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 some of the state’s lesser-known routes, 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 routes:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Route 33
Tom Saunders/flickr Route 33 begins in Richmond, 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.
- 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.
- 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. For more information on this gorgeous drive, click here.
- 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. Feel free to share your favorite scenic routes with us! For more inspiration, be sure to consult Virginia’s Scenic Byways.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tom Saunders/flickr
Route 33 begins in Richmond, 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.
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.
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. For more information on this gorgeous drive, click here.
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
