Location Guide
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK & BLUE RIDGE PARKWAYThe Locations
I am happy to photograph anywhere in Shenandoah, Virginia, or the world! But these are the locations that I have scouted and are the most loved. I unfortunately don’t have the time to location scout/research locations outside of the ones listed here - but if there is a location that you love and want to go to, I’m happy to come along too!
Important things to note :
Most of these locations are in the central section of Shenandoah National Park. It has the most spots for both sunrise views and sunset view!
I don’t have any locations on the most northern section of Skyline Drive (near Front Royal) and that is only because I haven’t found many “wow” locations there. I’m always happy to travel there if there is a spot you love!
There aren’t any sunrise locations listed in the southern section or along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are almost no east-facing overlooks in that area, and very few hikes that fit in a short timeframe near there.
Skyline Drive / Shenandoah National Park has an entrance fee (free for military members). As of writing this, it’s $35 per car. You can also get an annual pass for all of the National Parks for $85 instead or $55 for just Shenandoah National Park.
Best towns to stay in near the below locations :
Sperryville & Luray
McGaheysville, Elkton, Lydia, Stanardsville
Waynesboro, Afton
I’ll also list towns near each location as you scroll through. I don’t recommend staying in Waynesboro or Afton if you’re hoping for sunrise, because those are a long drive away from any sunrise views.
The Locations
Ceremony & Photo locations along
Skyline Drive & The Blue Ridge Parkway
Pass Mountain Overlook
MILE MARKER 30 ON SKYLINE DRIVE
Easy to Access Overlook | Wheelchair accessible | sunset view | woods, flat field, mountain views
Jewell Hollow Overlook
MILE MARKER 36.5 ON SKYLINE DRIVE
Easy to Access Overlook | Wheelchair accessible | sunset view | woods, flat field, large rocks, mountain views
Stony Man Summit
MILE MARKER 41 ON SKYLINE DRIVE
1.5 Mile Hike | No Dogs Allowed at Summit | 30 minute hike each way | sunrise & sunset view
Dark Hollow Falls
MILE MARKER 50.7 ON SKYLINE DRIVE
1.4 Mile Hike | No Dogs Allowed | 30-45 minute hike each way | waterfall
Big Meadows & Tanners Ridge Overlook
MILE MARKER 51 ON SKYLINE DRIVE
Easy to Access | Wheelchair accessible | sunrise & sunset | woods, flat field, very little direct mountain views
Bearfence Summit
MILE MARKER 56.4 ON SKYLINE DRIVE
1.4 Mile Hike | No Dogs Allowed | 30-45 minute hike each way | rock scramble | 360* view of sunrise & sunset
Loft Mountain Amphitheatre
MILE MARKER 80 ON SKYLINE DRIVE
Easy to Access Overlook in Shenandoah National Park Wheelchair accessible | sunset view | mountain views | best for a large crowd
Blackrock Summit
MILE MARKER 84 ON SKYLINE DRIVE
l hike | dogs allowed on leash | 20 minute hike each way | sunrise and sunset view
Ravens Roost Overlook
MILE MARKER 10 ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Easy to Access Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway | sunset view | woods, large rocks & cliff, mountain views
Pass Mountain Overlook
MILE MARKER 30.0
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, ENTER AT THORNTON GAP ENTRANCE STATION
Wheelchair Access
Plenty of space to park, wheelchair accessible (in the grass)
Easy to access for Grandparents
Dog Friendly
Spacious enough for your pets to join your ceremony
Beautiful Views
Mountain and Valley View Forest, Flat Area
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Best For A Larger Guest List
P a s s M o u n t a i n O v e r l o o k
Pass Mountain Overlook what ’ s nearby
Towns to stay in :
Sperryville & Luray
Elkwallow Wayside & Picnic Area : a really beautiful picnic area with plenty of private tables tucked away In the woods, plus a wayside with bathrooms
Tunnel Parking Overlook
Nearby spots for additional photos that aren’t spacious enough for a large ceremony, but they still have a beautiful view :
Tunnel Parking Overlook
Buck Hollow Overlook
Hazel Mountain Overlook
Hazel Mountain Overlook
Buck Hollow Overlook
Jewell Hollow Overlook
MILE MARKER 36.5
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK SKYLINE DRIVE
ENTER AT THORNTON GAP ENTRANCE STATION
Wheelchair Access
Plenty of space to park, wheelchair accessible (in the grass)
Easy to access for Grandparents
Dog Friendly
Spacious enough for your pets to join your ceremony
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Sunset Side
Beautiful in the morning or mid-day but especially at sunset
Mountain Views
Spacious with a Mountain and Valley View, Rocks, Wooded / Forest Area
Best For A Larger Guest List
e w e l l H o l l o w O v e r l o o k
J
Jewell Hollow Overlook what ’ s nearby
Towns to stay in :
Sperryville & Luray
Skyland Resort on Skyline Drive
Pinnacles Picnic Area : picnic area with a few covered picnic areas and pit toilets
Nearby spots for additional photos that aren’t spacious enough for a large ceremony, but they still have a beautiful view :
*Tunnel Parking Overlook
*Buck Hollow Overlook
*Hazel Mountain Overlook
Pinnacles Overlook
*(pictured above under Pass Mountain)
Pinnacles Picnic Area Pinnacles Overlook
Thorofare Mountain Overlook
MILE MARKER 40.5
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK SKYLINE DRIVE
ENTER AT THORNTON GAP ENTRANCE STATION
No Wheelchair Access
Plenty of space to park
Not a long hike, but a very short, steep downhill to get to the flat area for your ceremony
Dog Friendly
Spacious enough for your pets to join your ceremony
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Sunrise Side
Perfect view of sunrise
Mountain Views
Spacious with a Mountain and Valley View
Guest List
Best For A Larger
T h o r o f a r e M o u n t a i n O v e r l o o k
Thorofare Mountain Overlook what ’ s nearby
Towns to stay in : Sperryville & Luray
Skyland Resort on Skyline Drive
Skyland Resort : Rooms, cabins, restaurant, coffee shop, Information center, gift shop, picnic areas, bathrooms, etc.
