Do you live in Virginia and want to take a drive? Or are you planning a road trip to Virginia and want to know where you need to stop to take in the views?
Virginia is known for its stunning views, and as such, there is more than one driving route you can take to see it all, with stopping points to take amazing photos.
So, when driving to or around Virginia, here are some of the areas you have to visit if you are looking for some peace and serenity.
Shenandoah National Park
Part of the Appalachian Valley, the Shenandoah National Park is located in northern Virginia.
Known for its scenery, the park has access to the Blue Ridge (which are basaltic mountains), which have been worn down over millennia due to erosion. There are a few grassy meadows, and this is certainly a park you have to visit if you love forests. It is covered in dense conifers and oak, which means you may spot a deer or two. Luckily, this park is not too secluded, and after a long day of driving through it, as well as hiking, you can sleep in one of the many nearby hotels, such as the Westgate Williamsburg.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Yes, this was mentioned above, but it is a separate park altogether and is noted to be one of the most stunning drives in Virginia.
Located in northern Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a meandering drive of four hundred and sixty-nine miles, and the park aims to protect the biodiversity that it holds. If you want to park your car and take a hike, you can choose from the Albright Loop Trail (three miles long), the Appalachian Trail South (ten miles long), or the Appalachian Trail North (eleven miles long). The choice is yours. Also, don’t forget your camera, as this drive has several elevation points, so you will likely want to take a few pics.
Skyline Drive
For a drive from north to south Virginia, or vice versa, it is best to take the Skyline Drive, a scenic road that is just over one hundred miles long.
It runs along Shenandoah National Park, as well as cresting the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is the only public access road that goes through both areas. From the road, there is plenty of space to pull over and take in the views of the mountains, the pine forests, and the lakes, making it the perfect road trip for those who want to unwind.
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George Washington Memorial Parkway
This is one of the few stops on this list that was designed solely for driving.
The road itself links drivers to several American historical sites, while also acting as a natural preservation spot for local wildlife. Some of the notable stopping points on this driving route include Belle Haven Park and Marina, and Glen Echo Park. So, you can get an entire week’s worth of trips out of this one road alone!
