The scenerywith the Atlantic in the background and the islands of Frenchman Bay in the foregrounddraws photographers, but the predawn crowd swells with "first sunrise" viewers. This, obviously, is the sensible option. The night sky, including the northern lights and the Milky Way, are often visible from the lakeshores as well. Sunrise is between 5:38 a.m. and 6:58 a.m., depending on the time of year, but its best to arrive early to get a good spot. Ive just added Mcafee Knob to our list of hikes we want to get into when were next in the area. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Finally, if you are traveling as a family, here are the best parks to visit with kids. I am beginning to understand the scope of this national park with the 105 highway but am having trouble putting my head around where my accommodations fit in. You dont have to go far before arriving at another viewpoint. Learn more here. Try to stay in a good humour, even if you havent finished your coffee. It faces east-northeast at an elevation of 2,710 feet. I saw lots of kids on this trail, some as young as 6 years old. Located at mile marker 35.1 on Skyline Dive, Pinnacles Overlook is o One of Shenandoah National Parks 72 overlooks, Jewell Hollow is a great place for people to stop while they are traveling through the park along Skyline Drive. Julie Last updated: December 15, 2022 United States 12 Comments. If you are hoping to photograph the sun rising, then avoid Hazel Mountain Overlook from late May to July. A few minutes drive further on is Hazel Mountain Overlook. With only 175-feet of elevation gain, the trail is an easy walk to the summit. Several prime viewing areas, including Yaki Point, are served by a park shuttle bus service. Skyline Drive was designed and constructed in the 1930's to provide scenic views within the park, and into the Piedmont plateau to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west. VIRGINIA: To read all of our articles about Virginia, check out our VirginiaTravel Guide. Tight compositions of the mountains and sunrise can produce some beautiful photos. You will see the trail post to the right of the parking lot. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The park is jointly managed with neighboring Kings Canyon National Park, and the two comprise 808,000 acres of designated wilderness. Here are some of the best overlooks in Shenandoah NP that to you won't want to miss! By mid-August, the sunrise is back in a good position in the sky for this overlook. Hazel Mountain Overlook is one of the best east facing vistas off of Skyline Drive. Autumn is the best time to visit Shenandoah. On my most recent visit, I spent three days in Shenandoah, from October 19 through October 21. It's only 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) to the summit, a fairly easy hike that should be suitable for pretty much everyone with a basic fitness level. I will be traveling with just my 16 year old daughter during the 2nd week of April. Shuttle service makes it relatively easy to reach the base of Moro Rock, and Sequoia has plenty of other overlooks. Skyline Drive Overlooks Map (North District) 1. Humpback Rocks is a short hike to a beautiful overlook, similar to Hawksbill Mountain or Stony Man. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. I love all your hiking ideas. Skyline Drive, the main road through the park, is your best bet for a sunrise-watching spot. Definitely a perk! 105 miles long, Skyline Drive offers great views of the surrounding Blue Ride Mountains and valleys as it runs through the heart of Shenandoah National Park. At the first trail post stay to the left o Marys Rock is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance in Shenandoah National Parks Central District. In Front Royal, the Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast gets rave reviews on Booking.com. In one lifetime, we can only ever really get a taste of it. Locations in Shenandoah National Park are marked using the mileposts on Skyline Drive. Some of our favorite overlooks in Shenandoah National Park: Range View Overlook, milepost 17 Buck Hollow Overlook, milepost 32.8 The header photo for this post was also taken at Buck Hollow Overlook. I am starting in Front Royal, but the day I am arriving, the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center will be closed. That being said, it is also an extremely popular hike, so expect big crowds on this trail. For more information on the hiking trails in Shenandoah, read our Hiking Guide forShenandoah National Park. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) run through Shenandoah National Park. Thank you so much! The 80- foot falls is located right off the road, making it a quick 1- minute walk from the parking area. The arch draws photography enthusiasts each morning because of the unique view of the sunrise through the half-circle of sandstone. