Spring in Shenandoah National Park offers a refreshing perspective on one of Virginia’s most iconic landscapes. Exploring the curves of Skyline Drive during this season offers visitors clear, panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley before the summer haze settles in.
In 1931, the Southern Appalachian National Park Committee wrote “the greatest single feature is a possible sky-line drive along the mountain top … Few scenic drives in the world could surpass it.” Skyline Drive stretches for 105 miles, lined with an abundance of white oak trees and dotted with 75 scenic overlooks.
In early April, the air was filled with songbird calls, from the rhythmic drumming of downy and pileated woodpeckers to the bright melodies of Carolina wrens and chickadees, goldfinches, and sparrows. Along the forest floor and ridgelines, we also spotted American robins, eastern towhees, and dark-eyed juncos among the new growth.
Shenandoah National Park
2026 Price: Free due to my Annual Pass (Fee would have been $30 for a 7-day pass)
There are three major sections of the park, segmented by the entrance stations. Over two days, we drove the entire length, stopping at each overlook that interested us, and hiked 3 trails. I’ve included the hikes and our favorites overlooks below.
Southern Section
Between Rockfish Gap (South) Entrance and Swift Run Gap Entrance
Sawmill Ridge Overlook (MP 95.5)
Elevation 2,210 feet
Turk Mountain Trail (MP 93.5)
Turk Mountain Trail follows a portion of the Appalachian Trail before branching off toward the summit, where the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and rugged. While the park classifies this 1.1-mile route as easy, I consider it moderately difficult due to the terrain and steady incline. With a total elevation gain of 690 feet, a majority of the trail consists of an upward climb toward the 2,981-foot summit.
We found spring azure and duskywing butterflies and wildflowers including bird’s-foot violet, dogwood, sassafras, serviceberry, and spicebush blooms.
Big Run Overlook (MP 81.0)
Elevation 2,860 feet
Close to a dozen turkey vultures swooped over the ridges.
Frazier Discovery Trail (MP 80.0)
Frazier Discovery Trail climbs through a canopy of birch and oak. In the woods, we heard a rustling noise and paused to find where it was coming from. Then we caught sight of a flash of white and knew it was a white-tailed deer! Slowly it emerged from the leaves and leapt across the path.
Once at the summit, we enjoyed multiple viewpoints of the Big Run Wilderness on its rocky outcrops.
Although the park classifies this 1.2-mile circuit as easy, I consider it moderately difficult due to the rocky terrain and uphill climb to the summit. Visitors should be prepared for a steady ascent with an approximate elevation gain of 430 feet.
Brown Mountain Overlook (MP 77.0)
Elevation 2,840 feet
Two Mile Run Overlook (MP 76.0)
Elevation 2,770 feet
Swift Run Overlook (MP 67.0)
Elevation 2,710 feet
Middle Section
Between Swift Run Gap Entrance and Thornton Gap Entrance
Bearfence Viewpoint (MP 56.4)
Bearfence Viewpoint is an out-and-back, 1.1-mile round trip hike. It gains over 300 feet of elevation.
Here we encountered eastern chipmunks, downy woodpeckers, and eastern towhees.
While this is the easier path in the Bearfence area, the nearby Bearfence Rock Scramble offers a more technical route across jagged basalt outcrops.
Old Rag View Overlook (MP 46.5)
Elevation 3,585 feet
Crescent Rock Overlook (MP 44.0)
Elevation 3,550 feet
Hazel Mountain Overlook (MP 33.0)
Elevation 2,770 feet
Buck Hollow Overlook (MP 32.8)
Elevation 2,545 feet
Northern Section
Between Thornton Gap Entrance and Front Royal (North) Entrance
Beahms Gap Overlook (MP 28.5)
Elevation 2,485 feet
Rattlesnake Point Overlook (MP 21.0)
Elevation 3,105 feet
Little Devils Stairs Overlook (MP 20.0)
Elevation 3,120 feet
Spring in Shenandoah National Park captures a time of quiet renewal and endless mountain vistas. Whether you are counting songbirds in the canopy or standing on a windswept summit, a journey here leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve left the mountains behind.