Can I fly a drone at Shenandoah National Park?
Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountain park along Skyline Drive — 105 miles of ridgetop scenic road and Appalachian foothills. NPS drone ban applies throughout.
Why drone pilots want to shoot here
Skyline Drive overlooks. Old Rag mountain. Stony Man summit. Fall foliage views. Sunset from the eastern ridges.
Where you CAN fly nearby
Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.
George Washington National Forest (VA)
USFS land east and west of the park. Drones allowed in non-Wilderness areas. Similar Blue Ridge ridge views.
Jefferson National Forest (VA)
Further south. Drones permitted with USFS rules.
Virginia state forests (with permit)
VA Department of Forestry permits drone use at most state forest lands with permit.
FAQ — Shenandoah National Park
Can I fly drones along Skyline Drive?
No. Skyline Drive runs through Shenandoah NP. Drone ban applies the entire length.
What about Old Rag?
Old Rag mountain is inside Shenandoah NP. Drone ban applies. Adjacent George Washington National Forest sections offer similar Blue Ridge views without the ban.
Where can I shoot fall foliage in Virginia?
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests have abundant Blue Ridge fall color and permit drones in non-Wilderness areas.
Are there nearby state forests?
Yes — VA Department of Forestry permits drones at most state forests with a permit.
Other national parks
Park boundaries can be irregular. Verify the boundary of any alternative location before flying — adjacent USFS / BLM Wilderness areas have their own drone ban under different statute. Altoa is not the FAA or NPS.