I encourage you to explore around and find some spots too because there are so many pretty destinations!! Im Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Trailhead: Fishers Gap Overlook Car Park. If you're driving north on Skyline Drive, the lot will be on the left side immediately before the Thornton Gap entrance. In terms of number of visitors, Shenandoah ranks 19th out of 63 national parks. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. You can learn what to do when you encounter a black bear here. It is a 105-mile roadthrough the park with 75 scenic overlooksalong the way. The waterfalls can freeze and snow can blanket the ground and the branches, creating a magical scene. Get the full details on how to do this hike in our Guide to Old Rag. The grassy field in the foreground really lights up with the golden rays as the sun goes down. Skyline Drive Overlooks Map (North District) 1. To get into Shenandoah, it was a 30 minute drive, plus additional driving time within the park. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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. How Many Days Do You Need in Shenandoah National Park? 973 Likes, 21 Comments - mike (@desert_badger) on Instagram: "First light hitting the Towers of the Virgin in Zion National Park. 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. I'm interested in driving to the best spots to watch the sunrise in the east (a few minutes after 6am) and the sunset in the west. Rose River Falls | Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park. I absolutely recommend staying inside the park when visiting it. Sunrise in Shenandoah National Park Tunnel Parking Overlook (MP 32.5) Buck Hollow Overlook (MP 32.8) Hazel Mountain Overlook (MP 33.0) Thorofare Mountain Overlook (MP 40.5) Bearfence Mountain (MP 56.4) Sunset in Shenandoah National Park Stony Man (MP 41.7) The Point Overlook (MP 55.5) Bearfence Mountain (MP 56.5) Brown Mountain Overlook (MP 77.0) Shenandoah officially became a national park on December 26, 1935. Hello Jill. The unique rock formations glow majestically in the rising sun and if you go in winter, the snowy peaks make it even more magical. With only 360 feet of elevation gain, its an easy summit hike. 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) Thanks! Front Royal was incorporated in 1788. The 10 Most Scenic Overlooks in U.S. National Parks From California to Alaska, these are the most beautiful overlooks in America's national parks. From the top of Old Rag, enjoy panoramic views of the park. The Everglades is known for its wild, watery landscapes. The park is preparing to reopen . There are a few different ways you can enjoy what might be the most spectacular sunrise youll experience: you can drive to one of the parks many overlooks or get ambitious and head out for an early hike. It is also possible to hike Hawksbill Mountain as a loop, combining the Upper and Lower Hawksbill trails with the AT. You have the option to continue a little farther (less than a quarter of a mile) to see Dark Hollow Falls. We went this past summer and tours werent being offered. Lewis Mountain Cabins, on the other hand, is a more basic place to stay, with its one-room wooden cabins with little porches, fire pits and picnic tables. 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. Learn more here. Some visitors arrive on the Cadillac summit early to see the whole event, from the first change in light to the full sunrise. 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. The weather is cooler, but the views of the sunlight coming over the colourful trees are unparalleled. 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) run through Shenandoah National Park. (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. You will probably see lots of wildlife. 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. 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. Start from the parking area at Hawksbill Gap at Mile 45.5 for the challenging hike and the loop or from the Upper Hawksbill lot at Mile 46.7 for the easier, 2.1-mile route. I will say that these spots are concentrated on the northern end of the Virginia Skyline Drive, but I have couples who drive from all over for these shots! Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona are great. There is an interesting pile of rocks right off the overlook that offers an anchor for sunrise photos. A handful of the most dramatic dawn and dusk destinations are inside U.S. national parks. So it's breathtaking at any . Im excited to share my absolute FAVORITE spots!!! Though the crowds are thinner, the suns appearance is no less stunning during fall and winter. 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. If its a cool dawn, there might be some beautiful patches of mist in the valley and between the ridges below. I am beginning to understand the scope of this national park with the 105 highway but am having trouble putting my head around where my accommodations fit in. Here are four places to add on to your trip to Shenandoah National Park. Because of its prominence, it's a great place to see the sun rise and set over the surrounding forests, the San Joaquin Valley, and the peaks of the Great Western Divide. Hazel Mountain Overlook is just 2/10 of a mile from Buck Hollow Overlook. It faces east-northeast at an elevation of 2,710 feet. Park in the Upper Hawksbill parking lot. As for wildflowers, I found this on the National Park Service website. From Luray, it takes 15 minutes to drive to the Thornton Gap Entrance. You can see the sun rise above the mountains to the east, while, a few minutes later, it paints the valleys to the west in a golden glow. From as early as 1924, films used the incredible red rock and hoodoos as a background. In addition to Yaki and Mather, there are more than a dozen Grand Canyon overlooks that are recommended for sunrise and sunset viewing. It takes about three hours to drive the length of the 105-mile road because the speed limit is only 35 miles per hour. By mid-August, the sunrise is back in a good position in the sky for this overlook. Diana Robinson Photography / Getty Images. