah National Park: The Greatest Single Feature |publisher = National Park Service |url = https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/news/drive_75th_ann.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150911124519/http://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/news/drive_75th_ann.htm |url-status = dead |archive-date = September 11, 2015 |access-date = September 12, 2016 }}</ref> The idea for the roadway was suggested by committee member William C. Gregg to Board of Shenandoah Valley, Inc. member L. Ferdinand Zerkel during a visit to Skyland.<ref name=skylinehistory>{{cite web |last = Engle |first = Reed |date = n.d. |title = Shenandoah National Park: Skyline Drive History |publisher = National Park Service |url = https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/historyculture/skylinedrive.htm |access-date = September 12, 2016 }}</ref> In 1929, President Herbert Hoover, who established a summer home in the area, called for the roadway to be built along the Blue Ridge Mountains.<ref name=fdp>{{cite book |author = National Park Service |title = Shenandoah National Park, Facility Development Plan: Environmental Impact Statement |publisher = National Park Service |location=Denver, CO |date = July 1995 |pages = 54–55 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=nig3AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA54 |access-date = September 20, 2016 |via = Google Books }}</ref> The road was proposed to be named Hoover Highway, but would instead become known as Skyline Drive.<ref name=undyingpast>{{cite book |last = Lambert |first = Darwin |title = The Undying Past of Shenandoah National Park |publisher = Roberts Rinehart Inc. Publishers |location=Lanham, MD |date = 1989 |pages = 220–222 |isbn = 9781461663980 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=IJmimpCFaOYC&pg=PA222 |access-date = September 20, 2016 |via = Google Books }}</ref>

[[File:Skyline Drive in the Fall (21852619608).jpg|thumb|left|Skyline Drive near milepost 12 in the fall]]

Field survey for the roadway began in January 1931. On July 18 of that year, an official groundbreaking for Skyline Drive took place. The first section of the road was to be built from the Rapidan Camp to the Skyland Resort, but would be extended from Swift Run Gap to Thornton Gap. The funds for the first stretch of the drive came from the Federal Drought Relief Administration and employed local farmers and apple pickers who suffered from a severe drought in 1930. In the later part of 1932, [[United States Congress|Congress]] approved $1 million (equivalent to ${{format price|{{inflation|US-GDP|1000000|1932}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}},{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}) in funds to construct Skyline Drive, which would extend from Front Royal to Swift Run Gap. The [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] (CCC) was formed in 1933 and would have a hand in the construction of Skyline Drive.<ref name=skylinehistory/> President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] was impressed with the scenery of the mountains and established the first CCC camps along Skyline Drive.<ref name=undyingpast/> These camps were the first to be placed in a national park.<ref name=fdp/> The CCC graded the slopes on both sides of the roadway, built guardrails and stone walls, constructed overlooks, and planted thousands of trees and shrubs along the parkway. Three different companies were awarded contracts for bituminous surfacing of the road. The section of Skyline Drive between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap opened in the middle part of 1934 and cost $1,570,479 (equivalent to ${{format price|{{inflation|US-GDP|1570479|1934}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}},{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}). This section of the roadway included the Marys Rock Tunnel, a tunnel that was bored through Marys Rock. A tunnel was constructed at this location as opposed to a cut. The tunnel was justified as a money-saving measure but was also suggested to challenge [[Bureau of Public Roads]] and National Park Service landscape architects.<ref name=skylinehistory/> With the official establishment of Shenandoah National Park in 1935, the CCC hired 300 men, most of whom were not local to the area, to continue to build Skyline Drive.<ref name=letters>{{cite book |last = Powell |first = Katrina M. |title = 'Answer at Once': Letters of Mountain Families in Shenandoah National Park, 1934–1938 |publisher = University of Virginia Press |location = Charlottesville |date = 2009 |page = 6 |isbn = 9780813928531 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=8501pwbo-LYC&pg=PA6 |access-date = September 20, 2016 |via = Google Books }}</ref> On October 1, 1936, the drive was completed between Front Royal and Thornton Gap at a cost of $1,235,177 (equivalent to ${{format price|{{inflation|US-GDP|1235177|1936}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}},{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}). The portion of Skyline Drive from Swift Run Gap to Jarman Gap was opened to traffic on August 29, 1939, costing $1,666,528 (equivalent to ${{format price|{{inflation|US-GDP|1666528|1939}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}},{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}). The road between Jarman Gap and Rockfish Gap was built as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and was completed on August 11, 1939, at a cost of $358,636 (equivalent to ${{format price|{{inflation|US-GDP|358636|1939}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}},{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}). This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway was given to Shenandoah National Park in 1961 and became the southernmost portion of Skyline Drive.<ref name=skylinehistory/> The creation of the park and the construction of Skyline Drive resulted in many people losing their homes either voluntarily or forcibly; several homes within the present-day park were razed.<ref name=letters/>

