November is a tricky time of year in the Shenandoah. * Apparently OK to cross double yellow line to access overlook or parking lot on the left side of the road * Be prepared to go slow and be careful if it gets boring WAS IT WORTH THE PRICE? There is a USD$30 fee (for seniors USD$20) for the person and car for entry to national parks for the year. Truth-be-told, driving from Thornton Gap to Big Meadows (28.9 miles, or 46.51004 kilometers) was certainly enough for me. I also stopped at both Pinnacles, Skyland and Big Meadows. I also used the Skyline Drive to access the starting points of my several hikes that I did during the time that I was there. I did enjoy it and I stopped at many of the lookout points, although I didn't get out at each and every one of them. as the way to get to my hikes in Shenandoah National Park. * The overlook views are somewhat different on east versus west side, but on the same side, they start to llok frighteningly familiar and the same. * How can you do a left sided turnoff across the double yellow line? * There is a double yellow line throughout- no passing ever * Speed limit is 35 miles per hour- no passing ever * It can be long and monotonous (and mountainous) and winding * It goes past at least four recreation camping centers and information booths * Many starting points for Shenandoah National Park hikes * Many many observation panoramic lookout points along the way * Fantastic long scenic drive of 105 miles (168.98 kilometers) Be sure to schedule a time to experience those as well for just another wonder on this amazing scenic road of the National Park system. Finally, each view of the valley and the mountains is different and this road offers some awesome views of sunset. Also realize while the valleys and hillsides may experience Spring in March and April, the ridges of Skyline will not experience it until May so our trip was great timing. While I am sure the leaf change in fall is incredible, I can not fully describe how beautiful spring is as you wind along the road. Our visit in May was simply amazing with the amount and variety of wildflowers. Additionally, you don't have to hike anything to see amazing views and wildlife as we saw all of that from this road and at 35 MPH you can really see and experience all of it. The dozens of overlooks on each side are amazing. The road goes from end to end but what will be most celebrated are the ridgeline views you get as you wind close to the summits. You may be the most fit hiker that hikes every trail, but your experience will be very similar to the experience for the old, young and less mobile because this drive offers many of the same experiences. Every overlook and hike we made came off this road which really makes this road a great leveler for every person who visits Shenandoah. It probably is 80% of the roadways within Shenandoah National Park and it is the dominant attraction from end to end. Lots of National Parks have scenic drives but I don't know of another park where that drive is such an important and integral part of the park.
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