Shenandoah National Park

North District

See some North District hikes

From Royal to Beahms Gap

Mile 0 - Skyline Drive begins in the north at its junction with U.S. 340 south of Front Royal, Virginia. I-66 west meets U.S. 340 4 miles north of the city.

Mile 0.6 Front Royal (North) Entrance Station is staffed by National Park Service personnel who, besides collecting entrance fees, can answer your questions and give other assistance.

Mile 2.8 Shenandoah Valley Overlook provides a sweeping view across the valley to Signal Knob, a Civil War communications post to the right on Massanutten Mountain. The mountain divides the valley and the Shenandoah River, with the south fork on this side and the north fork on the far side. The two forks meet north of Front Royal.

Mile 4.6 Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is one of the park's two major information facilities with exhibits on services and activities and a sales outlet for publications, slides, and maps. Picnic ground, 1.3-mile circuit self-guiding nature trail, and, across the Drive, access to Dickey Ridge Trail.

Mile 6.8 Gooney Run Overlook gives a view across the valley and toward Dickey Ridge on the right.

Mile 17.1 Range View Overlook offers a spectacular view of a large section of the Blue Ridge.

Mile 17.6 Big Devils Stairs, this relatively easy, 5.4 mile round-trip hike offers great views of Shenandoah National Park. Plus, see a hut used by long distance hikers when this path crosses the Appalachian Trail.

Mile 21 Hogback Overlook offers, on clear days, a look at many of the bends of the meandering Shenandoah River.

Mile 22.1 Piney River Ranger Station is on the east side of the Drive. Stop here if you need help.

Mile 24.1 Elkwallow facilities opening varies from year to year. Check with the park for current information. Picnic ground, food service, camp store, gasoline, ice, firewood, souvenirs.

Mile 28.5 Beahms Gap provides access to the Appalachian Trail and shorter trails.

Move on to:
Five Best Overlooks | Central District Hikes | South District Hikes


Published: 29 Apr 2002 | Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication

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