[[File:2016-10-25 11 12 14 View north along Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive at the entrance to Skyland and the highest elevation along the road, in Madison County, Virginia.jpg|thumb|right|Highest point along the drive, at Skyland in Madison County]]

Skyline Drive was originally lined with miles of chestnut log guardrails. However, the guardrails rotted and were removed in the 1950s and not replaced. The Marys Rock Tunnel was partially lined with concrete in 1958 to prevent icicles in the winter and water seepage in the summer. In 1983, the [[Federal Highway Administration]] began work to replace several of the original stone walls on the drive with concrete walls that used the original stone as a veneer.<ref name=skylinehistory/> The road was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on April 28, 1997.<ref name="nris"/> On September 22, 2005, Skyline Drive was designated a National Scenic Byway.<ref name=nsbp2>{{cite web |author = Federal Highway Administration |date = n.d. |url = http://byways.org/explore/byways/60646/designation.html |title = Skyline Drive: Official Designations |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |access-date = September 12, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120428110255/http://byways.org/explore/byways/60646/designation.html |archive-date = April 28, 2012 }}</ref> Skyline Drive was designated a [[National Historic Landmark]] in October 2008 for its pioneering place in the development of national parks in the eastern United States.<ref name="nhlsum"/><ref name="nhlnom">{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/nhl/find/statelists/va/SkylineHD.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203131523/https://www.nps.gov/NHL/find/statelists/va/SkylineHD.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2017|title=NHL nomination for Skyline Drive Historic District|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=2017-03-13}}</ref>

