Virginia’s 5 most beautiful scenic byways

Discover five must-visit scenic byways in Virginia that showcase the best of what the commonwealth has to offer.

Virginia, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, is home to some of the most scenic drives in the United States. The commonwealth’s designated scenic byways offer travelers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and heritage of the region, from the Appalachian Mountains to the nation’s capital.

Established in 1999, the Virginia Scenic Byways Program—managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Conservation and Recreation—recognizes routes with significant natural, cultural, historical, and recreational features. Here are five must-visit scenic byways in Virginia that showcase the best of what the commonwealth has to offer.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” is a 469-mile route that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The Virginia portion of the parkway stretches for 217 miles and is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

According to the National Park Service, the parkway offers more than 200 scenic overlooks where travelers can take in the stunning vistas of the Appalachian Highlands. Key attractions along the Virginia section include the Peaks of Otter, Mabry Mill, and Humpback Rocks. Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots on the parkway, offers a glimpse into the region’s history with its operational gristmill and blacksmith shop.

Hikers can explore numerous trails accessible from the parkway, such as the popular Sharp Top Trail, which rewards adventurers with panoramic views from one of the park’s highest peaks. For those interested in a more leisurely experience, the parkway’s many picnic areas provide perfect spots to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty.

Photo courtesy of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

2. Colonial Parkway

The 23-mile Colonial Parkway connects three of America’s most historic locations: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. This scenic byway, part of the Colonial National Historical Park, takes travelers on a journey through early American history, showcasing the sites where the nation’s story began.

Built between 1930 and 1957, the parkway was designed to provide a seamless driving experience while preserving the natural and historical landscape. Along the route, visitors can stop at Historic Jamestowne, where the first permanent English settlement in America was established in 1607, or explore Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that recreates 18th-century life.

The road itself is a marvel of engineering, with its distinctive red pavement made from exposed aggregate concrete and stone bridges that blend harmoniously with the surroundings. The parkway offers stunning views of the James and York rivers, with several pull-offs and overlooks where travelers can pause to take in the scenery.

Photo courtesy of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

3. George Washington Memorial Parkway

The George Washington Memorial Parkway, managed by the National Park Service, is a 25-mile scenic route that runs along the Potomac River from Mount Vernon to Great Falls. Originally designed to honor the nation’s first president, the parkway provides a scenic approach to Washington, D.C., while offering access to numerous historical and recreational sites.

Highlights along the route include the Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), and Theodore Roosevelt Island. The parkway also offers breathtaking views of the Washington, D.C. skyline and the Potomac River, making it a popular route for both tourists and commuters.

According to the National Park Service, the parkway is more than just a road—it’s a recreational area in itself, with numerous trails and parks accessible from various points along the route. The Mount Vernon Trail, a popular multi-use path, parallels the parkway for 18 miles, providing cyclists and pedestrians with beautiful views and easy access to historic sites.

4. Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is a 105-mile scenic route that runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive, which is designated as a National Scenic Byway, offers unparalleled views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont region to the east.

With over 75 scenic overlooks, Skyline Drive is particularly popular during the fall, when the mountains are ablaze with vibrant autumn colors. Visitors can stop at various points along the route to enjoy short hikes, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the drive numerous times.

Skyline Drive also provides access to the park’s many campgrounds, picnic areas, and lodges. For those interested in wildlife, the drive offers numerous opportunities to spot deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species. According to the National Park Service, Skyline Drive is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Photo courtesy of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

5. The Journey Through Hallowed Ground

The Journey Through Hallowed Ground is a 180-mile National Scenic Byway and All-American Road that stretches from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, through Maryland and West Virginia to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. This route, known as “Where America Happened,” traverses some of the nation’s most historic and culturally significant landscapes.

In Virginia, the byway travels through several notable historic towns, including Leesburg and Middleburg, and passes by numerous Civil War battlefields, historic homes, and landmarks. According to the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership, the route is home to more history than any other region in the country, with nine presidential homes, 13 national parks, and over 70 historic towns and villages.

Travelers can explore sites such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the Brandy Station Battlefield, and the many wineries and farms that dot the route. The byway offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring America’s past.

Planning your trip

Each of these scenic byways offers a unique experience, from breathtaking mountain vistas to immersive historical journeys. Before setting out, be sure to check for any road closures or seasonal conditions that might affect your drive. The Virginia Department of Transportation and the National Park Service websites provide up-to-date information on accessibility and attractions along these routes.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.