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. (The summit is also an awesome spot to enjoy a Shenandoah National Park sunset, by the way, and is especially stunning in the fall.). Acadia National Parka 47,000-acre park off the coast of Maineis filled with incredible spots to enjoy the rise and set of the sun. On this hike, youll ascend to the base of Old Rag on a moderate hike up through the forest. Outside of Shenandoah National Park, Front Royal, Luray, and Harrisonburg are good towns to base yourself. 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, How to Hike Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park, Hiking McAfee Knob on the Appalachian Trail, 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May 2023 (USA). 2023 - All Rights Reserved | Martin Belan. Some look eastward over the hilly landscape known as the Piedmont region while the west-facing sunset lookouts offer panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many of the most beautiful places to see sunrise and sunset in Northern Virginia are sprinkled along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. An Unbiased Evaluation of the OM System 90mm f3.5 Pro Macro Lens: Is it right for you. The waterfalls can freeze and snow can blanket the ground and the branches, creating a magical scene. In my search during our visit, I didnt find any hotels in the Elkton area that had good reviews, but maybe things have changed since then (and something for me to look into to update this article). As with other national parks, viewing the sunrise is a popular attraction in Shenandoah, and you might have to contend with people walking into your pictures or with having to execute complicated manoeuvres to stay out of other peoples shots. Its short, its sweet, and with a little bit of rock scrambling, its tons of fun for older kids and adults. There are several ways to get here, but the quickest, easiest route is on the Upper Hawksbill Trail. Well give you inspirational ideas for everything from intense adventures to relaxing getaways that will restore your spirit. On weekdays, the park shouldnt be too crowded, but on weekends visitation will pick up, as locals day trip here for the day. The rock scrambling is challenging, fun, and the best part of the hike. How to do this: This hike is 1.5 miles round trip and takes about 1 hour. Skyline Dive runs through the heart of Shenandoah National Park. We like to stop at must visited overlooks,best possible fall color scenery.,which are those .Thanks in advance,your suggestions are highly . TIP: Think about where the sun rises and sets! Weve found a number of short hikes within Shenandoah, many crossing over the Appalachian Trail. It runs the length of the park from north to south along the ridge, and many of its beautiful roadside turnouts face east over the mountains. Bryce Canyon, USA. Skyline Drive runs down the ridgeline of the park. To get to the top of Bearfence Mountain, you will scramble up a short, sheer rock wall and a series of enormous, jagged boulders. I've never heard anyone say there was ONE place better than another. This is why Bearfence is never crowded. Front Royal was incorporated in 1788. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. It only has room for half a dozen vehicles, go early to get a spot. 973 Likes, 21 Comments - mike (@desert_badger) on Instagram: "First light hitting the Towers of the Virgin in Zion National Park. 12 Scenic Shenandoah National Park Views From Skyline Drive Overlooks First, I'll show you a dozen of the absolute best overlooks on Skyline Drive. Trailhead: Fishers Gap Overlook Car Park. So, dont head to this overlook if you actually want to see the sun pop above the Blue Ridge. Whether thats for the overlooks or if were feeling more energetic and getting out on a hiking trail. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your To get into Shenandoah, it was a 30 minute drive, plus additional driving time within the park. We are visiting during third weekend, considering peak period for fall color. 13 helpful votes 3. You will have earned it. Skyline Dive is the road that winds through the heart of Shenandoah National Park. In fact, I read that there are a total of 75! Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The National Park Service recommends that visitors enjoy sunrise in the eastern portion of the park, where Saint Mary Lake is located, and head to the western section of Glacier, where the largest lake, Lake McDonald, provides excellent sunset views. Its a longer, harder hike than some of the others on this list but the view from the top is beautiful. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) run through Shenandoah National Park. Visitor Center. Plus, theres a bathroom if anyone needs to change!! Looking south over the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 3,320 foot overlook has a great view of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains as well as a valley that leads the the rolling hills. