Shenandoah National Park Road Biking Travel Guide

Shenandoah National Park Road Biking Travel Guide

Other Guides for Shenandoah National Park

Road Biking Destinations Near Shenandoah National Park

Travel Guides In Shenandoah National Park

Southeast Road Biking States/Provinces

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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 Travel Expert: 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.

Shenandoah National Park Overview

First and foremost, the name Shenandoah conjures up a legendary river, one that flows through America's past in song, print, and folklore. And the valley that bears its name is easily the most beautiful in Virginia, an idyllic landscape of rolling hills and pastures, bounded by mountains on either side and bisected by the majestic river. Read More

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Hotels

from: $127

Big Meadows Lodge

Mile 51.0 Skyline Drive
Luray, VA 22835 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Good For Road Biking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
4.0

Skyland Resort

Mile 41.7 Skyline Drive
Luray, VA 22835 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi.
(from destination center)

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

Lewis Mountain Cabins

c/o ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc., P.O. Box 727
Luray, VA 22835 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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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
5_0
4_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

Downriver Canoe Company

P.O. Box 10, 884 Indian Hollow Road
Bentonville, Virginia 22610

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Downriver Canoe Company offers kayaks, canoes, tubes, and rafts for trips down the Shenandoah... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
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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 Flight Deals to RIC

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

See All Feature Articles on Shenandoah National Park »

Shenandoah National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guides

Camping | Hiking and Backpacking | Horses and Riding
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