Most Scenic Road Trips in Richmond, United States
1. Skyline Drive
A picturesque route through Shenandoah National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Scenic Vistas: 105 miles of panoramic landscapes and abundant wildlife sightings
- Hiking Trails: Access to over 500 miles of hiking trails within the park
- Length and Time: A 2-day drive at a leisurely pace, perfect for nature enthusiasts
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this road offers stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Scenic Vistas: Over 469 miles of spectacular mountain and valley views
- Historical Sites: Passing through several historic sites, including the Museum of North Carolina Minerals
- Accessibility: Easy access to charming small towns along the way for shopping and dining
3. James River Plantation Trail
A scenic drive through historic plantations and farmland along the James River.
- Historical Significance: Visit preserved antebellum plantations dating back to the 17th century
- Natural Beauty: Explore natural beauty of the James River and its surrounding parks
- Rich History: Learn about the region's rich history, including the American Revolution and Civil War
4. Colonial Parkway
A scenic drive connecting historic sites from Jamestown Settlement to Yorktown Battlefield.
- Historical Significance: Visit America's first permanent English settlement at Jamestown and the site of the Revolutionary War's final battle
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy views of the James River, marshes, forests, and colonial architecture
- Educational Experience: Learn about early American history through interactive exhibits and guided tours
5. Pocahontas Trail
A scenic drive through the rolling hills of central Virginia, following Pocahontas's journey from her native land to Jamestown.
- Historical Significance: Explore sites related to Pocahontas and her relationship with the English settlers
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy picturesque views of countryside, forests, and streams
- Cultural Experience: Experience Native American culture at the Pamunkey Indian Reservation and Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe
6. Mountain Road (Route 5)
A scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains from Richmond to Roanoke, featuring stunning mountain vistas and charming small towns.
- Scenic Vistas: Over 200 miles of breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Small Town Charm: Discover charming small towns like Lexington, bucolic countryside, and historic sites
- Length and Time: A full-day drive at a leisurely pace
7. Highland County Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Alleghany Mountains in Highland County, known as 'Virginia's Switzerland', featuring beautiful landscapes and charming small towns.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy panoramic views of the Alleghany Mountains, rolling hills, and picturesque farms
- Small Town Charm: Discover charming small towns like Monterey and McDowell, known for their artisanal food and crafts
- Length and Time: A half-day drive at a leisurely pace, perfect for exploring the county's scenic beauty
8. Fanfare Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of Hanover County, featuring historic sites, farms, and wineries.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Piedmont region's rolling hills, fields, and forests
- Historical Sites: Visit historic sites like Sherwood Forest Plantation and Hanover Tavern
- Wineries: Taste local wines at numerous wineries along the route
9. South of the James River Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through Chesterfield County, featuring beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and charming small towns.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy views of the James River, rolling hills, and picturesque farms
- Historical Sites: Visit historic sites like the Historic Harrowgate and Jones' Mill Plantation
- Small Town Charm: Discover charming small towns like Matoaca, Ettrick, and Bensley
10. North of the James River Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through Goochland County, featuring beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and charming small towns.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy views of the James River, rolling hills, and picturesque farms
- Historical Sites: Visit historic sites like Gunston Hall and Sherwood Forest Plantation
- Small Town Charm: Discover charming small towns like Goochland, Manakin-Sabot, and Tuckahoe
11. George Washington Memorial Highway
A scenic drive through Westmoreland County, featuring historic sites related to George Washington and the Potomac River.
- Historical Significance: Visit historic sites like Mount Vernon, Stratford Hall, and Rappahannock River
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy views of the Potomac River, rolling hills, and picturesque farms
- Length and Time: A full-day drive at a leisurely pace
12. John Tyler Highway
A scenic drive through Charles City County, featuring historic sites related to President John Tyler and the James River.
- Historical Significance: Visit historic sites like Sherwood Forest Plantation and Berkeley Plantation
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy views of the James River, rolling hills, and picturesque farms
- Length and Time: A half-day drive at a leisurely pace
13. Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
A scenic drive through Chesterfield County, featuring historic sites related to the American Civil War and beautiful landscapes.
- Historical Significance: Visit historic sites like Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg National Battlefield, and Fort Lee
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy views of the Appomattox River, rolling hills, and picturesque farms
- Length and Time: A full-day drive at a leisurely pace
14. Jefferson's Popes Creek Trail
A scenic drive through Goochland County, following the route Thomas Jefferson took to visit Popes Creek Tavern.
- Historical Significance: Visit historic sites like Popes Creek Tavern and Sherwood Forest Plantation
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy views of the James River, rolling hills, and picturesque farms
- Length and Time: A half-day drive at a leisurely pace
15. Cumberland Road (Route 60)
A scenic drive through Cumberland County, featuring beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and charming small towns.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy views of the Appomattox River, rolling hills, and picturesque farms
- Historical Sites: Visit historic sites like Cumberland County Courthouse and Cedar Forest Presbyterian Church
- Small Town Charm: Discover charming small towns like Cumberland and Farmville