Nearby spots for additional photos that have a beautiful view. They could also be used for small ceremonies :
Timber Hollow Overlook
Crescent Rock Overlook
Crescent Rock Overlook
Timber Hollow Overlook
Stony Man Summit
MILE MARKER 41
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK SKYLINE DRIVE
ENTER AT THORNTON GAP ENTRANCE STATION OR SWIFT RUN ENTRANCE STATION
1.5 OUT-AND-BACK (30 MINUTES EACH WAY)
PARKING LOT IS AT THE SKYLAND ENTRANCE
RELATIVELY EASY HIKE THAT TAKES ABOUT 30 MINUTES EACH WAY
THE TOP IS VERY ROCKY WITH A FEW FLAT SPOTS, BUT IF YOU HAVE ADVENTUROUS GUESTS THEY CAN STAND/SIT ON THE ROCKS.
No Dogs Allowed
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Sunrise & Sunset Views
Beautiful at sunrise and sunset
S t o n y M a n S u m m i t
Stony Man Summit what ’ s nearby
Towns to stay in : Sperryville & Luray
Skyland Resort on Skyline Drive
Skyland Resort : Rooms, cabins, restaurant, coffee shop, Information center, gift shop, picnic areas, bathrooms, etc.
Nearby spots for additional photos that have a beautiful view. They could also be used for small ceremonies :
Timber Hollow Overlook
Crescent Rock Overlook
Crescent Rock Overlook
Timber Hollow Overlook
Dark Hollow Falls
MILE MARKER 50.7
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK SKYLINE DRIVE
ENTER AT THORNTON GAP ENTRANCE STATION OR SWIFT RUN ENTRANCE STATION
A SHORT AND EASY HIKE DOWN TO THE WATERFALL, BUT A STEEP HIKE BACK UP.
1.4 MILE OUT-AND-BACK
No Wheelchair Access
No Dogs Allowed Shenandoah National Park
Spacious enough for your pets to join your ceremony
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
No Sunrise or Sunset Views
No direct view of sunrise or sunset, but still beautiful at those times. Plan to hike earlier than sunset or later than sunrise because it gets darker quicker and stays darker later.
D a r k H o l l o w F a l l s
Dark Hollow Falls what ’ s nearby OnSkylineDrive
Towns to stay in :
Skyland Resort
Big Meadows Lodge
Elkton or Lydia
Big Meadows Lodge & Campground : Rooms, cabins, restaurant, camping, information center, gift shop, picnic areas, bathrooms, etc.
Nearby spots for additional photos that have a beautiful view. They could also be used for small ceremonies :
Spitler Knoll Overlook
Big Meadows Lodge
Spitler Knoll Overlook
Big Meadows
MILE MARKER 51
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
ENTER AT THORNTON GAP ENTRANCE STATION OR SWIFT RUN GAP ENTRANCE STATION
Wheelchair Access
Plenty of space to park, wheelchair accessible (in the grass)
Easy
access for Grandparents
Dog Friendly
Spacious enough for your pets to join your ceremony - leash recommended
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Sunrise & Sunset Views
Beautiful in the morning or at sunset
Best For A Larger Guest List
B i g M
e a d o w s
Tanners Ridge
MILE MARKER 51
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
ENTER AT THORNTON GAP ENTRANCE STATION OR SWIFT RUN GAP ENTRANCE STATION
Wheelchair Access
Plenty of space to park, wheelchair accessible (in the grass)
Easy access for Grandparents
Dog Friendly
Spacious enough for your pets to join your ceremony - leash recommended
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Sunrise & Sunset Views
Beautiful in the morning or at sunset
Best For A Larger Guest List
T a n n e r s R i d g e O v e r l o o k
Big Meadows & Tanners Ridge Overlook what ’ s nearby
Where to stay :
Skyland Resort
Big Meadows Lodge
Lewis Mountain Campground
Elkton or Lydia
Other things nearby :
Big Meadows Lodge & Campground
Lewis Mountain Picnic Area
Nearby spots for additional photos that have a beautiful view :
The Point Overlook
Hazeltop Ridge Overlook
The Point Overlook
Hazeltop Ridge Overlook
Bearfence Summit
MILE MARKER 56.4
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK SKYLINE DRIVE
ENTER AT SWIFT RUN ENTRANCE STATION
1.4 MILE LOOP OR OUT-AND-BACK 242 ELEVATION GAIN
No Wheelchair Access
Rock Scrambling
rock scrambles, be ready to climb
This hike has a literal 360 degree view It’s pretty incredible! One of my favorite hikes because of the rock scrambling I’ve seen two brides hike this in their dress, you just have to be okay with it picking up some leaves and rocks on the way.
