Virginia Scenic Drives
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Virginia’s scenic drives range from mountain-top park roads to quiet rural byways and a historic coastal parkway. Start with VDOT’s official Scenic Roads and Byways map to explore designated routes statewide, then choose a drive for its landscapes, history or easy access to towns and attractions. A Virginia byway is designated for its aesthetic or cultural value and connection to historic, natural or recreational places.[1]
Choosing a scenic drive
Virginia’s route designations are useful guides, but they describe different things. State-designated Virginia Byways are roads selected by the Commonwealth Transportation Board; National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads are federal designations. VDOT’s map shows scenic roads, state byways and nationally designated routes, and its interactive map can help you plan a route around your starting point.[2]
For an iconic mountain drive, look to Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway. For a short historic route, choose the Colonial Parkway. To discover smaller roads beyond these headline routes, browse the statewide byway map and follow local road signs.
Signature drives
Skyline Drive
This 105-mile route follows the crest of the Blue Ridge through Shenandoah National Park, from Front Royal south to Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro. Overlooks and park facilities make it easy to build in stops, while mileposts help orient drivers along the road. Allow time for slow travel and walks; check current park information before setting out.[3]
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Virginia section begins near Waynesboro at Rockfish Gap and runs south through mountain scenery toward North Carolina. Break the drive into shorter stretches, with stops such as Humpback Rocks, the James River area, Peaks of Otter and the Roanoke region. The Parkway’s road status can change with weather, maintenance and emergencies, so check the National Park Service closure page before departure.[4][5]
Colonial Parkway
This 23-mile scenic roadway links Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, passing through wooded landscapes and along river and estuary views. It makes a natural connecting drive between sites in the Historic Triangle; allow extra time for stops and confirm current road conditions and site access before traveling.[6]
Journey Through Hallowed Ground
This nationally designated byway follows a historic corridor through Virginia’s Piedmont, with US 15 forming a central part of the route. It suits travelers who want a longer drive linking historic communities and sites; use an official map to plan stops rather than treating it as a single uninterrupted scenic road.[7][8]
Discovering local byways
The state’s designated routes extend well beyond the major parkways. VDOT reports that the Commonwealth Transportation Board has designated more than 3,600 miles of road as Virginia Byways. These routes connect rural landscapes and communities with historic, cultural, natural and recreational destinations; the state map is the best starting point for identifying roads near a planned visit.[9]
A byway designation is not a guarantee that every stretch has overlooks or visitor facilities. Plan fuel, food and breaks around the communities along your route, and follow posted traffic rules. For route inspiration, Virginia Tourism’s byways guide features mountain, historic and regional drives across the state.[10]
Planning your trip
- Check maps and conditions: Use VDOT’s interactive Scenic Roads and Byways map to identify designated roads, and check the relevant park or road authority for closures and current access information.
- Allow more time than the mileage suggests: Mountain roads, photo stops, short walks and visits to nearby communities can turn a drive into a full-day outing.
- Travel thoughtfully: Use designated pull-offs, watch for cyclists and wildlife, and avoid stopping in travel lanes. On park roads, obey posted limits and seasonal instructions.
- Confirm details before leaving: Facility availability, road access and operating conditions can change. Check official park and destination information close to your travel date.
References
- ↑ Virginia Byways, Virginia Department of Transportation, VDOT. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Maps: Scenic Roads and Byways, Virginia Department of Transportation, VDOT. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Road Status and Closures, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ The Colonial Parkway, Colonial National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Byways, Virginia Department of Transportation, VDOT. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ The 5 Scenic Byway Trips in Virginia You Need To Take, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Byways, Virginia Department of Transportation, VDOT. Retrieved October 2, 2026.
- ↑ Take the Scenic Route Along Virginia’s Byways, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 2, 2026.