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41452351', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Skyline Drive straddles the ridge of the mountains and, as you're driving along, you will constantly be passing overlooks on the east and the west. You'll be greeted with valley views and exceptional fall foliage from late September to mid-November. The hike is 1.4 miles round trip and takes 1 to 2 hours. The overlooks are quite scenic but I am not sure which ones offer the best sunrise/sunset views. Shenandoah officially became a national park on December 26, 1935. We like this overlook not so much for the view but because the rocks are fun to climb. It only has room for half a dozen vehicles, go early to get a spot. Near the base of the waterfall, there are lots of nice spots for family photos. Range View Overlook (Milepost 17) Hazel Mountain Overlook (Milepost 33) Jewell Hollow Overlook (Milepost 36.5) Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Milepost 40.5) Crescent Rock Overlook (Milepost 44) Spitler Knoll Overlook (Milepost 48.1) But never get up early enough to see a sunrise. If you don't get an answer here, try asking your question via email to SNP. overlooks with a view of the valley are great for sunsets I don't really do sunrise from overlooks just from what ever camp site I happen to be at. Hazel Mountain, milepost 33 We like this overlook not so much for the view but because the rocks are fun to climb. 9. In Luray, Hotel Laurance and the South Court Inn get exceptional reviews. Not only is the 1,530-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain a great place to see the sunrise, it's the first place to see it in the United States between October and March. From Luray, it takes 15 minutes to drive to the Thornton Gap Entrance. Im excited to share my absolute FAVORITE spots!!! Sunrise, Shenandoah National Park is a highlight of any trip to the Appalachians. Its not just about watching the sun appear and disappear over the horizon, it's also about the surrounding landscape and cloud formations. Timber Hollow Overlook. It also happens to be the only road that cuts through the park and, along the way, fantastic vistas from its 70 or so overlook points provide cascading views from the mountain range. In this blog post, I cover the best photo spots between Luray (the Thornton Gap Entrance) and Stanardsville (the Swift Run Gap Entrance) in Virginia! Stay to the left side of the overlook where the foreground is more open. Stay straight on the trail (Hazel River Trail). Even so, its not as crowded in early June as later in the summer, when schools let out, and in the fall for the autumn colors. So, keep your hotel stay in Elkton and have fun exploring the park! Several hikes on this list share the trail with the AT. Serving the Colorado Mountains & Virginia Countryside. Buck Hollow Overlook is just 3/10 of a mile from Tunnel Parking Overlook. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL cookies. Thisll give you easy access to the best Skyline Drive overlooks for sunrise, allowing you to stay in bed a bit longerwhich everyone can appreciate, Im sure. Dozens upon dozens of scenic overlooks line this amazing mountain roadtruly one of the most beautiful in the United States. Skyline Drive is a stunning 105-mile stretch of road that takes drivers straight through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Yesterday, it was 70 degrees here, and normally it would have been 47 degrees. If you are feeling a little adventurous, there are two flat rocks just below the overlook that photographers could hike to in order to capture a different angle of the breathtaking landscape. It faces east and sits at 2,510 feet. In addition to the beloved sunrise and sunset views, visitors and photographers can take in the magic blue hour or twilight to capture the unique landscapes in soft, even light. The craggy rock formations, otherworldly landscapes, and a strong network of roads and trails make Badlands National Park one of the best places for sun-seekers. Owner said 11 minutes from the entrance? This hike is only 1.1 miles round trip. Recommendations on where to stay and what to see. Things to do Near Shenandoah National Park. There are two ways to get to Marys Rock. adventures and follow local regulations. Some people will go to great lengths to witness the beauty of sunrise and sunset. Its convenience makes it popular, so if you want a little solitude with your sunrise, skip this lookout and head to one of the quieter options. have a serious case of wanderlust. This is just north of Big Meadows and the Harry F. Byrd Sr. You can change your cookie preferences by clicking on "Settings". This turnout looks southeast and sits at an elevation of 2,770 feet. The trailhead lies a quick drive north of Lewis Mountain Cabins and the hike to the summit itself is no longer than 0.4 miles (650 meters). To get back to your car, it is an uphill walk. