Important Notices
| COVID-19 & the VBWTBefore heading out to visit a site on the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail, be sure to check if that site has any COVID-19 policies or closures in place. This information is typically posted on a site's own website. |
Sites On This Loop
- MSD01: Fox Hollow Discovery Trail, Shenandoah National Park
- MSD02: Stony Man Trail, Shenandoah National Park
- MSD03: Limberlost Trail, Shenandoah National Park
- MSD04: Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park
- MSD05: Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park
- MSD06: Appalachian Trail, from Milam Gap to Tanners Ridge Fire Road
- MSD07: South River Falls Loop Trail, Shenandoah National Park
- MSD08: Rapidan Wildlife Management Area
- MSD09: Frazier Discovery Trail, Shenandoah National Park
- MSD10: Beagle Gap Overlook, Shenandoah National Park
Description
Tracing the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park, the 105-mile Skyline Drive traverses one of the largest wilderness areas in eastern North America. Numerous overgrown orchards, building foundations and stone fence lines crisscross the park, attesting to the settlements that once stood there. Today, this area is resplendent with verdant forest and species such as white-tailed deer, black bear, and red fox. Located less than two hours from Washington D.C., the drive is a very popular spot year-round. In spring, numerous songbirds can be found preparing to breed after they return from their winter vacations further south. As spring turns to summer and the temperatures begin to climb, the drive along wildflower-lined roadsides to higher elevations provides respite from the heat. Through the summer progression, bear cubs and white-tailed fawns can be seen learning to forage with their mothers as dragonflies and butterflies team around meadows. Once fall arrives, the birds start returning south again. Watch for concentrations of raptors following the ridgelines along the drive. In late October, the leaves begin to turn, providing a spectacle of color famous across the globe. Once the leaves fall, the air gets crisp and spectacular views of the Shenandoah River, Massanutten Mountain, and the Allegheny Mountains accompany travelers along their journey. Skyline Drive is perfect for a few days away from the city or a lifetime of exploration.
Loop Map
Services
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce
434.295.3141
[email protected]
Charlottesville-Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau
877.386.1102
[email protected]
City of Waynesboro
540.942.6644
[email protected]
Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce
540.635.3185
[email protected]
Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
540.949.8203
[email protected]
Greene County Chamber of Commerce
434.985.6300
[email protected]
Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services
540.432.8935
[email protected]
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce
540.434.3862
[email protected]
Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce
540.743.3915
[email protected]
Madison Chamber of Commerce
540.948.4455
[email protected]
Nelson County Chamber of Commerce
434.263.5971
Nelson County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
800.282.8223
[email protected]
Shenandoah Valley Travel Association
540.740.3132
[email protected]