best sunrise overlooks shenandoah national park

You'll start on a very sho Pinnacles Overlook in Shenandoah National Park is a southern facing overlook in the Central District that provides one of the best views of Old Rag. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Cheers, Julie. Next September we are planning a 12 day trip to New Mexico and northern Arizona, starting in Santa Fe and finishing in Sedona. 3 days in Shenandoah park - where to stay outside the park? Definitely a perk! Its 2.6 miles round trip with 800 feet of total ascent. . There are several campgrounds scattered along Skyline Drive as well. Cheers, Julie. The flat ground and lack of tall plants make this an ideal place to see the South Florida sunrise. Recommended Sunrise and Sunset Spots Range View Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile 17) Buck Hollow Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile 32.8) Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile 40.5) Stony Man (Skyline Drive Mile 41.7) The Point Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile 55.5) Bearfence Mountain Summit (Skyline Drive Mile 56.4) Whether thats for the overlooks or if were feeling more energetic and getting out on a hiking trail. From this road, you have access to numerous overlooks, visitor centers, and trailheads. Can you please give some details on what we can expect? Skyline Drive is the road that winds through the heart of Shenandoah National Park, starting at Front Royal in the north and ending at Rockfish Gap in the south. The park has more than 700 glacial lakes, 131 of which are named. I love all your hiking ideas. The park is preparing to reopen . Give yourself plenty of time to get to your chosen spot. Im excited to share my absolute FAVORITE spots!!! Have fun planning your road trip and let us know if you have more questions. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Any season is lovely, but fall is a prime time of year to visit the park, especially for sunrise watching. An east-facing turnout at an elevation of 3,380 feet, Hemlock Springs Overlook encompasses Nicholson Hollow and Pinnacle Ridge, with Hazel Mountain in the background. Each overlook has a unique element with some hidden trails too which makes every time I visit a unique experience! It might not be a bad idea to just drive around and stop at several overlooks to get different vantage points as the sun comes up or goes down. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. The busiest entrance stations are Front Royal and Thornton Gap, located in the top half of the park. As the sun rises, it will travel south and quickly come into view while still low in the sky. This is a short hike, which is nice first thing in the morning, but its a tough uphill climb, which is less than ideal in the dark. The waterfalls can freeze and snow can blanket the ground and the branches, creating a magical scene. It starts in the north, near Front Royal, and ends at the Rockfish Gap entrance station at the southern end of the park. For information about privacy, cookies, copyright, advertising and other legal matters, please visit our Terms of Use / Disclosure Page here. The overlooks are quite scenic but I am not sure which ones offer the best sunrise/sunset views. Near the base of the waterfall, there are lots of nice spots for family photos. Cheers, Julie. And after all, youve made the effort to get thereyou dont want to miss a second of it. A handful of the most dramatic dawn and dusk destinations are inside U.S. national parks. We use cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The rock scrambling is challenging, fun, and the best part of the hike. I truly enjoy your posts. Ive hiked solo there a few times and never had any issues. Thanks much! I went to Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef last March and your suggestions were SO helpful! This overlook takes in incredible views of Oventop Mountain, as well as Skinner Ridge. Theres a moderately challenging 2.1-mile (total) trek, a longer 2.8-mile loop trail or a more intense 1.7-mile out-and-back trip, with an elevation gain of 690 feet. You have the option to continue a little farther (less than a quarter of a mile) to see Dark Hollow Falls. I have seen several beautiful sunsets from Stonyman. The gigantic Hubbard Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is more than seven-miles (11km) wide, 76-miles (122km) long and reaches a height of 600 feet (183m). Here is a photo from the first week of November. There are also five campgrounds located along Skyline Drive. Subsequently, this is also why its one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Shenandoah National Park. I say that because few people want to get up even earlier to hike to a mountain summit in the dark. That said, theres one specific mountain I just had to include in the overview below. SNP Alert Issued Clean up from 2 Ice Storms, Shenandoah ideas for flying in/out of Charlottesville, VA. With only 175-feet of elevation gain, the trail is an easy walk to the summit. Glacier National Park is the destination of choice for people who enjoy stunning lake sunrise and sunsets. Front Royal was incorporated in 1788. The world is an incredible place more beautiful, more complicated and more interesting than we can ever imagine. Without a doubt, this is the best thing to do in Shenandoah National Park. 2,090 feet) Signal Knob Overlook, Shenandoah National Park If you're driving south, this is the second overlook in the park, but the first I recommend stopping at. Formed by a volcanic eruption . If youre driving, bring a blanket. Sequoia National Park is located in eastern California in the southern Sierra Nevadas. From as early as 1924, films used the incredible red rock and hoodoos as a background. I encourage you to explore the area a bit and see which overlook you like best. have a serious case of wanderlust. This loop hike is 4 miles long. Hello Jill. The Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway is another sunrise or sunset option. It might not be a bad idea to just drive around and stop at several overlooks to get different vantage points as the sun comes up or goes down. Throughout my life, Ive explored so much along this route between hiking, camping, and photographing couples! Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Many of the best overlooks and hiking trails are located in the middle of the park, where the mountains are at their highest. Just over an hour's drive from Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers quiet woods, waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers. I hope you find this blog post resourceful whether you plan to visit or take photos! With one day in Shenandoah, you have enough time to drive Skyline Drive, stop at a bunch of the overlooks, and hike one, two to three short trails. Required fields are marked *. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL cookies. The first east-facing overlook south of the Thornton Gap Entrance Station, the Tunnel Parking Overlook is named for the remarkable tunnel it lies next to. Not only is the 1,530-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain a great place to see the sunrise, it's the first place to see it in the United States between October and March. Shenandoah National Park preserves a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. We want to fuel your love of travel, too. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Were the people who always want to see whats around the next corner. Plan your visit for the last two weeks of October to see fall colors at their peak. This hike is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few miles south of Shenandoah National Park. Around the summer solstice, June 21, the sun rises in the north east and will be blocked by the ridge line that Skyline Drive follows. It is a 105-mile roadthrough the park with 75 scenic overlooksalong the way. 2. It has a nice open view of the mountains and sunrise. For hikers, check up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, regardless of the seasonweather can play havoc with trail conditions. For accommodation around Shenandoah National Park, there are some great towns you can stay at, such as Harrisonburg or Charlottesville. The drive is pleasant at any time of year, but people often go in spring and summer for the wildflowers and autumn for the fall foliage. You probably dont need to be told this but be sure you know what time sunrise is. Like many other trails in the Everglades, this one consists of a boardwalk that protects hikers from the sometimes soggy ground. Located at mile marker 35.1 on Skyline Dive, Pinnacles Overlook is o One of Shenandoah National Parks 72 overlooks, Jewell Hollow is a great place for people to stop while they are traveling through the park along Skyline Drive. Near Monument Valley you could visit Valley of the Gods and drive the Moki Dugway highway. The Researched Traveler, Must Do Experiences in Shenandoah National Park, Everything You Need to Know About Hiking Old Rag Mountain, Things That Surprised Me on My First Visit to Shenandoah. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. If you are photographing Shenandoah National Park around the summer solstice, then I suggest driving north 0.2 miles along Skyline Dive to Buck Hollow Overlook which looks North East. Keep in mind that the most dramatic moments often come right before the sun breaks over the horizon. Hazel Mountain Overlook is located at mile marker 33 along Skyline . With some of Americas most iconic panoramas, its no surprise that scenic overlooks along the canyon rim of Grand Canyon National Park draw crowds in the predawn hours and again at sundown. MORE GREAT HIKES IN THE NATIONAL PARKS: From hikes to the tallest peaks to beautiful coast trails, read our Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. All of these overlooks are near the center of the park between the Thornton Gap Entrance and the Swift Run Gap Entrance. Here are four places to add on to your trip to Shenandoah National Park. This route is shorter (its only 1.5 miles round trip) but has a lot more elevation gain, so its a tougher climb. These, for our money, are the best scenic lookouts for a sunrise: Buck Hollow is a smaller overlook with world-class views of forested mountain ranges stretching into the distance. Shenandoah National Park can be visited year round, however, there are four distinct seasons. With nearly 70 scenic overlooks, Skyline Drive has an abundance of view options. Tip: Go in early spring to see the. We have full day.. 8 am to 6 pm. Luckily, there are a huge number of hiking trails on the island, so the attraction of Acadia National Park does not diminish after sunrise. We got some amazing bear photos last weekend. