It’s no secret that Virginia boasts some incredible vistas from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the shores of the Atlantic. Before planning your next scenic drive near Sterling, VA, get inspired with our list of the state’s three most beautiful byways.
Great Falls Drive
You can begin close to home on this picturesque route, just 20 minutes from Sterling in Great Falls. Great Falls is Virginia’s very first National Scenic Byway, providing access to local landmarks like Great Falls Park and Riverbend Park. This route also offers breathtaking Potomac River views.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Colvin Run Mill at 10017 Colvin Run Rd. We like to pick up flour and cornmeal for baking at this operational gristmill that dates to the 19th century. Great Falls Drive takes an hour to complete, but you can easily make it a weekend getaway if you stop and explore the state’s natural beauty along the way. Start the tour at Great Falls Library, located at 9830 Georgetown Pike.
Route of the Presidents
History buffs will appreciate this storied drive, which spans 25 miles of VA-20 from Charlottesville to Montpelier. James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson used the same route, then a dirt wagon trail, to visit James and Dolley Madison by horse and buggy. As you drive through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll see the rolling green hills of the local farms and vineyards.
The road has been paved since 1921, making it the first paved pathway in Albemarle County. You can get on the Route of the Presidents about 2 hours from Sterling in Charlottesville where VA-20 becomes Monticello Ave at the Moore’s Creek Crossing.
Colonial Parkway
We have a drive along this coastal route planned for the fall so we can catch the gorgeous autumn foliage. Registered as a National Scenic Byway, the Colonial Parkway covers 23 miles from the York River in Yorktown to the James River in Jamestown, connecting with historic Williamsburg along the way. You can spend more time exploring any of these three locales if you’re interested in the region’s early settlers and the Revolutionary War era.
The trip only takes about an hour, and a stop along the shore for local seafood is a must. You might even be able to sneak in some beach time. This route is notable for its distinctive tunnels and bridges, constructed from red brick. To access the Colonial Parkway, take I-64 toward Yorktown and exit at 242B. It’s about a three-hour trip from Sterling.
You’ll never want to stop cruising the state’s 3,600 miles of scenic byways in a fun-to-drive Chevrolet Trax. Stop by Ted Britt Chevrolet to test drive this versatile, feature-packed crossover.
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
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