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Answer 1 of 2: Hello. Some of our favorite overlooks in Shenandoah National Park: Range View Overlook, milepost 17 Buck Hollow Overlook, milepost 32.8 The header photo for this post was also taken at Buck Hollow Overlook. Huge Rewards for Very Little Effort What makes the Stony Man Trail arguably the best sunset hike in Shenandoah National Park is its shortness. I realize there are several beautiful overlooks on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Re: Best overlooks for sunrise and sunsets 9 years ago Save It can depend on the weather of course. On this hike, youll ascend to the base of Old Rag on a moderate hike up through the forest. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. it is generally available at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and at some west-facing overlooks. Yes, we live in Maryland, about 2 hours from Shenandoah. That time of year, it really depends on what the weather is doing, as far as how many people will be on the trails. have a serious case of wanderlust. Its also the toughest hike on this list. It will be slightly cooler up in the mountains than in Shenandoah Valley. Marys Rock | Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park. This turnout looks southeast and sits at an elevation of 2,770 feet. Its summitwhich can be reached by caris a popular sunrise viewing location. The highest peak in the park, Hawksbill is the best place to take in the wide, sweeping views that have made Shenandoah so beloved. These overlooks are definitely the best places to watch the sunrise in Shenandoah National Park. Buck Hollow Overlook is one of 72 beautiful overlooks that are on Skyline Drive. Its convenience makes it popular, so if you want a little solitude with your sunrise, skip this lookout and head to one of the quieter options. 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. This hike is only 1.1 miles round trip. Fall colors were just past peak, but it was still beautiful. How is this area for getting into the park and hiking? United States ; Virginia . 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. Also known as the Central District. I love to bounce around from overlook to overlook since they are all beautiful and different vantage points. SNP Alert Issued Clean up from 2 Ice Storms, Shenandoah ideas for flying in/out of Charlottesville, VA. How to do this: This hike is 1.5 miles round trip and takes about 1 hour. Hazel Mountain Overlook is located at mile marker 33 along Skyline Drive and is one of a handful of overlooks that looks due east. You can't go wrong with a sunrise at Shenandoah, and unlike a lot of the overlooks on Skyline Drive, Hazel Mountain actually has great foreground potential. These cookies do not store any personal information. In the spring, trees start blooming in April and by May the park should be a vibrant green. Any season is lovely, but fall is a prime time of year to visit the park, especially for sunrise watching. To return to your car, take the Rose River Fire Road. Consisting of 72 overlooks over 105 miles, Skyline Drive offers great views of the surrounding Blue Ride Mountains and valleys. You can change your cookie preferences by clicking on "Settings". The mornings are cold in the mountains, even in the summer, and it can detract from the magic if youre shivering while you wait for it. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your I have booked an Airbnb in Elkton for 4 nights. Most of the photos in this post were taken from this visit in 2020. Keep an eye out for wildlife. By far, its one of my favorite places to visit, especially during the fall season. It faces east and sits at 2,510 feet. Its also a fantastic way to start off the days adventures while you visit the park. Here are some of the best overlooks in Shenandoah NP that to you won't want to miss! The scenerywith the Atlantic in the background and the islands of Frenchman Bay in the foregrounddraws photographers, but the predawn crowd swells with "first sunrise" viewers. Located close to Skyland Resort, this east-facing turnout is a convenient sunrise-watching spot for guests. 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. The timing of peak colors can vary from year to year, based on weather conditions. Thisll give you easy access to the best Skyline Drive overlooks for sunrise, allowing you to stay in bed a bit longerwhich everyone can appreciate, Im sure. You will see the trail post to the right of the parking lot. There are a few mountain summits that I really like in the park, but Bearfence Mountain has to be my favorite. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 3 days in Shenandoah park - where to stay outside the park? The layout of Shenandoah National Park is rather unique. 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. But in general, you should be able to see some beautiful fall colors if you visit Shenandoah the second half of October. The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot - There is a sign with a trail map marking it. This write-up details the hike from the Meadow Spring Parking area, but there are alternate routes starting from the Panorama parking area (3.7 miles round trip), Jewell Hollow Overlook (6 miles round trip) and Buck Hollow parking area (9 miles round trip). The TownePlace Suites by Marriott is another property to consider. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Location: Shenandoah National Park: Central District Best time of year to photograph: Year Around Subject Focus: Sunrise, Landscape, Milky Way Popularity: Low Mile Maker: 35.1 on Skyline Drive . Hawksbill Mountain | Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park. 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. North District Overlooks, Shenandoah National Park The North District starts at the Front Royal Entrance Station, milepost 0.6. 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