Top 15 Scenic Byways in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC
Follow these storied routes through the Capital Region for an unforgettable journey.
Follow these storied routes through the Capital Region for an unforgettable journey.
Scenic Byways are roads recognised for their cultural, historical or recreational significance. Travel along the byways in and around Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia to explore historic towns, mountain vistas, lakes and historic landmarks.
1. Historic Charles Street
Find cafés and restaurants, shops and annual festivals on this historical downtown Baltimore strip.
2. The Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail
Hear more than 300 miles worth of bluegrass, gospel and mountain music at venues and festivals across southwestern Virginia.
3. Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway
Hike or paddle the shorelines, bike the backroads and walk the streets of old cities throughout this series of roads connecting Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
4. Colonial Parkway
Journey through history on this 23-mile scenic drive connecting Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg and the Yorktown Battlefield.
5. George Washington Memorial Parkway
Discover Mount Vernon and Theodore Roosevelt Island on the Potomac River along this Washington, DC-area scenic drive.
6. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
Learn the stories of those seeking freedom from slavery on this self-guided driving tour in Maryland, and explore Tubman's legacy at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park & Visitor Center.
7. Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway
Travel roads connecting some of America’s most historic sites, including the Civil War battleground of Gettysburg and Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello.
8. Maryland Historic National Road
This byway covers scenic natural areas, historical railroad stops, small towns and the cosmopolitan hub of Baltimore.
9. Skyline Drive
Take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on this road spanning Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.
10. Star-Spangled Banner Byway
Drive the length of this War of 1812-era byway along the Chesapeake Bay, including the Maryland site where America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was born.
11. Mountain Maryland
Head for the rugged Allegheny Mountains and aim your lens at the rushing Muddy Creek Falls or the famed Lover’s Leap.
12. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Bike or paddle along Maryland’s “Grand Old Ditch” and take pictures of the scenic waterway from the deck of a mule-drawn barge cruise.
13. Cape to Cape
See some of Maryland’s most beautiful beaches and islands, snapping incredible sights like the wild horses of Assateague Island along the way.
14. Blue Ridge Parkway
Be wowed by the spectacular scenery of the Appalachian Mountains, including the panoramic Peaks of Otter and restored Mabry Mill.
15. Mount Rogers Scenic Byway
This 60-mile long byway takes you through the Jefferson National Forest into the heart of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, home to Virginia's highest peak.