Trying to figure out which overlooks on Skyline Drive are actually worth stopping for? You’re not alone.
With 75 scenic pullouts along the roadway, it can feel impossible to know which ones offer the best views — and which ones you can skip without missing anything special.
This guide is best for first-time visitors, leaf-peepers, road-trippers, and anyone who wants to experience the most iconic Shenandoah vistas without pulling over at every single overlook.
Whether you want sweeping ridge views, sunrise magic, sunset hotspots, or peaceful spots with fewer cars, I’ll point you toward the overlooks that truly deliver.
A quick teaser: Hogback Overlook is my personal favorite.
These aren’t just names on a list. I’ll share what each overlook is known for, when the light hits best, and why it’s worth adding to your Shenandoah itinerary.
Let’s take a look at the Skyline Drive overlooks you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
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Table of Contents
North District Overlooks, Shenandoah National Park
The North District extends for 31.5 miles from the Front Royal Entrance Station (Mile 0.6) to the Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Mile 31.5). The western views in this section mostly offer lovely views of Shenandoah Valley.
Today Shenandoah Valley is mostly agricultural, with small farms and townships dotting the area on either side of the Shenandoah River between the Blue Ridge Mountains/ Shenandoah National Park and the Massanutten Mountain range.
The area has been cultivated for centuries – before Europeans moved in, Native Americans grew beans, squash and corn in the river valley. The mountains were also used for livestock and small homesteads before the creation of the national park displaced the homesteaders and forced them down into the valley.
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Best Overlooks on Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive Overlooks Map (North District)
1. Signal Knob Overlook (Mile 5.5 | West facing | Elev. 2,090 feet)
If you’re driving south, this is the second overlook in the park, but the first I recommend stopping at. There’s a great view of the Shenandoah Valley with the Shenandoah River clearly visible.
The mountain range you can see on the other side of the valley is the Massanutten Mountain Range, which is part of the George Washington National Forest. You can see Signal Knob, the northernmost peak of the Massanutten Mountains, from the overlook. Like much of the area, Signal Knob played a pivotal role in the Civil War. Today, it’s a great place for a hike.
There are interpretive signs at many of the overlooks. The one here has photos of the same view taken in 1940, 1965 and 1997 so you can easily see the changes in the valley over the years.
2. Hogback Overlook (Mile 21.0 | West facing | Elev. 3,385 feet)
This is the longest viewpoint in the park and my personal favorite. I recommend getting out and walking the length of the overlook, as the view changes along its length.
In the foreground is Gimlet Ridge, Matthews Arm and Overall Run Valley. Beyond is a really lovely view of Shenandoah Valley with the Blue Ridge foothills hills around it. In the background are the Massanutten Mountain and the Allegheny Mountain ridges.
3. Thornton Hollow (Mile 27.5 | East facing | Elev. 2,460 feet)
The view looks down into Thornton Hollow with endless views of the mountains beyond. The mountain to the left is North Marshall and then The Peak. To the right of the hollow is Fork Mountain and then Oventop Mountain.
This is a popular place to see the sunrise.
Central District Overlooks, Shenandoah National Park
The Central District extends for 34.2 miles from the Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Mile 31.5) to the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (Mile 65.7). This is generally considered the most scenic / best part of Skyline Drive.
Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Map (Central District Overlooks)
4. Tunnel Parking Overlook (Mile 32.2 | East facing | Elev. 2,840 feet)
This is the first overlook after the Thornton Gap Entrance. The view of the eastern hills is lovely. You can see Oventop Mountain and Skinner Ridge, with the historic town of Sperryville in between.
However, the main point of interest here is Mary’s Rock Tunnel.
The tunnel was built in 1932 because the engineers who were building Skyline Drive decided that taking the Skyline Drive around Mary’s Rock would be too unsightly. So, they built the 600-foot tunnel in three months, and it remains a highlight of the drive. There is an interpretive sign explaining more about the tunnel.
5. Hazel Mountain Overlook (Mile 33.0 | East facing | Elev. 2,770 feet)
There is a cluster of large granodiorite rocks in the center of the overlook that make a great vantage point to see the view.
