News Release

Shenandoah National Park Reopens Portions of Skyline Drive and the Big Meadows Area

News Release Date: January 6, 2023

Contact: Claire Comer, [phone] x3183

Luray, VA- Following weeks of damage assessments and debris removal, park crews have worked diligently to restore visitor access to as many areas of the park as possible. The following sections of Skyline Drive are open: Mile 0 (Front Royal Entrance) to mile 5 (Dickey Ridge Visitor Center) and mile 31.5 (Thornton Gap Entrance) to mile 42.6 at Whiteoak Parking. Swift Run Entrance at Route 33 is open north to the northern entrance of Byrd Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open until 4:30 today and will resume normal hours and days tomorrow.  

All other sections of Skyline Drive remain closed to all access. This is a departure from usual park policy, but because of the dangerous nature of the work that needs to be done in the closed areas, the Superintendent has issued a complete closure of those portions of Skyline Drive. Closed portions include mile 5 to mile 31.5 (Route 211) and mile 42.6, just south of Whiteoak Parking to Big Meadows, and Swift Run Entrance (Route 33) south to Rockfish, the southern terminus of Skyline Drive. 

In response to the effects from two winter storm systems that impacted the area on Thursday, December 15 and Thursday, December 22, 2022, the park mobilized an Incident Command Team to immediately set to work addressing critical needs to assess damage, stabilize facilities, and begin the process of restoring visitor access. Crews and equipment from other National Park Service locations as well as park volunteers have responded to the park’s request to assist in these efforts.  

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, the National Park Service closed Skyline Drive ahead of the first winter storm system to impact the area. Park crews immediately began damage assessments and debris removal on Thursday, December 16, 2022. One week later, a second winter storm passed through, delaying the crew’s ability to progress toward reopening sections of Skyline Drive.

Updates on ongoing response and stabilization efforts are available online at https://www.facebook.com/shenandoahnps and https://twitter.com/ShenandoahNPS. For the most up-to-date information about Skyline Drive status and conditions in the park, opt into our alert system. Text SHENALERTS to 888777 or call 540-999-3500, option 1, option 1. 

Cleanup crews clearing debris and chipping wood along Skyline Drive.

NPS photo