Scenic Drives Across Virginia Showcase Area’s Natural Wonder

Virginia is comprised of different regions, each with its own story, culture and unique landscape, that are perfect for a scenic drive. Pair the natural beauty with history, arts and music for an unforgettable getaway.

Wander the 105 miles of Skyline Drive(link is external) through Shenandoah National Park and along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains starting at Front Royal and heading south to Waynesboro. At that point, the Blue Ridge Parkway(link is external) – “America’s Favorite Drive” – can carry you another 469 miles to North Carolina, if you wish. Don’t miss Peaks of Otter, Mabry Mill and Blue Ridge Music Center.

The Nelson Scenic Loop(link is external) in Nelson County is 50 miles incorporating the Blue Ridge Parkway with spurs leading to hiking, biking, birding, amazing scenery like Crabtree Falls and tasty wineries and breweries.

The Highlands Scenic Byway(link is external) is a 19 mile loop between Clifton Forge and Lexington. The scenic drive is a must-see experience for all visiting Virginia’s Western Highlands and makes the outdoors and nature accessible even to those who would rather not hike into a wilderness area.

An adjacent route to Highlands Scenic Byway is the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway(link is external) that traverses Route 39 between Lexington and Summersville, West Virginia. Way points to look forward to are Goshen Pass, Millboro, Warm Springs, and Hot Springs, home of The Omni Homestead Resort.

Motorcyclists (link is external)especially enjoy the winding cut-backs of Back of the Dragon(link is external), a “two lane ribbon” that courses between Tazewell and Marion in Southwest Virginia.

Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway(link is external) passes through national forest and private land, showcasing mountain vistas, historic farm homesteads and tree-lined forests.

Winding through America’s Historic Triangle is Colonial Parkway(link is external), a 23-mile National Scenic Byway connecting Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield and Yorktown Victory Center.

In Northern Virginia and traversing from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate through Washington, DC and into Maryland, is the George(link is external) Washington Memorial Parkway(link is external). More than 25 sites are available along the Parkway, inviting you to stop and stretch your legs.

The Journey Through Hallowed Ground(link is external) is a scenic drive encompassing presidential and Civil War sites. It’s 180 miles long and stretches from Gettysburg in Pennsylvania to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

More Scenic Byways can be found at virginia.org/scenicdrives(link is external).

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Andrew Cothern, Communications Manager, [email protected](link sends e-mail)
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