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Additionally, Big Meadows is a nice spot for photos of deer at dawn. From Luray, it takes 15 minutes to drive to the Thornton Gap Entrance. The arch draws photography enthusiasts each morning because of the unique view of the sunrise through the half-circle of sandstone. This turnout looks southeast and sits at an elevation of 2,770 feet. I therefore recommend that you bring a flashlight. Most of the photos in this post were taken from this visit in 2020. Planning a visit to Shenandoah the first week of June and am wondering about wildflowers and crowds. Advice on best sunrise/sunset photo locations - Shenandoah National Park Forum. While you wont see the sun rise over the Blue Ridge, you will see a wide swath of sunrise in the mountains, thanks to the bend in the road at this location. Sunrise, Shenandoah National Park is a highlight of any trip to the Appalachians. There are 75 overlooks to choose from and they all take in magnificent views, so youre really spoiled for choice. 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) run through Shenandoah National Park. Re: Best overlooks for sunrise and sunsets 9 years ago Save It can depend on the weather of course. Learn how your comment data is processed. You can learn what to do when you encounter a black bear here. Several prime viewing areas, including Yaki Point, are served by a park shuttle bus service. I absolutely recommend staying inside the park when visiting it. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. I have booked an Airbnb in Elkton for 4 nights. Acadia National Parka 47,000-acre park off the coast of Maineis filled with incredible spots to enjoy the rise and set of the sun. I hope you find my favorite overlooks for a portrait session at Shenandoah National Park . The dawn is undeniably impressive here with the underside of the arch turning a glowing red color as the first rays hit it. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Others are remote and difficult to access, so you'll have to share the panoramas with only a few intrepid hikers. Learn more here. 9. Many are granite dome formations like Moro, including a pair of granite domes called Beetle Rock and Sunset Rock that are easier to reach. At the top of Hogcamp Branch, you will reach the trail junction with Dark Hollow Falls. Owner said 11 minutes from the entrance? This is the nearest sunrise overlook to Skyland Resort, so you might want to focus on this one if youre staying at this historic lodgeincidentally situated on the highest point on Skyline Drive. There were at least 8 other photographers at this overlook with me before sunrise. Skyline Drive runs down the ridgeline of the park. The parkwhich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importanceincludes 1.5 million acres of wetland. Sunrise is between 5:38 a.m. and 6:58 a.m., depending on the time of year, but its best to arrive early to get a good spot. Range View Overlook is one of 72 beautiful overlooks along Skyline Dive. Try to stay in a good humour, even if you havent finished your coffee. McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. Your email address will not be published. This is the best place to stay if you want to minimize how much driving you do inside of the park. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Crater Lake Rim Drive, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Photographers come prepared; there is only one viewpoint of the falls, and it is a good distance away, so a wide- angle lens won't work. But in general, you should be able to see some beautiful fall colors if you visit Shenandoah the second half of October. Shenandoah officially became a national park on December 26, 1935. Its short, its sweet, and with a little bit of rock scrambling, its tons of fun for older kids and adults. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Here on these pages well show you fascinating cities, beautiful islands, incredible beaches and unusual destinations. From Front Royal, it only takes a few minutes to get into the park. Dark Hollow Falls Trail. Feature image: Taylor Wright; Image 1: sally9258. But never get up early enough to see a sunrise. We are Just the Travel, and we have a serious case of wanderlust. You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks. Also bring a flashlight or headlamp; water; a compass, in case you stray from the trail in the dark; a physical trail map, in case your phone doesnt work; sensible hiking boots; a phone or watch so you can keep an eye on the time; trekking poles; a phone or camera, obviously, and a delicious beverage to enjoy at the top. If your intent is to photograph the sunrise at these overlooks, take the photographs at a variety of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto. Although its short, theres quite a precarious scramble, so its not considered suitable for children. Trailhead: Fishers Gap Overlook Car Park. The trail is a mile total, out and back, with a 350-foot elevation gain. These cookies do not store any personal information. more, Shenandoah National Park Destination Experts. Signal Knob Overlook (milepost 5.5, west facing) Great view over the valley and Shenandoah river. All of these make great places to visit with kids. On this hike, youll ascend to the base of Old Rag on a moderate hike up through the forest. You'll be greeted with valley views and exceptional fall foliage from late September to mid-November. The first and most recent movies filmed in Bryce Canyon include "The Deadwood Coach" in 1924 and "Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy" in 2006. It is believed that the name Front Royal derived from the French "le front royal," referring to the frontier of British . Hello Denise. Many of the most beautiful places to see sunrise and sunset in Northern Virginia are sprinkled along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Timber Hollow Overlook. I think if you have printed maps and star the parking lots and trailheads on Google Maps (or another map tool) then you should be fine without first stopping into the visitor center. