Tunnel Parking Overlook is one of the many scenic overlooks along the iconic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. This easy roadside stop gives visitors a chance to pull into a convenient parking area, enjoy a panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley, and admire the rolling ridges that make Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains one of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.
Shenandoah National Park
5 Minutes
Spring, Fall
Free with Park Entry
Overview
Although many visitors travel Skyline Drive to reach famous hikes like Old Rag Mountain, Stony Man, or Hawksbill Summit, stopping at overlooks like Tunnel Parking Overlook is one of the best ways to experience the park. With easy access directly from the main road, it’s a great place to stretch your legs, take photos, and appreciate the scenery without committing to a long hike.
Whether you’re visiting during the colorful fall foliage season, the lush summer months, or even the quieter winter months, Tunnel Parking Overlook deserves a stop on your Shenandoah National Park itinerary.
Established in 1935, Shenandoah National Park protects more than 200,000 acres along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park’s only public road, Skyline Drive, stretches 105 miles from Front Royal at the northern entrance to Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro at the southern entrance.
Constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Skyline Drive was carefully engineered to provide frequent scenic pullouts. These overlooks allow visitors to safely enjoy spectacular mountain scenery while following the winding roadway through the park.
Tunnel Parking Overlook sits near the famous Mary’s Rock Tunnel (also commonly written Marys Rock Tunnel), one of Skyline Drive’s most recognizable engineering features. Built by carving directly through the mountain, the tunnel remains one of the highlights of driving Skyline Drive and makes this overlook even more memorable.
Today, the National Park Service maintains the overlook as one of dozens of scenic stops where visitors can safely pull over and enjoy the incredible landscape.
Tunnel Parking Overlook Plan
One of the best things about Shenandoah National Park is how accessible its scenery can be. Before visiting, we learned that the park is famous for its overlooks, so we intentionally planned our trip around them. Our goal was to experience as many viewpoints as possible while adding a few hiking trails here and there. The combination allowed us to see a tremendous amount of the park and appreciate the Blue Ridge Mountains from many different angles.
Tunnel Parking Overlook was one of our favorite quick stops while driving Skyline Drive. After passing through Mary’s Rock Tunnel, we pulled into the parking lot, enjoyed a short walk, and spent several minutes taking in the surrounding mountain ridges.
It’s one of those simple roadside stops that reminds you why Skyline Drive is considered one of America’s premier scenic drives.
Getting There
Location
Stretching across the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is one of the most accessible national parks in the eastern United States. Skyline Drive serves as the park’s main route, connecting visitors to overlooks, hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers throughout its 105-mile length. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or several days, the park’s location makes it easy to experience some of Virginia’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
Best Time to Go
If you’re planning your first visit to Shenandoah National Park, consider traveling during spring or fall. Spring offers blooming wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and comfortable hiking weather, while fall showcases the spectacular colors that attract visitors from around the country. Summer remains a popular time for families thanks to warm weather and lush forests, while winter provides quiet overlooks and occasional snowy scenery. Before your trip, check the NPS App for current road conditions and any weather-related closures.
Tunnel Parking Overlook
Who Can Go?
One of the best things about this location is how easy it is to reach. With convenient parking nearby and minimal walking required, it’s an excellent stop for visitors of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re traveling with young children, exploring as a senior, photographing the scenery, or simply enjoying a scenic drive through Shenandoah National Park, this stop offers rewarding views with very little effort.
What You'll See
From Tunnel Parking Overlook, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley, forest-covered mountain ridges, the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, scenic valleys stretching toward the horizon, and beautiful seasonal colors throughout the year.
Wildlife sightings are common and can include white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, hawks soaring overhead, songbirds, and occasionally black bears foraging in the surrounding forests.
If conditions are clear, you’ll enjoy a good look across the surrounding valleys. Bringing binoculars allows for a closer look at distant ridges and wildlife.
What to Bring & Wear
Whether you’re spending a few hours or an entire day in Shenandoah National Park, be sure to pack the essentials. Water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera will help you make the most of your visit, while your National Park Passport Book is perfect for collecting another park stamp. Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are ideal since mountain weather can change quickly. We also recommend downloading the NPS App before arriving because cell service is spotty throughout much of the park.
Where to Go
Tunnel Parking Overlook features a designated parking lot directly off Skyline Drive, making it one of the easiest overlooks to visit. The overlook offers easy access, roadside parking, a short walk to the viewpoints, and excellent photo opportunities.
As with many Skyline Drive pullouts, larger vehicles should use caution when entering and exiting the overlook. Visitors towing horse trailers may find larger parking areas at nearby trailheads instead.
How Long Does it Take?
Most visitors spend 5–10 minutes enjoying the overlook. Photography enthusiasts or wildlife watchers may choose to stay longer, especially during sunrise, sunset, or peak fall colors.
Cost
There is no separate fee to visit Tunnel Parking Overlook. Your regular park entrance fee covers access to Skyline Drive and every overlook along the route. The National Park Service also accepts the America the Beautiful Pass.
Tips for Tunnel Parking Overlook
- Start your drive from Front Royal if exploring the northern section of Skyline Drive.
- Stop at one of the park's Visitor Centers to speak with park rangers, pick up maps, collect a passport stamp, and learn about current conditions.
- Check the speed limit while driving Skyline Drive, as wildlife frequently crosses the road.
- Watch for mile marker signs to help locate overlooks and trailheads.
- Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and softer lighting.
- Sunrise and sunset provide some of the best photography opportunities.
- Bring binoculars for a closer look at birds and mountain ridges.
- Keep an eye out for black bears, especially during early morning and evening.
- Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so prepare for inclement weather.
- Check the National Park Service website before your visit for current road conditions and temporary closures.
- Combine Tunnel Parking Overlook with nearby overlooks to experience some of Skyline Drive's most spectacular scenic views.