==Points of interest==
<!--PHYSICAL MILEPOSTS ARE NORTH TO SOUTH. DO NOT CHANGE THE DIRECTION.-->
{{jcttop|state=VA|length_ref=<ref name=sdmap>{{cite map |first1 = Harlen D. |last1 = Groe |first2 = Michael P. |last2 = Lanning |title = Skyline Drive: North District |work = [[Historic American Engineering Record]] |scale = 1:63,360 |publisher = [[National Park Service]] |date = 1996 |url = https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skyline_Drive_-_Map_1_-_North_District.jpg |access-date = September 7, 2016 |via = [[Wikimedia Commons]] }}<br/>{{cite map |first1 = Harlen D. |last1 = Groe |first2 = Michael P. |last2 = Lanning |title = Skyline Drive: Central District |work = Historic American Engineering Record |scale = 1:63,360 |publisher = National Park Service |date = 1996 |url = https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skyline_Drive_-_Map_2_-_Central_District.jpg |access-date = September 7, 2016 |via = Wikimedia Commons }}<br/>{{cite map |first1 = Harlen D. |last1 = Groe |first2 = Michael P. |last2 = Lanning |title = Skyline Drive: South District |work = Historic American Engineering Record |scale = 1:63,360|publisher = National Park Service |date = 1996 |url = https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skyline_Drive_-_Map_3_-_South_District.jpg |access-date = September 7, 2016 |via = Wikimedia Commons }}</ref>}}
{{VAint
|county=Warren
|cspan=8
|location=none<!--outside Front Royal limits-->
|mile=0.0
|road={{jct|state=VA|US|340|to2=to|I|66|location1=[[Skyline Caverns]]|city2=Luray|city3=Front Royal}}
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=0.5
|place=Front Royal Entrance Station
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=2.8
|road=Shenandoah Valley Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=4.6
|road=Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=5.4
|road=No Name Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=5.7
|road=Signal Knob Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=6.8
|road=Gooney Run Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=7.3
|road=Gooney Manor Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rappahannock
|cspan=4
|location=none
|mile=10.4
|road=Compton Gap
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=10.8
|road=Indian Run Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=12.4
|road=Jenkins Gap Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=13.9
|road=Hogwallow Flats Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Warren
|location=none
|mile=14.9
|road=Browntown Valley Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rappahannock
|location=none
|mile=17.1
|road=Range View Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Warren
|location=none
|mile=18.4
|road=Gimlet Ridge Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rappahannock
|location=none
|mile=19.0
|road=Mount Marshall Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Warren
|location=none
|mile=19.7
|road=Little Hogback Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rappahannock
|location=none
|mile=20.1
|road=Little Devil Stairs Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Warren
|location=none
|mile=21.0
|road=Hogback Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rappahannock
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=21.9
|road=Rattlesnake Point Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=22.1
|road=Piney River Ranger Station
}}
{{VAint
|county=Page
|cspan=4
|location=none
|mile=22.2
|road=Mathews Arm Campground
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=24.0
|road=Elkwallow Wayside
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=24.2
|road=Elkwallow Picnic Grounds
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=26.4
|road=Jeremys Run Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rappahannock
|location=none
|mile=27.6
|road=Thornton Hollow Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Page
|cspan=4
|location=none
|mile=28.5
|road=Beahms Gap Parking
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=30.1
|road=Pass Mountain Overlook
}}
{{Jctint
|location_special=[[Thornton Gap]]
|mile=31.5
|road={{jct|state=VA|US|211|location1=[[Washington, DC]]|city2=Luray}}
|notes=Thornton Gap Entrance Station, interchange
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=31.6
|road=Panorama
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rappahannock
|cspan=5
|location=none
|mile=32.2
|place=[[Marys Rock Tunnel]]
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=32.4
|road=Marys Rock Tunnel Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=32.9
|road=Buck Hollow Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=33.0
|road=Hazel Mountain Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=35.1
|road=Pinnacles Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Page
|location=none
|mile=36.4
|road=Jewell Hollow Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Madison
|location=none
|mile=36.7
|road=Pinnacles Picnic Grounds
}}
{{VAint
|county=Page
|location=none
|mile=38.6
|road=Stony Man Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Madison
|cspan=3
|location=none
|mile=39.7
|road=Hemlock Springs Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=40.5
|road=Thorofare Mountain Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=41.7
|road=[[Skyland Resort|Skyland]]
|notes=Highest point along Skyline Drive
}}
{{VAint
|county=Page
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=43.3
|road=Timber Hollow Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=44.4
|road=Crescent Rock Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Madison
|location=none
|mile=46.5
|road=Old Rag View Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Page
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=48.1
|road=Spitler Knoll Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=49.0
|road=Franklin Cliffs Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Madison
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=49.3
|road=Fishers Gap Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=51.2
|road=[[Big Meadows]] / Byrd Visitor Center
}}
{{VAint
|county=Page
|cspan=5
|location=none
|mile=51.5
|road=Tanners Ridge Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=53.2
|road=Naked Creek Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=54.4
|road=Hazeltop Ridge Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=55.6
|road=The Point Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=57.5
|road=Lewis Mountain Campground
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rockingham
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=59.0
|road=The Oaks Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=61.2
|road=Baldface Mountain Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Greene
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=62.7
|road=South River Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=62.8
|road=South River Picnic Grounds
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rockingham
|cspan=5
|location=none
|mile=64.4
|road=Hensely Hollow Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=64.9
|road=Hensely Ridge Overlook
}}
{{Jctint
|location_special=[[Swift Run Gap]]
|mile=65.5
|road={{jct|state=VA|US|33|city1=Richmond|city2=Harrisonburg}}
|notes=Swift Run Gap Entrance Station, interchange
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=67.2
|road=Swift Run Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=67.8
|road=Sandy Bottom Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Greene
|location=none
|mile=69.3
|road=Bacon Hollow Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rockingham
|cspan=3
|location=none
|mile=70.3
|road=Eaton Hollow Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=71.2
|road=Rocky Mount Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=72.2
|road=Beldore Hollow Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Greene
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=73.2
|road=Simmonds Gap Ranger Station
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=74.4
|road=Loft Mountain Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rockingham
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=76.2
|road=Two Mile Run Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=76.9
|road=Brown Mountain Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Greene
|location=none
|mile=77.5
|road=Ivy Creek Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rockingham
|cspan=4
|location=none
|mile=78.1
|road=Rocktop Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=79.5
|road=Loft Mountain Wayside
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=81.2
|road=Big Run Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=81.9
|road=Doyles River Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Albemarle
|location=none
|mile=83.0
|road=Browns Gap
}}
{{VAint
|county=Rockingham
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=83.7
|road=Dundo Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=83.7
|road=Dundo Group Campground
}}
{{VAint
|county=Albemarle
|location=none
|mile=86.8
|road=Trayfoot Mountain Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Augusta
|cspan=3
|location=none
|mile=88.6
|road=Horsehead Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=90.0
|road=Calvary Rocks Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=91.4
|road=Riprap Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Albemarle
|location=none
|mile=92.0
|road=Moormans River Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Augusta
|cspan=4
|location=none
|mile=92.6
|road=Crimora Lake Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=93.7
|road=Turk Mountain Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=95.3
|road=Sawmill Run Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=95.9
|road=Sawmill Ridge Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Albemarle
|location=none
|mile=96.8
|road=[[Jarman Gap]]
}}
{{VAint
|county=Augusta
|location=none
|mile=98.9
|road=Calf Mountain Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Albemarle
|location=none
|mile=99.8
|road=Beagle Gap Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|county=Augusta
|cspan=3
|location=none
|mile=102.4
|road=McCormick Gap Overlook
}}
{{VAint
|location=none
|mile=104.7
|place=Rockfish Gap Entrance Station
}}
{{Jctint
|location_special=[[Rockfish Gap]]
|mile=105.5
|road={{jct|state=VA|US|250|to2=to|I|64|city1=Charlottesville|city2=Waynesboro}}<br>{{jct|state=VA|BRP|dir1=south}}
|notes=Interchange; I-64 exit 99
}}
{{jctbtm}}
[[File:Skyline drive blue ridge parkway sign.jpg|center|thumb|399x399px|South end of Skyline Drive near Rockfish Gap]]
[[File:Pinnacles 2.jpg|thumb|400px|center|Mountain view along Skyline Drive]]