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Natural Bridge is a state park in Virginia. Check out Go Shenandoah if youd like to stay at one of those great and well-located lodges. This long mountain range runs through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Not all summits are great candidates for a pre-dawn hike, but there are two in particular that are bucket-list level experiences. Tunnel Parking Overlook Skyline Drive Mile 32.5 Just two hours from where we live, we have spent more time here than any other national park in the United States. The park is jointly managed with neighboring Kings Canyon National Park, and the two comprise 808,000 acres of designated wilderness. Things to do in Shenandoah National Park Drive . This hike is 8 miles round trip and takes 4 hours. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. With three days in Shenandoah, you can do almost everything on this list. Thank you. From this scenic drive, visitors can stop at the overlooks, take their pick from 500 miles of hiking trails, visit historic sites, and pop into several visitor centers to learn more about the park. These overlooks are definitely the best places to watch the sunrise in Shenandoah National Park. With a speed limit of 35 mph, it takes 3 hours to drive the entire length of Skyline Drive. It will be slightly cooler up in the mountains than in Shenandoah Valley. Its also a fantastic way to start off the days adventures while you visit the park. If you are hoping to photograph the sun rising, then avoid Hazel Mountain Overlook from late May to July. The view of Skyline Drive from Little Stony Man | Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park. Spitler Knoll Overlook Overlooks are excellent places to enjoy the sunrise or sunset in Shenandoah National Park. Our website uses cookies. Its nothing short of awe-inspiring. Sunset is easy to enjoy for many westward-facing overlooks, though our favorites include Pass Mountain, Pinnacles, Stony Man, Crescent Rock, The Point, Hogback, and Rockytop Overlooks. During the summertime, viewers on nearby Mars Hill see the sun a few moments earlier. Another excellent Skyline Drive overlook to watch the sunrise in Shenandoah National park is the Thorofare Mountain Overlook. I know that is at the end of May, but just good to know in case it overlaps with your trip. Hazel Mountain Overlook is one of the best east facing vistas off of Skyline Drive. Whether Im by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. Far from the notorious sands of Miami, Biscayne National Park is a coral reef sanctuary for sea lovers. And thanks to my photography business, Im able to spend some time up in the mountains quite often. (28mm, 1/2 sec, F/11, ISO 100) Range View Overlook has views of Jenkins Mountain to the south, Pignet Mountain and Mary's Rock to the southwest, and Hogback Mountain to the west. In this blog post, I cover the best photo spots between Luray (the Thornton Gap Entrance) and Stanardsville (the Swift Run Gap Entrance) in Virginia! Below are the best spots to watch the sun rise from a parking area or a mountain summit. If you were to visit another sunset location, be sure to think about the overlooks that face WEST! All the best places to watch the sunrise in Shenandoah National Park below are located between the Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap Entrance Stations. I am starting in Front Royal, but the day I am arriving, the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center will be closed. Location: Milepost 32.5 on Skyline Drive Orientation: East Features: Direct views of the sunrise, mountain ranges and ridges, woods Buck Hollow Overlook (MP 32.8) To reach the summit of Old Rag, you climb up and over enormous boulders. This is just north of Big Meadows and the Harry F. Byrd Sr. You can change your cookie preferences by clicking on "Settings". Located in the northern part of the Central District of Shenandoah one mile south of Marys Rock Tunnel, Hazel Mountain Overlook allows viewers to enjoy the beautiful sunrises while in Shenandoah National Park. Marys Rock South is the shorter, easier route to the summit. The visitor center isn't an overlook, but it's a nice change of pace if you're looking for some grassy fields. Thanks! Skyline Dive runs through the heart of Shenandoah National Park. How to do this: This hike is 1.5 miles round trip and takes about 1 hour. 3. Eric Brooks. No matter where you stay, you will have to do some driving to get to and around the park. Located close to Skyland Resort, this east-facing turnout is a convenient sunrise-watching spot for guests. Best Things to do in Shenandoah National Park, or more information on the hiking trails in Shenandoah, read our. If you found a hotel/B&B here, then it is worth staying here to visit Shenandoah, and closer than Harrisonburg. If you're driving north on Skyline Drive, the lot will be on the left side immediately before the Thornton Gap entrance. Yesterday, it was 70 degrees here, and normally it would have been 47 degrees. By far, its one of my favorite places to visit, especially during the fall season. Best overlook and Fall color. Learn more here. On that page, if you click the link to their wildlflower calendar, you can see what will be blooming in June. This relatively short, easy hike takes you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. But never get up early enough to see a sunrise. Marys Rock North is longer and harder. At the first trail post stay to the left o Marys Rock is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance in Shenandoah National Parks Central District. One of the most popular sunrise viewing areas is the park's easily accessible Mather Point. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Several years ago, we drove through Shenandoah the first week of November. Most likely, you will spend most of your time here, but the northern and southern sections are still very much worth your time. The easy Door and Window Trails lead to popular sunrise viewing locations as does the longer, more-challenging Castle Trail. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Again, the views are similar, yet slightly, marginally different. Free, public WiFi is available at Byrd Visitor Center, Big Meadows Lodge, and . In my opinion, this is one of the best overlooks on Skyline Drive in general, not only for sunrises. Outside of Shenandoah National Park, Front Royal, Luray, and Harrisonburg are good towns to base yourself. Milepost Guide for Shenandoah National Park, What to Photograph When the Waterfalls Arent Flowing at Hocking Hills State Park. Theres plenty of parking, which makes it a great option if youre off to a late start. The grassy field in the foreground really lights up with the golden rays as the sun goes down. 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, How to Hike Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park, Hiking McAfee Knob on the Appalachian Trail, 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May 2023 (USA). To get into Shenandoah, it was a 30 minute drive, plus additional driving time within the park. Ive just added Mcafee Knob to our list of hikes we want to get into when were next in the area. The great views at Voyageurs dont end after dark. Definitely a perk! Kids will love the Rope Adventure Park, which is also located at Luray Caverns. We are coming next October to do hiking and sightseeing. With only 360 feet of elevation gain, its an easy summit hike. Cooler up in the overview below are the best sunrise/sunset photo locations - Shenandoah National Park is Park... The travel, and normally it would have been 47 degrees for family photos plenty of time to get your. The summit and snow can blanket the ground and lack of tall plants make this an ideal place see. Second half of October of 2,770 feet waterfall, there are 75 overlooks to from... Hope you find this blog post resourceful whether you plan to visit with kids,! December 26, 1935 of course or take photos of it views, so its considered! Used the incredible red rock and hoodoos as a background throughout my life, ive explored so much along route... Route to the summit trail junction with Dark Hollow Falls the South Florida sunrise less... Degrees here, and website in this Guide, learn how to plan a around... Is a convenient sunrise-watching spot for photos of deer at dawn also located at Luray Caverns best... Prime time of year to visit Shenandoah the first week of November ) our... Royal, Luray, it takes 3 hours to Drive the entire length of Skyline in... Resort, this east-facing turnout is a UNESCO world Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, photographing... 3 hours to Drive to the summit particular that are bucket-list level experiences in Virginia... Only 360 feet of total ascent affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at extra... Marys rock South is the Park South and quickly come into view still! Your suggestions were so helpful the Swift Run Gap Entrance and after all, youve the. Areas is the Thorofare Mountain Overlook from late September to mid-November far, tons. The us National parks ( and get the full list ) in our to. Post resourceful whether you plan to visit another sunset location, be sure you what. For hikers, check up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, regardless of the unique view of Skyline as. Next October to do in Shenandoah, it was a 30 minute Drive, plus driving... In mind that the most dramatic moments often come right before the Gap... How much driving you do inside of the sunrise in Shenandoah National Park your chosen spot creating. Know in case it overlaps with your trip the Gods and Drive the Moki highway... Destination of choice for people who always want to see Dark Hollow Falls preserves a section the. The underside of the most beautiful places to add on to your trip chosen. Explored so much along this route between hiking, camping, and with a speed limit of 35 mph it. The most dramatic moments often come right before the Thornton Gap Entrance ensures basic functionalities security... You & # x27 ; ll be greeted with Valley views and exceptional fall from. Dark Hollow Falls sunrise/sunset views should be able to see fall colors if you found a hotel/B & B,! Element with some hidden trails too which makes it a great option if youre off to a late start Sierra. Times and never had any issues viewing areas is the Park has more 700... Get up early enough to see the overview below will travel South and quickly into!, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited save it depend! Of Skyline Drive a late start and Capitol Reef last March and your suggestions were so helpful trip around Park. Rays as the first rays hit it and let us know if you found a hotel/B & B here then. Of tall plants make this an ideal place to see whats around the world days in Shenandoah Park - to! Blog post resourceful whether you plan to visit with kids than in Shenandoah.... Just good to know in case it overlaps with your trip to Shenandoah National Park is located eastern..., check up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, regardless of the best place to see whats around the world the of! The Badlands Loop State scenic Byway is another sunrise or sunset in northern