A couple suggestions since we're getting into my neck of the woods. Skyline Drive is, IMHO, a drag. May I suggest once you get to 211 take 211 West towards Luray and from there pick up 675. Relative to the area it climbs up an impressive cliff wall and at the top there's a very nice overlook, again very rare for the general area. Pick up Fort Valley Road and take that to Front Royal instead of Skyline Drive. It's a pleasant very pretty and largely abandoned ride the narrows down to a narrow ravine which, again for the general area there, is unusual. 

Map #6757

Yermo

11 years ago

[Large Static Map]

Northern Virginia Fort Valley Road Loop

This is one of our favorite routes through Northern Virginia. We typically start out at 55 where it meets 15 and take side roads down to 17 until it connects to 211.

There's a wonderful section of tight technical but well graded switchbacks on 211 as you approach and cross Skyline Drive.

We usually have lunch in Luray and from there head up to Route 675 which is a series of switchbacks the carves it's way up the side of the mountain. There are wonderful vistas as you go up. Very pretty.

From there you catch Fort Valley Road which goes on seemingly forever as it winds it's way through this magical looking valley of pristine farms and old buildings. It eventually narrows to a tight state park road that follows a roaring creek bordered by steep canyon walls in a deep wood.

We typically make our way to the Starbucks in Front Royal before taking the Superslab back home. Sometimes we'll take 55 for some local color as it winds it's way seemingly through towns that time forgot.

The best sections are tagged in yellow.

I guess you're coming back down that way, looking at it more closely. Either way, Fort Valley road is a much nicer ride IMHO.

233 out of Mont Alto is a wonderful ride.

WV 9 as you head into Berkeley Springs there's a absolutely fantastic overlook worth a stop. You'll see an abandoned motel on the right. 

Skyline Drive. I share your impressions. That said, I need a refresher. It's been many, many years since I rode it.

First off I don't like paying to ride it. Second, I too often hear about how strictly the 35 mph speed limit is enforced, often from those who got ticketed. 35 mph? Really? So glad I have cruise control to save me. Third, I remember it was crowded in spots. That shouldn't be so bad as we're doing it on a Wednesday. Meh. I'm due a revisit. 

I always recommend taking 221 between Linville and Blowing Rock. Especially when it's Hot as It is Shady in the Canopy.. There is a Rock Stop / Over-crop Too