10 Scenic Drives in Virginia That You Shouldn't Miss

July 31, 2021 Toi Mattera

Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Restaurants in Virginia

1. Powell Valley Overlook

U.S. Route 23, Big Stone Gap, VA 24273 +1 276-328-2321 https://www.virginia.org/listings/OutdoorsAndSports/PowellValleyOverlook/
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Powell Valley Overlook

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

301 W Main St Exit at Milepost 0, Waynesboro, VA 22980-4508 +1 540-943-5187 [email protected] https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/members/city-of-waynesboro/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Blue Ridge Parkway

Reviewed By Xeuropn - Virginia Beach, United States

Started at milepost 0 and drove out to MP 30. Was amazed at how the road is maintained. Plenty of pull offs and parking for hiking. Suggest a map or download where the stop offs are. Wasn’t going the whole route, but just the short time we were driving on it, was rewarding.

3. Skyline Drive

Shenandoah National Park, VA +1 540-999-3500 http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,668 reviews

Skyline Drive

105-mile Scenic Drive Built In The 1930's Goes Through The Entire Length Of The Park.

Reviewed By ITRT

We entered Shenandoah National Park at the Front Royal Entrance and departed via the Thornton Gap Entrance, a distance of about 32 miles of the 105-mile Skyline Drive that runs through the park. Shenandoah offers many scenic overlooks, camp grounds, trailheads for the beginner as well as the experienced hiker, visitor centers, restrooms and souvenir shops near the entrances, and the Appalachian Trail runs through the park. Scenic overlooks line the Skyline Drive. The Park is mostly forest-covered hills and mountains with wide valleys and some waterfalls. The flowers add to the beauty of the Skyline Drive. The speed limit is 35 mph on the two-lane road that is also shared with bicyclists. We arrived mid-morning and were glad we did as there was a back-up of cars waiting to enter via the Thornton Gap Entrance. It was a beautiful and enjoyable day.

4. George Washington Memorial Parkway

http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/index.htm
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Preserving the natural scenery along the Potomac River, this scenic highway connects many historic attractions between Mount Vernon and Great Falls.

5. Colonial Parkway

Yorktown, VA http://byways.org/explore/byways/60441/Colonial_Parkway_print_n_go_60441.pdf
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 772 reviews

Colonial Parkway

6. Neon District

Norfolk, VA [email protected] http://neonnfk.com
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Neon District

7. Blue Ridge Parkway

Roanoke, VA
Excellent
55%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Blue Ridge Parkway

Reviewed By MikeO655 - Roanoke, United States

I live in Roanoke. My daily walking loop takes me from my house up to the Mill Mountain Star and along the spur that connects with the main north-south stretch of the Parkway. It is a 10 mile loop that takes me a couple of hours to complete. I enjoy this route because of the scenery and solitude. While walking on the road shoulder, I rarely encounter more than a few cars. I always encounter nice views. A bonus, which I also enjoy, is the ability to connect with so many trails along this stretch of road.

8. Breakthrough Trail

Richmond, VA

A three-mile route where America's best-preserved and elaborate forts are located.

9. Northern Neck

VA 22572 http://northernneck.org
Northern Neck

This wedge-shaped peninsula is flanked by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers.

10. Snickersville Turnpike

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