Click HERE to view a map of the Big Meadows area.
Directions to Big Meadows Lodge (Mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive)
There are four entrances into the Park. The closest entrances for Big Meadows are Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Mile 31.5 on Skyline Drive) which is accessible via. US 211 and Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (Mile 65.7) which is accessible via US 33.
GPS devices will not locate Big Meadows Lodge since the physical location is inside the national park. The closest it will bring you is to the town of Luray, VA.
From Northern Virginia / Washington, DC
Take I-66 West to US 29 South/211 West exit to Gainesville, VA
Travel 12 miles to Warrenton, VA
Take US 211 West exit for Warrenton, VA
Continue on US 211 West toward Luray, VA
Pass through the village of Sperryville, VA . Road narrows to 2-lanes.
Go to top of mountain and turn right at the Thornton Gap Entrance Station sign.
Head south on Skyline Drive 19 miles to Big Meadows Lodge.
From Staunton, VA (south)
Take I-81 North to US 33 East / Harrisonburg, VA exit
Travel approximately 24 miles (will pass Elkton, VA)
At top of mountain, turn left just before reaching the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station sign
Head north on Skyline Drive 14 miles to Big Meadows Lodge
OR
Take I-81 North to Exit 264 / US 211 East
Take US 211 East toward Luray
Stay on 211-East bypass around town of Luray and continue up mountain
At top of mountain turn left at the Thornton Gap Entrance Station sign.
Head south on Skyline Drive 19 miles to Big Meadows Lodge
From Winchester, VA (northwest)
Take I-81 South to Exit 300 / I-66 East
Take US 340 South exit toward Front Royal, VA
Go thru Front Royal.
Turn left at the Front Royal Entrance Station sign and travel 51.2 miles to Big Meadows Lodge (1 hr. 50 min.)
OR
Continue on US 340 South to Luray (30 minutes)
Get on US 211 east in Luray and travel 7 miles to Thornton Gap Entrance Station (10 minutes)
Head south on Skyline Drive 19 miles to Big Meadows Lodge (45 minutes)
Shenandoah National Park Entrance Stations
Front Royal Entrance Station at the north end (Mile 0.6) is accessible via US 340 and US 55.
Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Mile 31.5) is accessible via US 211.
Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (Mile 65.7) is accessible via US 33.
Rockfish Gap Entrance Station at the south end (Mile 105.4) is accessed via I-64 and US 250.
If you need assistance with directions, call the lodge at 540.999.2221
