The Scenic Byway In Virginia You Have To Travel At Least Once
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Sophia
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There’s nothing like a good, long drive through gorgeous countryside. Luckily, Virginia has some of the most iconic scenic byways in the country. One of these, the George Washington Scenic Parkway, is one drive that everyone in the state should take at least once.
The George Washington Scenic Parkway stretches along the Potomac River for 25 miles. It extends from Mount Vernon to Langley and is a designated All-American Road. This means the road has features that do not exist elsewhere in the country and are destinations in themselves.
When it was first designed in the 1930s, Congress envisioned the road as a "park and playground" for the capital, and that’s a pretty accurate description. The road is packed with things to do and gorgeous natural landscapes to admire.
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Without even getting out of your car, you’ll be treated to stunning views of meadows, forests, and marshland. Nature lovers should stop by the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve to explore more than 480 acres of floodplain and swamp forest or wander the floral libraries at Netherlands Carillion.
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The parkway is also peppered with incredible American landmarks like the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the Arlington House, the nation’s memorial to Robert E. Lee. You can also expect to cruise by the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, which honors the 3 million uniformed women who have served.
The end of the byway is punctuated by Great Falls Park, where you can admire the rapids and waterfalls of the Potomac River. Though this parkway is only 25 miles long, there’s enough along the way to keep you busy all day.
Click here to learn more about how to hop on the George Washington Scenic Parkway. For more of the best scenic roads in Virginia, check out our list here.
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