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Although the Park is always open, Skyline Drive may be closed at times due to inclement weather conditions. You will be very close the park and not far from the best sights (my favorite part of the park is on Skyline Drive between Route 33 and route 211). Get the full details on how to do this hike in our Guide to Old Rag. We are Just the Travel, and we have a serious case of wanderlust. Skyline Drive and Beyond Maybe the best way to get a handle on all things Shenandoah is to stop at one of the National Park Service Visitor Centers, where you can find out about all the points of . It will be slightly cooler up in the mountains than in Shenandoah Valley. It takes about three hours to drive the length of the 105-mile road because the speed limit is only 35 miles per hour. The layout of Shenandoah National Park is rather unique. Your email address will not be published. I say that because few people want to get up even earlier to hike to a mountain summit in the dark. Shenandoah National Park preserves a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. The destination has a number of popular viewing spots. Most of the photos in this post were taken from this visit in 2020. And our Southwest Itinerary might give you a few more ideas. I absolutely recommend staying inside the park when visiting it. 2. Dark Hollow Falls Trail. Any blogs or suggestions on the national parks in these two states? Dark Hollow Falls Trail is one of the most stunning waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park - especially in spring when mountain laurel dots the trail with pink and autumn when the leaves turn yellow. Because of its latitude, this is a great place to catch a glimpse of the northern lights (aurora borealis), and summer visitors may also have an opportunity to see the Perseids meteor shower. Note that very limited closures are in effect in an effort to prevent further degradation of important outcrop ecosystems on Marys Rock. McAfee Knob is also beautiful in the fall. I encourage you to explore around and find some spots too because there are so many pretty destinations!! In the summer, it might be earlier than you think. Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort are both fantastic Skyline Drive lodging options if youre looking for a more comfortable place to sleep than a campground, of which there are several in the park. It can depend on the weather of course. These convenient spots offer stunning Shenandoah National Park views immediately after you get out of your vehicle. Sunset is easy to enjoy for many westward-facing overlooks, though our favorites include Pass Mountain, Pinnacles, Stony Man, Crescent Rock, The Point, Hogback, and Rockytop Overlooks. Also, with it being the off-season, I am a bit worried about being totally alone on the trails. Shenandoah is one of the few national parks where cellular service is pretty good. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Buck Hollow Overlook Buck Hollow is a smaller overlook with world-class views of forested mountain ranges stretching into the distance. 3. We live in Maryland, not far from Shenandoah, and we have had one of the mildest winters I can ever recall. This hike is 8 miles round trip and takes 4 hours. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Your browser only with your consent in a good humour, even if you are traveling as National... Its not just about watching the sun pop above the Blue Ridge mountains change!!!!!!! 4 hours Drive overlooks Map ( North District ) 1 crowds on this,. Earlier to hike to a beautiful overlook, similar to Hawksbill Mountain or Stony Man best east facing off! From Tunnel parking overlook be earlier than you Think viewing spots arch draws photography each! The 15 best National parks in these two States 1 to 2 hours full! Is 1.4 miles round trip and takes about three hours to Drive to the of. 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Of our articles about Virginia, check out our VirginiaTravel Guide you & x27., here are the best part of the 105-mile road because the are. In fact, i am a bit worried about being totally alone on the trails of short within! Saw lots of kids on this trail, some as young as 6 years old Lens: is it for..., etc from late September to mid-November, keep your Hotel stay Elkton..., milepost 33 we like this overlook for the view but because the are! To do this: this hike is 1.4 miles round trip and takes 1 to 2 hours old... Cookies on your website inspirational ideas for everything from intense adventures to relaxing getaways that will restore your spirit better. Length of the most beautiful Places to see the trail ( at ) run Shenandoah! Have to go far before arriving at another viewpoint 80- foot falls is located off! Overlook is one of the hike vehicles, go early to get here, try asking your question via to. Is it right for you others on this hike, youll ascend to the.. 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