Virginia Scenic Byways
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Virginia’s scenic byways turn a drive into a way to explore the state’s mountains, historic communities, rivers and coastal landscapes. Start with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s official map to find a route, then choose a trip around the scenery and places you want to experience. [1]
What counts as a Virginia byway?
Virginia’s byway designation dates to the State Scenic Highway and Virginia Byway Act of 1966. The Commonwealth Transportation Board designates roads with relatively high aesthetic or cultural value that lead to or pass through areas of historical, natural or recreational significance. VDOT reports that more than 3,600 miles of road have been designated. [2]
A Virginia byway designation is distinct from national recognition. VDOT identifies three All-American Roads in Virginia—the Blue Ridge Parkway, Colonial Parkway and George Washington Memorial Parkway—and two National Scenic Byways: Skyline Drive and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground. [3]
Choose a drive
Each route offers a different kind of trip. These well-known routes are a useful starting point:
- Blue Ridge Parkway follows the Appalachian mountain chain through Virginia and North Carolina, with overlooks, historic structures, trails and waterfalls along the way. [4]
- Skyline Drive runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge through Shenandoah National Park. The route’s overlooks offer views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. [5]
- Colonial Parkway connects the historic sites of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown in the Historic Triangle. [6]
- George Washington Memorial Parkway offers a Northern Virginia drive near the Potomac, with access to walking and biking trails and places such as Alexandria. [7]
- The Journey Through Hallowed Ground follows a historic corridor through Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, linking places associated with the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. [8]
Find a route and plan
VDOT provides downloadable front and reverse sides of its Scenic Roads and Byways map, as well as an interactive map showing scenic highways, byways and national designations. Printed copies are available to order and at Virginia welcome centers and safety rest areas. [9]
For trip ideas and descriptions of featured drives, Virginia’s official tourism site highlights the major routes and lesser-known byways. Use the maps to select a stretch that suits your interests, then check conditions and access information with the relevant road or destination authority before setting out. [10]
On the road
A byway is a public road, not necessarily a dedicated parkway or a route with visitor facilities at every stop. Plan fuel, food and breaks around the communities and attractions along your chosen route, and pull over only at safe, designated places. VDOT’s interactive map and current travel information can help with route planning; check for closures or other changes before departure. [11]
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia Byways, Virginia Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Byways, Virginia Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Byways, Virginia Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Take the Scenic Route Along Virginia's Byways, Virginia.org, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Take the Scenic Route Along Virginia's Byways, Virginia.org, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia (VA), America's Byways, Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Take the Scenic Route Along Virginia's Byways, Virginia.org, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia (VA), America's Byways, Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Maps, Virginia Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Take the Scenic Route Along Virginia's Byways, Virginia.org, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- ↑ Maps, Virginia Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved October 25, 2026.