There’s a reason why so many country songs are devoted to driving the back roads. Here in Virginia, with our gentle rolling hills, blue-tinted mountains, and gorgeous coastline, it’s a sentiment we understand quite well. One need look no further than the Blue Ridge Parkway or the iconic Skyline Drive. If you’re looking to get away for a bit on a Virginia scenic drive that’s a bit lesser-known, here are the best backroads for a long scenic drive. Cue up the music and enjoy the view as you meander along any of the following Virginia scenic drives:

1. Blackwells Hollow Road (Route 810)
Bob Mical/flickr
Located in Albemarle County, Blackwells Hollow Road meanders through the gorgeous countryside, offering exquisite views of the mountains. It's the ideal Sunday afternoon drive. Just be mindful of bikers, as this is a shared road.
2. Plank Road (Route 692)
Bob Mical/flickr
Bob Mical/flickr
Another beautiful drive in Albemarle County, Plank Road leisurely winds through the gentle green landscape. Plank Road is also known as Route 692. During the summer months, keep your eyes out for gorgeous blooms along the side of the road.
3. Balkamore Hill Road in Stanley
Bob Mical/flickr
Balkamore Hill Road is a country road tucked away in the Shenandoah Valley. On a clear day, you can take this route and enjoy gorgeous pastoral scenes and mountainous landscapes. For a memorable day trip, you can take this road to the nearby Luray Caverns.
4. Route 250
Highland County/Facebook
The historic U.S. Route 250 stretches all the way from Virginia to Ohio. One of the most beautiful stretches of the drive makes its way through Highland County, known as Virginia's Little Switzerland.

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5. Mint Springs Road in Crozet
Bob Mical/flickr
Mint Springs Road in Crozet is located near the scenic Mint Spring Valley Park. If you take this drive in the early morning, you might get added benefit of watching the fog lift from the mountain.
5. Route 221: Independence, VA headed South.
Doug Kerr/flickr
U.S. Route 221 begins in Lynchburg and can be followed all the way to Florida. One of the most beautiful stretches starts in Independence and heads south. This drive offers gorgeous views of southwestern Virginia and is especially popular among motorcyclists.
6. Route 33
Tom Saunders/flickr
Route 33 begins in Deltaville, yet the further away from the city you get, the more scenic the drive. This drive isn't necessarily a backroad, yet it's a gorgeous way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains.
7. Route 11 South in Middletown
NCinDC/flickr
A drive along Route 11 South near Middleton is like something from a painting. The gentle rolling mountains combined with fences, wildflowers, and gorgeous farmland make for an unforgettable trip.
8. Snickersville Turnpike
Skip Steuart/flickr/flickr
Paradise awaits as you take the scenic Snickersville Turnpike in Loudoun County. This part of the state is renowned for its picturesque farmland and gorgeous natural beauty, and this drive highlights all of it. Along the way, you'll pass gorgeous overlooks, wildflowers, and plenty of places to stop and admire the view. Check out this article for more information on this scenic drive in Virginia.
9. Seaside Road (Route 600)
Adam/flickr
Last but certainly not least, the Seaside Road provides a beautiful glimpse of the Eastern Shore. Take this road as you enter the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge and continue your exploring of this scenic natural area. The drive may be flat, but the unique surroundings will surely keep you entertained.

Of course, these are only some of the beautiful backroad driving options available in Virginia. Have you traveled any of these? Feel free to share your favorite scenic routes in Virginia with us in the comment section. We would love to hear from you! For more inspiration, be sure to consult Virginia’s Scenic Byways.

No matter your route, be sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing list. It’s sure to make your planning a breeze so you can enjoy the view once you hit the road!

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More to Explore

Virginia Scenic Drives

Katie Feldkamp | August 22, 2023

What is a scenic road trip to take through Virginia?

With mountains as beautiful as those in West Virginia, there’s never a bad season to take a scenic drive. However, if you’re looking for the most optimal time of year, many people will quickly say autumn, when the leaves give a fiery finale. Check out this fall foliage scenic drive in Virginia to enjoy all the beauty with stops at locations such as:

  • Crabtree Falls in Montebello. Here you can already stretch your legs with an easy 3-mile trail to the falls.
  • You’ll love the tree-lined roads of this small town. There’s the added bonus of visiting the Virginia Military Institute.
  • Mabry Mill in Meadows of Dan is one of the most photographed sites in Virginia. See for yourself what draws people to it.
  • High Bridge Trail State Park near Farmville is another great place for a drive that leads to a trail with stunning views.

 

What are some other scenic drives in Virginia?

Virginia has an abundance of winding roads and stunning scenery that add up to numerous scenic drives. To help narrow down your options the next time you want to get in your car and drive, consider the following scenic backroads in Virginia:

  • Graves Mountain in Syria
  • Blackwells Hollow Road in Albemarle County
  • Wolftown-Hood Road in Madison County
  • Cruise Secretary’s Road in Albemarle County
  • Sky Meadows State Park near Paris

Be sure to check out the entire article for more details on these and other scenic routes in Virginia.

 

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