==See also==
*{{Portal-inline|U.S. Roads}}
*{{Portal-inline|Virginia}}
*[[List of National Historic Landmarks in Virginia]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park)}}
{{Attached KML|disp=inline,title}}
*[https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm Shenandoah National Park official website]
*{{HAER |survey=VA-119 |id=va1798 |title=Skyline Drive, From Front Royal, VA to Rockfish Gap, VA, Luray, Page County, VA|photos=117 |color= |dwgs=18 |data=|cap=11}}

{{NRHP in Shenandoah NP}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:National Scenic Byways]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Shenandoah National Park]]
[[Category:Blue Ridge Mountains]]
[[Category:Roads on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia]]
[[Category:Civilian Conservation Corps in Virginia]]
[[Category:Works Progress Administration in Virginia]]
[[Category:Historic American Engineering Record in Virginia]]
[[Category:National Historic Landmarks in Virginia]]
[[Category:1931 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia]]
[[Category:Park buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia]]
[[Category:Transportation in Augusta County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Transportation in Albemarle County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Transportation in Rockingham County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Transportation in Greene County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Transportation in Page County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Transportation in Madison County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Transportation in Rappahannock County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Transportation in Warren County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Augusta County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Albemarle County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Rockingham County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Greene County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Page County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Madison County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Rappahannock County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Warren County, Virginia]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Madison County, Virginia]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Warren County, Virginia]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Rappahannock County, Virginia]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Rockingham County, Virginia]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Augusta County, Virginia]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Albemarle County, Virginia]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Page County, Virginia]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Greene County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Western Virginia]]