Dickey Ridge Visitor Center — Attraction in Virginia

We visited the park and did the entirety of Skyline Drive on a Sunday in early April.

It was a beautiful sunny day and a little chilly. We started the trip in the 30s outside. We drove it from South to North. We entered through Rockfish Gap around 8AM and finished around 3PM at the north entrance. It was in the 60s by then. There are signs to warn that gas is not currently available in the park so make sure you have enough. When we arrived at big meadows there was fencing around the gas area. Looks like they were renovating.

We had our final stop at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. The restrooms were pretty far separated from the Visitor Center. The visitor center itself was much small than Byrd Visitor Center. They had their own passport cancellation stamp on the left hand side if you're entering from the back where most people were coming from. There is a little table. There are also a few exhibits you can see on the left hand side of the building. On the other side is the NPS store. They had a good selection of all the similar things from the Byrd Visitor Center's NPS store. Nothing stood out to us as different. Pins, hiking medallions, key chains, magnets stickers, apparel, books and posters etc. Although the size of this visitor center is much smaller than the Byrd Visitor Center I want to say there were more people at this one. There was a theater room that looked like it could show a short film but it was closed off. There were a ton of people outside just enjoying the fields and views. There were a good number of benches just out and about.

We also noted that there were a ton more flies/gnats as we drove further north or maybe as it got warmer during the day. I didn't see any mosquitos specifically but still was a little annoying in the afternoon. This was just walking from bathroom area to the...

Shenandoah Skyline Drive's Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is undoubtedly the place where a love letter to Mother Nature is penned. This location is the epitome of accessibility, beauty, and thoughtfulness; its open arms welcome you with open arms, no matter the time of day.

The grounds are meticulously cared for, the facilities are spotless at all times, and the information center is a gold mine. The small museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Shenandoah's rich cultural and natural history. It provides background for the breathtaking scenery you'll see by describing the park's history, wildlife, and significance.

When we talk about panoramas, the sights we have here can only be described as breathtaking. At the overlook, you can see a view of Shenandoah that looks like it was painted. It's the kind of vantage point that practically begs to be photographed, as if to say, "Here, traveler, is your postcard-perfect photo opportunity."

The center is not only about the stunning scenery, but also about making lasting memories. It's as if Mother Nature herself laid out the picnic tables at each of the many different locations. A lot of planning and forethought went into the availability of amenities like trash cans and parking spots.

This establishment exceeds all expectations and deserves more than five stars from me. It's more than just a tourist information desk; it's a portal to the heart of Shenandoah. Every person who comes here is reminded of the importance of protecting the natural world and the timeless beauty of nature. Put on your hiking boots, make a picnic, and come experience the magic of Dickey Ridge. You should do it; it will be a...

Place is beautiful. Sunsets are amazing. However, some people were celebrating what seemed to be a party. They brought cake, ornaments, food, and unfortunately balloons. The balloons were eventually disseminated by tbe wind, and these visitors seemed to be impervious to the harm these nasty pieces of plastic do the animals and the environment. People complained and eventually a ranger came and told them to pick up the ballons before they left. This in my opinion was not enough. The balloons were already either blown or flying around. The ranger should have told them to pick the balloons up right away, and admonish them harder for all the noise (some of us were trying to enjoy the sunset) , or even better tell them to leave. That picnic area is not a place to have a party, with bubbles, balloons, and music. they of course eventually left and left their trash behind. We (the patrons) had to clean after them. However, some if the balloons had flown down hill and were not reachable. It is the duty of rangers to balance between being nice, and protecting the park and patrons. This was a failure of those visitors, who believe rules don't apply to them, and the ranger, who prioritized being nice over doing what was required to protect the park and the other patrons. People like this shoukd not be welcomed. National Parks are here for all of us to enjoy, not exclusively for...