Sometimes, the calm lies in the calm, not the chaos. Whether your heart seeks the freshness of azure, the wind in your hair, or the soft rush of completing a trail surrounded by nature’s most breathtaking gems, find your calling amidst the beauty of Virginia’s roads. The State is dotted with scenic drives that are best explored at leisure. Rent a car or a bike and take off to enjoy the spectacular landscapes, natural attractions, outdoor adventures, and more. Here, we’ve put together our top choices for a self-drive itinerary through the scenic byways of Virginia.
1. SKYLINE DRIVE
A 105-mile route down some of the most stellar landscapes you could witness, the Skyline Drive is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails that you could explore on foot. It is also the only road through Shenandoah National Park, so if you’re looking to enjoy flora and fauna at a stop, this is your route. As you navigate through this Park, you can hike down the Meadow Spring Trailhead or the Appalachian Trail, explore their iconic vista or Big Meadows, and of course, take a moment to spot wild animals like coyotes, red fox, and various species of birds.
2. BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Titled ‘America’s Favorite Drive’, the Parkway gives you access to the Appalachian Mountains, one of the most stunning landscapes in the State. A hundred species of trees, a variety of flowering shrubs and wildflowers, 54 different mammals, and 59 species of birds live here—that’s more than you can find in the entire European continent! 469 miles of pure bliss await you where the Shenandoah National Park meets the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Here, let yourself cherish the mountainous trails of North Carolina, test your adrenaline at Humpback Rocks Recreation Area as you ascend the quad-burning mile-long trail, and continue to find your way at the Sherando Lake, a refreshing sandy stop for splashing by the waters. You can also indulge in some wine-tasting at the Parkway’s vineyards.
3. DAUGHTER OF THE STARS LOOP
Running along the edge of the Shenandoah National Park before finally veering west toward the vast George Washington National Forest, this route is Virginia’s official Birding and Wildlife Trail. Find your way down to the Eastham Park to paddle, kayak, and camp by the calming waters of its lakes, or head to the Shenandoah River State Park featuring 24 miles of trails, including the wildflower-brimming Bluebell Trail. As the day comes to a close, you can explore the expansive caves of Luray Caverns, which are the largest caves of Eastern Virginia. Finally, you can unwind at the State’s many special vineyards such as the Cave Ridge or Wolf Gap.
4. APPALACHIAN WATERS SCENIC BYWAY
A link between the five counties of Virginia, the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway or Route 39 parallels the glittering River Maury, where there are plenty of stops to take detours for. Start your trip at the exciting Virginia Horse Center, a 600-acre destination that is beloved for its 115 annual events. At any time of the year, you can expect a fiesta to accompany your horse-riding dreams. Next, head towards the Goshen Pass, a 23-mile stretch of the gorge carved by River Maury’s streams. This natural wonder is filled with hiking trails, swimming holes, and a swinging bridge. And as if that wasn’t enough, you can also go wine tasting in the nearby town of Raphine.
5. THE WILDERNESS ROAD
Also called Route 11, this historic roadway is home to charming towns, serene lakes, and tranquil trails. Discover the most of this heritage road with a kick start from Natural Bridge State Park, a charming hiking spot offering a 215-foot sandstone sculpture and Lace Falls in the Cedar Creek Trail. You can explore the Red River Gorge, stroll through the Historic Nature Center, or hike through the Natural Bridge Cave. Next on your list could be the quaint town of Lexington, known for its many local dining options. From here, you can drive down to Ewing to the Wilderness Road State Park, where a half-domed Sand Cave hosts an oasis of natural wonders.
All Image Credits: Visit Virginia