Feel free to climb up on top of the rocks, which provide a nice foreground for photos. There are more sensational views, which include Buck Ridge and, no surprise given the overlook’s name, Hazel Mountain
This is yet another popular place to see the sunrise.
6. Jewell Hollow Overlook (Mile 36.4 | West facing | Elev. 3,320 feet)
This is a large overlook with two parking areas, so you should have no problems finding a space to park. The best views are from the higher area, but you can easily walk between the two.
There are lovely views over Shenandoah Valley. You can take a short path down from the parking lot for even better views. You can see Morning Star Lake, Jewell Hollow (of course) and Leading Ridge. Neighbor Mountain is the peak behind and just to the left of Jewell Hollow.
7. Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Mile 40.4 | East facing | Elev. 3,595 feet)
This is the closest east-facing overlook to Skyland Resort, so is a great sunrise option if you’re staying there. It’s also the highest overlook on Skyline Drive.
Thorofare Mountain is straight ahead. To its left is Hazel Mountain in the distance and Pinnacle Ridge. Old Rag Mountain and Roberston Mountain are to the right.
8. Hazeltop Ridge Overlook (Mile 54.5 | West facing | Elev. 3,265 feet)
This a rare west-facing view that doesn’t focus on the Shenandoah Valley. The expansive view includes (from left to right) Hanse Mountain, Powell Mountain, Grindstone Mountain, Smith Mountain, Devils Tanyard and Long Ridge.
9. The Point Overlook (Mile 55.3 | West facing | Elev. 3,235 feet)
The view from the walled parking area is nice, but the thing that makes this overlook extra special is the short – but steep and narrow – hike you can do to “The Point”. Look for a break in the stone wall and follow the trail down for about five minutes to a rocky outcrop.
Few people make it down it’s a steep hike back up), so you can often have this to yourself. The views are sensational.
On a clear day you can see the small town of Elkton to the left. Near it is Green Mountain and then further to the right is Grindstone Mountain. The central closer peak is Powell Mountain.
This is also a popular place to see the sunset.
South District Overlooks, Shenandoah National Park
The South District extends for 39.3 miles from the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (Mile 65.7) to the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (Mile 105). It’s the longest stretch of the Skyline Drive.
In contrast with the northern sections of the park, the western views in the southern section mostly offer closer up views of mountain peaks rather than Shenandoah Valley.
Skyline Drive Map Shenandoah National Park (South District)
10. Bacon Hollow Overlook (Mile 68.9 | East facing | Elev. 2,450 feet)
The view here looks down into Bacon Hollow, a beautiful wooded valley with hills on both sides. The hills of Virginia Piedmont roll into the background, creating a truly breathtaking scene. To the right of Bacon Hollow in the distance you can see Brokenback Mountain and Flattop much closer.
It’s a long bend with views that change as you move along the bend, so it’s definitely worth getting out of your car and walking along this one. There’s also a dead tree that creates a great centerpiece for photos.
11. Moormans River Overlook (Mile 92.0 | East facing | Elev. 2,975 feet)
The overlook looks down an open valley with wooded hills on both sides. The water you can see is actually the Charlottesville Reservoir.
It’s a lovely view that a little different from those at the other overlooks. Peaks you can see include Pasture Fence Mountain, Sawlog Ridge and, further back, Bucks Elbow Mountain.
12. Sawmill Run Overlook (Mile 95.3 | West facing | Elev. 2,210)
This is a lovely leafy overlook with views of the Shenandoah hills beyond the trees. Sawmill Run is in the center and Sawmill Ridge to the right.
Enjoy the incredible views in Shenandoah!
More Planning Resources for Shenandoah National Park
⭐ Shenandoah National Park Guide
⭐ Planning A Trip to Shenandoah National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ 10 Tips For Visiting Shenandoah National Park
⭐ Skyline Drive Mile Markers
⭐ Best Things To Do in Shenandoah National Park
⭐ The Best Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park
⭐ Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
⭐ How To Get to Shenandoah National Park
⭐ All The Airports Near Shenandoah National Park
⭐ The Closest Airport to Shenandoah National Park
⭐ Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park
⭐ Visiting Shenandoah National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ 10 Fun Facts About Shenandoah National Park
Have you done this drive? What was your favorite overlook? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Skyline Drive best stops. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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25 Best Overlooks on Skyline Drive
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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