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Sunrise Or Sunset
360* views -
in the morning or evening
Beautiful
B
i t
e a r f e n c e S u m m
Bearfence Summit what ’ s nearby
Where to stay :
Skyland Resort
Big Meadows Lodge
Lewis Mountain Campground Elkton, Lydia, or McGaheysville
Other things nearby : Big Meadows Lodge & Campground
Lewis Mountain Picnic Area
South River Picnic Area
Nearby spots for additional photos that have a beautiful view : The Point Overlook*
Hazeltop Ridge Overlook* (pictured above)
South River Picnic Area
South River Picnic Area
South River Picnic Area
Loft Mountain Amphitheater
MILE MARKER 80
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
SKYLINE DRIVE
ENTER AT SWIFT RUN ENTRANCE STATION
USE THE AMPHITHEATER ITSELF FOR YOUR CEREMONY, OR A FIELD OFF TO THE LEFT THAT LOOKS OVER SUNSET AND MOUNTAINS.
Wheelchair Access
Plenty of space to park, wheelchair accessible (in the grass)
Easy access for Grandparents
Dog Friendly
Spacious enough for your pets to join your ceremony
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Sunset Side
Beautiful in the morning or mid-day but especially at sunset
Best For A Larger Guest List
L o f t M o u n t a i n A m p h i t h e a t e r
Loft Mountain Amphitheater what ’ s nearby
Where to stay :
Loft Mountain Campground Elkton, Lydia, or McGaheysville
Other things nearby : Loft Mountain Campground & Loft Mountain Wayside with bathrooms, gift shop, small restaurant, and camp store.
Nearby spots for additional photos that have a beautiful view :
Rockytop Overlook
Two Mile Run Overlook
Two Mile Run Overlook
Rockytop OverlookBlackrock Summit
MILE MARKER 84.4
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
SKYLINE DRIVE
ENTER AT SWIFT RUN ENTRANCE STATION OR ROCKFISH GAP ENTRANCE STATION
1.1 MILE LOOP OR OUT-AND-BACK 180 FOOT ELEVATION GAIN
Easy Hike
The hike is about a 20-minute stroll in the woods each way!
There are some flat spots for the ceremony, lots of rocks to scramble, and plenty of fun places to explore
No Wheelchair Access
Dog Friendly
Dogs are able to use this trail, but they must be kept on a leash
Shenandoah National Park
You & your guests will have to pay to enter the Park, unless you have a National Parks Pass or a Military ID
Beautiful any time of day!
Sunrise & Sunset Views
B l a c k r
i t
o c k S u m m
Blackrock Summit what ’ s nearby
Where to stay :
Loft Mountain Campground
Dundo Campground
Waynesboro, Afton
Other things nearby :
Dundo Picnic Area
Nearby spots for additional photos that have a beautiful view :
Rockytop Overlook*
Two Mile Run Overlook*
Big Run Overlook
Dundo Picnic AreaRun Overlook
Big
Ravens Roost Overlook
MILE MARKER 10.7
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Wheelchair Access
Plenty of space to park, wheelchair accessible by the wall and parking lotbut not on the cliffs or in the woods
Easy access for grandparents
Dog Friendly
Spacious enough for your pets to join your ceremony
Blue Ridge Parkway
No entrance fee to the Blue Ridge Parkway, with multiple entrance points depending on where you're traveling from.
Sunset Views
Beautiful mid-day but especially at sunset
One Picnic Table
R a v e n s R o o s t O v e r l o o k
Ravens Roost Overlook what ’ s nearby
Where to stay :
Waynesboro, Afton, Nellysford, & Wintergreen Resort
Other things nearby : tons and tons of wineries, breweries, and cideries
Nearby spots for additional photos that have a beautiful view :
Three Ridges Overlook
20 Minute Cliff Overlook
Three Ridges Overlook 20 Minute Cliff Overlook
VIEW BLOGS
Real Elopements & Couples Organized by Location
w
w w . w h i t e s a i l s c r e a t i v e . c o m / b l o gl o c a t i o n s
Picnic Grounds
Other Locations
Camp Grounds
MATHEWS ARM
SEE
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK DICKEY RIDGE ELKWALLOW PINNACLES BIG MEADOWS LEWIS MOUNTAIN SOUTH RIVER DUNDO mile 4.6 mile 24.1 mile 36.7 mile 51.2 mile 57.5 mile 62.8 mile 83.7
BIG MEADOWS LEWIS MOUNTAIN LOFT MOUNTAIN DUNDO GROUP mile 22.1 mile 51.2 mile 57.5 mile 79.5 mile 83.7
MORE OVERLOOKS