Skyline Drive, a curvy 105-mile thoroughfare, is the only public road in Shenandoah National Park, and a destination unto itself, particularly if you don't have much time to spend. Running north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains,

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Skyline Drive, a curvy 105-mile thoroughfare, is the only public road in Shenandoah National Park, and a destination unto itself, particularly if you don't have much time to spend. Running north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive takes about three hours to drive on a clear day. The maximum speed is 35 mph—perfect for a casual, laid-back cruise. Overlooks along the way (75 in all) provide views of the Shenandoah Valley, and seasonal wildflowers decorate the unmowed roadside. You may see deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other wildlife—watch out, they may cross right in front of your car.

Watch the road signs for visitor centers and the many nature trails you'll pass along the way, and stop at one of the scenic overlooks for a stunning view. You don't have to drive the entire 105 miles—there are four different access points along the way.

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