Shenandoah National Park, one of the gems of the eastern United States, offers some of the best sunrise views along the iconic Skyline Drive. Marked by concrete pillars known as mileposts, this scenic route spans 109 miles from milepost 0.0 at Front Royal, Virginia, to milepost 105 near Waynesboro, Virginia.

Most of the 75 overlooks along Skyline Drive face either east or west, making it easy to find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains without hiking up a mountain summit in the dark—unless that’s your thing!

While some might opt for the challenge of catching the sunrise from the top of Bearfence Mountain or Hawksbill Summit Trail, there are plenty of overlooks where you can enjoy the beauty of the dawn with a little extra sleep.

Staying in the Park

For those wanting to maximize their rest before catching that perfect sunrise, staying in the park is a great option. Here are a few accommodations to consider:

Skyland Resort (Milepost 41.7): Older than Shenandoah National Park itself, Skyland was built in the 1890s at what is now the highest point on Skyline Drive, at 3,680 feet. It offers guests stunning panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley. Accommodations include cabins, traditional rooms, premium rooms, and suites spread across 28 separate buildings on 27 acres. Pet-friendly rooms are available, and this is the closest lodge to several favorite sunrise spots like Tunnel Parking Overlook, Buck Hollow, and Thorofare Mountain Overlook.
Big Meadows Lodge (Milepost 51): Located near the halfway point of the park, Big Meadows is also home to the park’s only gas station, making it a convenient stop for visitors. In addition to a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, and visitor center, Big Meadows Campground offers a variety of camping options. This area is a great base for exploring miles of trails, including short hikes to popular spots like Dark Hollow Falls.
Lewis Mountain Cabins (Milepost 57.5)**: For those seeking a more rustic and quiet stay, Lewis Mountain is ideal. With no cell or internet coverage, this is the perfect spot to disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of nature. It's the southernmost lodging in the park and offers a more secluded experience.

Nearby Towns

If you prefer to stay outside the park, consider Harrisonburg or Charlottesville, about an hour’s drive away. These towns offer a range of accommodations and amenities.

Also, Shenandoah National Park is about an hour drive or 70 miles from Washington D.C. to the North Entrance.

Best Overlook for Sunrise

Here are some of the best overlooks to catch the sunrise, along with a few tips on what to expect:

Tunnel Parking Overlook (Milepost 32.5):

This is the first east-facing overlook south of the Thornton Gap Entrance, with a tunnel clearance of 12’8”. At about 2,840 feet in elevation, it offers sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Buck Hollow Overlook (Milepost 32.8) and Hazel Mountain Overlook (Milepost 33.0):

These overlooks are close together, providing similar yet slightly varied views of the sun rising over the horizon.

Hemlock Springs Overlook (Milepost 40.0)

Facing east you can see Pinnacle Ridge and Hazel Mountain from this overlook standing at an elevation of 3,380 ft. Named for the tree the Eastern Hemlock was once very common in the area but most were killed by an invasive pest.

Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Milepost 40.5):

Thorofare Mountain is one of the more popular stops for photographers due to its high elevation of 3,595 feet and proximity to Skyland Resort. It offers one of the best vantage points to capture the sunrise.

Spitler Knoll Overlook (Milepost 48.0):

Although this overlook faces west, it offers one of the widest views in the park. It’s not ideal for watching the sunrise if you are hoping to see the sun crest over the mountains but is a fantastic spot to enjoy the early-morning light illuminating the Shenandoah Valley.

Tips for Sunrise

Check Local Time: Sunrise times vary throughout the year, so check the local time and the position of the sun & moon before heading out.
Dress in Layers: The elevation change can lead to cooler temperatures, so be prepared.
Plan Your Route: Use the National Park Service website or visitor centers like Dickey Ridge to plan your visit and find the best overlooks.
Account for Refraction: The sun may appear earlier due to atmospheric refraction, so aim to arrive a little earlier than planned.
Pack Breakfast: Several overlooks have picnic areas and picnic tables, perfect for enjoying a post-sunrise breakfast.
Here is your Park Map: Click Here — Always good to have.
Check the Gov Website before your trip to check for trail closures or any park updates.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to experience one of the best sunrises in the United States. Whether you choose to hike up to a mountain summit like Little Stony Man or simply drive to an overlook, Shenandoah National Park promises a memorable start to your day.

For more on Shenandoah National Park — Read the Full Guide to Shenandoah National Park

Best Places to Watch Sunrise in Shenandoah National Park