Skyline Drive

Byway Details

Designation

National Scenic Byway

Length

104 mi in Virginia

About Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is a 104.3-mile National Scenic Byway in Virginia, with Front Royal and Afton among the towns along its route. The road also carries designation as a National Natural Landmark Area, a distinction that sets it apart from most scenic drives in the state. At more than a hundred miles end to end, the drive works as a full-day outing or as a corridor linking several stops, since trailheads, climbing areas and campgrounds sit close to the road along the way. Starting from Front Royal or Afton gives a natural point of entry at either end of the route. For comfortable weather, aim for early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Front Royal run highs around 78°F with lows near 56°F in September, cooling to about 67°F and 45°F by October. The Appalachian Trail and the Hemlock Springs Boulder climbing area both lie about a tenth of a mile from the route. Overnight options include Loft Mountain Campground, roughly 0.4 miles off the road, and Big Meadows Campground, about 0.6 miles away.