Shenandoah National Park Road Biking Travel Guide

Shenandoah National Park Road Biking Travel Guide

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Road Biking Destinations Near Shenandoah National Park

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View of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah's Skyline Drive, Virginia (Joe Sohm/Photodisc/Getty)
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Shenandoah National Park Road Biking Travel Tips

By Johnny Molloy

  • Skyline Drive, which runs the length of the park along its high elevation spine for 105 miles, is the centerpiece of any road biking experience at Shenandoah National Park. Overlooks, trailheads, picnic areas, restrooms, and campgrounds provide amenities that enhance any cycling experience.
  • The park is divided into three districts. Access roads climb through the lowlands to bisect the park at Swift Run Gap and Thornton Gap. These steep roads connect to rural roads that can be integrated into a park cycling experience.
  • Be prepared for elevation gains and losses even on Skyline Drive as it surmounts mountains and dips into gaps. Low auto speeds and a ban on commercial traffic on this two-lane road make the overall biking experience a rewarding one.
  • Skyline Drive is quietest in the South District of the park. Elevations are generally lower here but the road has many ups and downs as it passes rocky overlooks.
  • The Central District of the park has the highest elevations, and Skyline Drive nears 4,000 feet. The Big Meadows area has a restaurant in season for hungry pedalers.
  • The North District of the park lies closest to Interstate 66 and Washington, D.C., which makes it the busiest area. However, adjacent rural roads add to the cycling possibilities in addition to the 30 miles of Skyline Drive here.

Biking Overview: Shenandoah National Park

First the bad news: Shenandoah National Park can be a disappointment to cyclists. Read More

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1 Questions | 1 Answers
  • I'm taking the grands to the Shenandoah area of VA, staying @ Bryce Resort. The youngest has recently learned to ride a bike. I'm looking for info about bike rentals (cruiser as opposed to mtn. bike) in the Bentonville area. I'm thinking leisurely ride in Shenandoah River State Park. Suggestions and words of wisdom qukk bw greatly appreciated.
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Hotels

from: $99

Big Meadows Lodge

Best Resorts & Lodges
Mile 51.0 Skyline Drive
Luray, VA 22835 Map

Distance: 3.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Good For Road Biking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
5.0
4.0

Skyland Resort

Mile 41.7 Skyline Drive
Luray, VA 22835 Map

Distance: 11.5 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars
Good For Road Biking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
5.0
4.0

Loft Mountain Campground

c/o Shenandoah National Park, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835 Map

Distance: 2.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
4.0
All Shenandoah National Park Hotels »
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Attractions

Skyline Drive

Good For Road Biking


Distance: 3.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
5_0
5_0

Old Rag

expert favorite attraction


Distance: 6.9 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

This very popular hike along an inclined saddleback ridge is well worth doing (especially very... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Shenandoah River

expert favorite attraction
c/o Lee Ranger District, 109 Molineu Road
Edinburg, Virginia 22824

Distance: 17.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: One of the great things about George Washington National Forest is its proximity to the Shenandoah... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
All Shenandoah National Park Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near Shenandoah National Park

Distance (mi.)
Washington Dulles International Airport 62.3 map
Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport 80.2 map
Richmond International Airport/Byrd Field 92.8 map

Other Smaller Airports near Shenandoah National Park

Distance (mi.)
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport 25.4 map
Staunton Shenandoah Valley Airport 29.3 map
Lynchburg Preston-Glenn Field 90.5 map

Feature Articles

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Shenandoah National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guides

Camping | Hiking and Backpacking | Horses and Riding
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