Things You'll Need:
- Car
- Admission charge of $10
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Step 1
The best time of year to see the fall foliage on Skyline Drive is early November. By this time, all of the leaves on the trees have turned colors. Visiting in October is an option, but some of the leaves will still be green. In late November, you'll still see some fall foliage, but many of the leaves will have fallen from the trees.
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Step 2
The best time to view the fall foliage is mid-day. This is when you will have the most sunlight on both sides of the mountain. As you drive north to south, you can see the fall foliage on the east and west sides of the mountain. Later in the day, you won't be able to see the fall foliage as well on the east as the mountains will shadow the sun from that side.
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Step 3
The easiest way to reach Skyline Drive from the Washington, D.C., area is to take Route 66 West until you reach the Front Royal area. Get on 340 South toward Front Royal. You will then see the north entrance to Skyline Drive and Shenendoah National Park. (Otherwise, you can reach the north entrance from Interstate 81 by taking 66 East to South 340.)
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Step 4
The entrance fee to Shenendoah National Park is $15 for noncommercial vehicles from March through November. The admission grants you access for seven days, so you can visit the park and Skyline Drive more than once!
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Step 5
Drive south on Skyline Drive and enjoy the view. You will be driving on top of the Appalachian Mountains. You'll be able to see all of the fall foliage and toward the valley below.
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Step 6
Every few miles, there is a place to pull off and park and view the scenery. Additionally, there are hiking trails, many of which lead to waterfalls. On the trails, you'll have even more access to the fall foliage. Visit the Shenendoah National Park Website to find out the locations of the hiking trails and waterfalls. (You'll also be given a map when you pay your admission fee for entrance to the park.)
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Step 7
You can also arrange to ride horses at Shenendoah National Park. You can either bring your own, subject to rules and regulations, or take a guided tour with their horses. Visit the park Website for more information.
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Step 8
If you want your enjoyment to last, take photos of the fall foliage along Skyline Drive. The best pictures are taken when looking down the west side of the mountain in the afternoon, as the sun starts to set and shine light on the trees. You'll get rich photos with partial shading that give the fall-colored leaves added beauty and depth.
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Step 9
Enjoy a meal and/or overnight accommodation. There are some restaurants and places to stay in Shenendoah National Park that will allow you great views. You can dine while looking out the window at the trees. You also can stay overnight at a place right on the side of the mountain.
