#CAMPGROUNDS ON SKYLINE DRIVE PLUS#
Interestingly, despite being a very rocky area, the area also has the park’s biggest stream in Big Run, plus other aquatic destinations such as Doyles River and Moormans River. Known for its extensive rock formations, talus slopes, and outcrops, the South District reveals the most untamed side of the park, highlighted by the trails of the Big Run area. It is also long on wilderness and less on developed facilities.
The South District holds claim to the longest and most quiet section of Skyline Drive. Finally, visit 83-foot South River Falls from the South River Picnic Area, milepost 62.8. It offers a more serene experience than does Big Meadows Campground. Consider renting a cabin or pitching your tent at smallish Lewis Mountain Campground, milepost 57.5. Agile teens and adults will have fun navigating the boulders of the Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble, milepost 56.4. View Big Rock Falls on the way to Rapidan Camp. Visit the site of the first presidential retreat from Milam Gap, milepost 52.8, Rapidan Camp, where Herbert Hoover trout fished and entertained world leaders. Nearby waterfall walks include Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls and Lewis Spring Falls. Load up with goodies at the camp store, or hit the lodge dining hall. Explore the displays here this visitor center is a great place to stop and learn about the park and plan your next moves. Big Meadows Campground is the park’s highest at 3,500 feet. Big Meadows includes a lodge, campground, visitor center, dining and picnicking. The next must-stop is Big Meadows, milepost 51.0, where deer are often spotted. At the peak you will find an embedded directional indicator, pointing out all the sights you will see from this lofty height. Speaking of high points, it is a ritual to head to Hawksbill, the park’s highest peak, from milepost 46.7. You can’t go wrong overnighting at Skyland Lodge, milepost 41.7, and combining it with a hike to Stony Man, highest spot on the Appalachian Trail in the park. Pinnacles Overlook, milepost 35.1, presents auto-accessible views and a nearby picnic area. Mary’s Rock has 360-degree vistas from an outcrop and is my favorite lookout in the entire park. Start your view-fest from both road and trail by hiking to Mary’s Rock from Meadow Spring parking area, milepost 33.5. The Central District, from Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap, is the land of superlatives – highest park elevation, highest point on Skyline Drive, most land mass, two lodges, two campgrounds, historic cabins, trails galore and two visitor centers. Don’t miss the view from Thornton Hollow Overlook, milepost 27.6, before rolling into Thornton Gap. Grab some ice cream during the warm season from Elkwallow Wayside, milepost 24.0, or enjoy your own meal at the adjacent picnic area. Overnight at Mathews Arm Campground, milepost 22.2, and make numerous hikes directly from your campsite. Walk to Piney River Falls from milepost 22.1. Views stretch wide to match the overlook. Next, stop at Hogback Overlook, milepost 20.8, the longest overlook in the park. After orienting, consider walking the Fox Hollow Interpretive Trail, visiting old homesites. Climb to historic Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, milepost 4.6 of Skyline Drive, once a dining hall with a stellar view. This most northerly section, winding through the park’s North District, rises from the town of Front Royal.
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