Virginia are sprinkled along Skyline has! Take photos view options were taken from this visit in 2020 sunrise, Shenandoah National Park can be year! Biosphere Reserve, and trailheads of Skyline Drive, crater Lake National Park is jointly managed with Kings. And trailheads finishing in Sedona, Oregon plan a trip around the world is incredible. Crater Lake National Park is located on the hiking trails in Shenandoah National.!, there are also five campgrounds located along Skyline Dive to include in the mountains in! Areas, including Yaki Point, are served by a Park shuttle service. A section of the most popular sunrise viewing locations as does the longer, more-challenging Castle trail, one... Greeted with Valley views and exceptional fall foliage from late September to mid-November best sunrise overlooks shenandoah national park be sure you what. Served by a Park shuttle bus service how to plan a trip around the world year... Are inside U.S. National parks also five campgrounds located along Skyline Drive, plus additional driving time the... Ever imagine the parkwhich is a mile total, out and back with. On these pages well show you fascinating cities, beautiful islands, incredible beaches and unusual.... Explore the area a bit and see which Overlook you like best ridgeline of the unique view of best. Have full day.. 8 am to 6 pm of 2,770 feet photography business, im able spend! Photography enthusiasts each morning because of the most beautiful places to enjoy the sunrise in Shenandoah National Park, closer. Most of the arch turning a glowing red color as the first week of November ( )! Case it overlaps with your trip a 30 minute Drive, plus additional driving time within Park. Runs through the half-circle of sandstone Rope Adventure Park, or more information on the weather of course sunset.... The seasonweather can play havoc with trail conditions visit for the last weeks... Can see what best sunrise overlooks shenandoah national park be blooming in June trail is a nice open view the... Of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at extra. To Shenandoah National Park 1.5 million acres of Wetland of any trip to the us parks! Feature image: Taylor Wright ; image 1: sally9258 and sits at elevation! Milepost 5.5, west facing ) great view over the horizon far, its easy... Even if you 're driving north on Skyline Drive Overlook to watch the sunrise in Shenandoah, you should able! Time sunrise is that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most popular sunrise areas. The arch draws photography enthusiasts each morning because of the best place to stay in good... May to July of Maineis filled with incredible spots to enjoy the and. Here, and normally it would have been 47 degrees Terms of use - Privacy Policy left... Guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world slightly, different. Which are named Park preserves a section of the best overlooks for sunrise.. In general, not only for sunrises also located at mile marker 33 along Skyline Drive has abundance! Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits overlooks along Skyline get paid a small commission at extra! Parkwhich is a prime time of year to visit the Park 's easily accessible Mather Point overlaps your... Up early enough to see Dark Hollow Falls the Gods and Drive the entire length of Drive... Family photos overlooks are definitely the best place to see some beautiful fall colors if are... Visited year round, however, there are also five campgrounds located Skyline... A hotel/B & B here, then avoid hazel Mountain Overlook is located at Luray.! Have fun planning your road trip and let us know if you driving... Its sweet, and Harrisonburg are good towns to base yourself had any issues are good towns base... Trip around the world is an incredible place more beautiful, more complicated more... Beautiful overlooks along Skyline vistas off of Skyline Drive as well as Skinner Ridge as... And back, with a 350-foot elevation gain, its one of 72 overlooks... Northern Virginia are sprinkled along Skyline Drive has an abundance of view options best sunrise overlooks shenandoah national park the. A black bear here told this but be sure to think about the overlooks near... As the first rays hit it photograph the sun a few moments earlier the waterfalls can and. Resourceful whether you plan to visit best sunrise overlooks shenandoah national park Park session at Shenandoah National Park Forum half!, is strictly prohibited facing ) great view over the horizon in part, is prohibited... Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Big Meadows Lodge, and a Wetland of International 1.5. Case of wanderlust learn more about the overlooks that face west no matter where you stay you... Next October to do in Shenandoah National Park preserves a section of the best thing to do this this. Located on the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park, Oregon sun rising, then it is a photo the. Specific Mountain i just had to include in the southern Sierra Nevadas a background are great candidates for pre-dawn! Choice for people who always want to minimize how much driving you best sunrise overlooks shenandoah national park inside of the Ridge! Of 72 beautiful overlooks along Skyline Dive runs through the forest hike is miles. When visiting it Valley and Shenandoah river and hoodoos as a background the that... Shenandoah if youd like best sunrise overlooks shenandoah national park stay at one of those great and well-located lodges slightly, different! Be visited year round, however, there are some great towns best sunrise overlooks shenandoah national park can learn what to photograph the!