We recently wrote about the best ways to enjoy Shenandoah National Park’s fall foliage and, in doing so, mentioned that Skyline Drive is a must-see in the park. Not only is it the main arterial through the park, giving visitors easy access to all the hiking and picnic areas, but the route also offers breathtaking overlooks of the park and the broader Shenandoah Valley. It’s such a beautiful part of the fall season in the valley that we think Skyline Drive deserves a closer look.
As stunning as cruising along the 105 miles of Skyline Drive for fall foliage is, it’s just one of the many things waiting for you in Virginia this fall. Fall in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is one of our favorite times of the year, and we don’t think it will take you long to see why. The scenery is beautiful, of course, but fall getaways to our romantic cabins are about so much more than the area’s scenic beauty. Our cabins in Virginia afford easy access to Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, of course. But here, you’ll also find other unique parks, beautiful train rides on the Virginia Scenic Railway, charming small towns with excellent shopping and restaurants, and plenty of farms, orchards, wineries, and artisans to visit.
Our fall season is also longer than most—starting around mid-September and extending to the end of October and sometimes into November. This striking palette of colors brings our landscapes to life, transforming them into a must-visit destination. There’s no better place to immerse yourself in the season’s sights, sounds, and smells than Steeles Tavern Manor. In addition to our luxury Bed and Breakfast guest rooms, we offer five of the best cabins in Virginia. These cozy cabins are perfect for intimate fall getaways and provide a peaceful home base where you can enjoy the best of fall in Virginia. Book your cabin for your fall getaways today!
See Gorgeous Skyline Drive Fall Foliage
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to capture the essence of fall in Virginia, don’t miss the chance to drive along the 105 scenic, winding miles of Skyline Drive for fall foliage in Shenandoah National Park. The route winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering panoramic views of the park’s expansive beauty. When Skyline Drive fall foliage lights up these landscapes in the seasonal hues of fall, the park transforms into a must-see destination for leaf peepers.
Skyline Drive winds through the dense forests and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, offering a front-row seat to the changing leaves. With a leisurely speed limit of 35 mph, Skyline Drive encourages you to take your time, soak in the views of fall foliage, and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. But Skyline Drive is not only about the stunning vistas you’ll see out your window. Trips along Skyline Drive also give you easy access to some of the most popular attractions in the park.
If you drove straight through Skyline Drive, you can expect it to take about 3 hours during the busy fall season. However, we encourage you to make plenty of stops along the way. This is one of the best ways to explore more of what Shenandoah National Park offers. Popular overlooks like Thornton Gap and Big Meadows are perfect spots to pull over, stretch your legs, and capture incredible photographs. For those looking to do more than drive, several trailheads along Skyline Drive lead to short hikes that culminate in breathtaking viewpoints. Popular choices include the hike to Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in the park, Old Rag Mountain, and the Stony Man Trail.
As you make your way through the fall foliage on Skyline Drive, you’ll have the chance to experience the area’s rich history. From Civil War sites to historic lodges like Skyland, Skyline Drive offers the best of Shenandoah National Park: scenic beauty, outdoor adventure, and a touch of history. No wonder it’s considered a quintessential fall destination!
For more great scenic drives near our cabins in Virginia, don’t miss the Blue Ridge Parkway, Route 11, or Wilderness Road, Route 33, and Route 340.
