Skyline Drive: Gateway To The Shenandoah Valley

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GATEWAY TO COOL COMMUNITIES

The legendary Shenandoah Valley lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, the Allegheny Mountains to the west, the Potomac River to the north, and the Roanoke Valley to the south.

 

It encompasses vibrant small cities, rural hamlets, mountains, rivers, national forests and state parks as well as the national park.

Martinsburg-Berkeley County, West Virginia

From rugged outdoor adventures to historically rich sites, unique festivals and a vibrant downtown culture, Martinsburg-Berkeley County will make your getaway an  unforgettable experience.

Charles Town-Jefferson County, West Virginia

Historically rich and packed with interesting and fun activities is the best way to describe Jefferson County. The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a poplar spot for vacationers. Harpers Ferry is a destination featuring wonderful outdoor activities, excellent historic sites, and beautiful natural surroundings

Winchester-Frederick County, Virginia

If you love vibrant small towns and rural scenic beauty, visit Winchester-Frederick County in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley! Feel the heartbeat of this thriving community in Old Town Winchester, where you can stroll a two-block pedestrian mall bursting with unique shops and outdoor cafes.

Berryville-Clarke County, Virginia

Clarke County has become an oasis for the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia traveler. We are just 60 miles west of Washington, DC, 12 miles from Hollywood Casino and Race Track and 16 miles from historic Harpers Ferry.

Shenandoah County, Virginia

There’s only one Shenandoah County in the Shenandoah Valley and we invite you to visit us as your next vacation destination.  From quaint shops, farm to table restaurants, museums, local wine & beer, outdoor adventure and extensive history, Shenandoah County has something to offer everyone.

Front Royal-Warren County, Virginia

Front Royal is the northern gateway to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. This is the place to enjoy the charm of historic downtown and local events. With access to hiking, canoeing and more, Front Royal is the crown jewel of outdoor recreation and the Canoe Capital of Virginia. This is a great starting point to ride the waters of the Shenandoah River.

Page Valley, Virginia

Have you heard of Luray Caverns, the largest and most visited caverns on the East coast? After your visit to the Caverns, don’t miss the other exciting options in this small town. Sample fare from a downtown eatery, play golf surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, kayak or canoe on the Shenandoah River, and check out the art center. Luray is located minutes from the Thornton Gap entrance station at Rt. 211 to Shenandoah National Park.

Harrisonburg-Rockingham County, Virginia

Harrisonburg offers visitors heart-pumping outdoor recreation, trendy, locally owned restaurants, museums and art galleries. Strolling downtown, visitors pass the Virginia Quilt Museum and numerous shops featuring local products, and unique dining. The local farmers markets offer local foods and wares. The Swift Run Gap Entrance Station from Rt. 33 is the gateway to the adventure on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.

Augusta County, Virginia

Augusta County lives outside. We have fun outside, eat outside and if we’re in the mood, sleep outside. Be one with land and sea when you hike the Blue Ridge, fish Mossy Creek, bike Route 11, and camp under the Natural Chimneys.  Experience food live and in-person when you walk Polyface Farm’s beyond organic fields, hug a goat at My Peeps Farm, or drink craft beer made from fresh-picked hops at Stable Craft Brewing.

Staunton, Virginia

Staunton is a preservation success story with a national reputation.  Downtown’s Red Brick District buzzes with arts and culture offerings. Call ahead for tickets to the renowned American Shakespeare Center. If history is your passion, there are historic sites and museums. If you want to indulge in fresh, local goodness, stop by the twice-weekly downtown farmers market. A bevy of coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries rounds out the scene.  Come for the culture.  Stay for the local vibe.

Lexington-Rockbridge County, Virginia

From one end of Rockbridge County to the other, you’ll find a landscape that stirs the mind, spirit, and intellect. The area is known for its history, charm, and scenic beauty.

Bedford, Virginia

Experience award-winning wines along the Bedford Wine Trail, pay homage to the heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy at the National D-Day Memorial, and walk in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson at Poplar Forest.

Choose your Adventure

LEARN ABOUT ROAD TRIP EPIC EXPERIENCES IN THE VALLEY.

Outdoor Recreation

In the valley you can enjoy four seasons of adventure. Spring through fall several outfitters offer a variety of guided trips and rentals for canoeing, rafting, tubing, kayaking and fresh water fishing. Winter sports on the slopes include skiing and snowtubing at Massanutten Resort and Bryce Resort.

Attractions and Entertainment

You can experience a wide variety of attractions and entertainment venues in the communities surrounding the park.  From plays and concerts at the historic Wayne Theatre, Shenandoah Summer Music Festival, and American Shakespeare Center to live music at Cooter’s in the Valley, the Shenandoah Music Festival and Shenandoah Summer Music Theater, the choices are endless.

Family Fun

The Shenandoah Valley offers many opportunities to get the kids moving. Favorites include the Capon Springs & Farms, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, and Dinosaur Land.  And they can go for a walk on the wild side at Virginia Safari Park.

Caverns and Rock Formations

Naturally formed landmarks are part of the incredible landscape found in the Valley. The limestone throughout the Valley is honeycombed with caves. Special underground attractions include Luray Caverns , Shenandoah Caverns, Skyline Caverns and Grand Caverns. Virginia’s Natural Bridge is 30 stories of solid rock.

History, Culture and Museums

The beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley is bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. In the Valley, stories of pioneer settlement, farming, and culture are told in many ways at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.  Virginia’s Civil War Trails are located throughout the valley, as well as many Civil War battlefields, local museums and historic societies. Check out a re-enactment and learn about the breadbasket of the Confederacy.

Horseback Riding

The Shenandoah Valley offers miles of trails for horseback riding. From guided rides in national forests and national parks to the quiet rolling waters of a tranquil creek.

Farms, Markets and Orchards

The Shenandoah Valley’s pastoral beauty is renowned. With a rich farming legacy, the valley is home to four of the top five agricultural producing counties in Virginia. Around here, farming is still a family affair.

Vineyards, Breweries and Distillery

About an hour’s drive west of Washington, D.C. lies the Shenandoah Valley and some of Virginia’s best wineries, breweries and cideries. The Shenandoah Valley is emerging as one of the country’s most exciting wine, beer and cider-producing regions today, with a unique growing climate and exciting varietals.

Charming, Historic Downtowns

Don’t miss the historic downtown communities in the Shenandoah Valley, which delight visitors with old-fashioned hospitality and charm, not to mention a lively arts and dining scene. Many of the area’s downtowns are listed as state and national historic districts. Historic architecture lines the streets. And look inside the storefronts and you’ll probably find modern delights: coffee shops, bakeries and wine bars.

Festivals and Events

With a variety of festivals throughout the year, the Shenandoah Valley is a place of music, fun, and celebration.  For more information about what’s happening in the Shenandoah Valley, visit the websites of nearby towns and cities.

There’s so much to see!

So,  what should I do first?

We know there is a lot to see and do in the Park.  So we decided to create a seasonal top 10 lists for those who have only limited time. We asked park rangers to give us their best recommendations. Learn more about what they suggested: the Top 10 Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park.