One of the best ways to see the gorgeous fall colors around Alexandria, Virginia, is by car. This fall, hop in your vehicle and head out on one of these top routes in and around Alexandria to take in the full beauty of this splendid season.
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Skyline Drive
Shenandoah National Park is located about 1.5 hours west of Alexandria and where you’ll find the scenic Skyline Drive. This 105-mile road runs the entire length of the park and offers dramatic views around every bend and turn. You’ll also find nearly 70 overlooks that offer remarkable views of the Shenandoah Valley and hills of the Piedmont. If you want to enjoy the entire drive, you can start at the northern entrance at Front Royal and end at the southern entrance at Rockfish Gap. The trip will take you around three hours to complete.
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George Washington Memorial Parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a 25-mile-long road that follows the banks of the Potomac River as it travels from Mount Vernon to McLean. Not only will you get to enjoy seeing lovely fall colors along the drive, but you’ll also have an opportunity to view historic monuments and Washington, D.C. If you decide you want to stop and stretch your legs during your trip, you’ll find several parks just off the parkway, including Turkey Run Park, Jones Point Park, and Lady Bird Johnson Park.
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Snickersville Turnpike
Although Virginia is known for its scenic drives, the Snickersville Turnpike might be one of the best-kept secrets in the state. The road stretches for 15 miles between the small communities of Aldie and Bluemont. Along the way, you’ll pass by rolling farmland, small towns, and scenic wineries. One of the highlights of the trip is the chance to drive over the 180-year-old Hibbs Bridge, which is a double-arch stone bridge that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Georgetown Pike
In 1974, Georgetown Pike was the first state highway designated a Virginia Byway because of its scenic beauty. Today, this lovely drive stretches for 11.7 miles between Dranesville and Langley and includes sights of grand homes, dense forests, and quaint farms. For some truly amazing views, be sure to plan a stop at Great Falls Park. At this park, the Potomac River tumbles over jagged rocks to fall a total of 76 feet over a series of major cascades.
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Route 50 West
If you need to escape the hustle of the city, hop on Route 50 and begin traveling west. As you do, the concrete buildings seem to melt away to an endless view of rolling hills. You’ll also drive past dozens of magnificent wineries and vineyards. During your trip, consider stopping in the small town of Middleburg so you can tour a winery, browse the charming shops, and try the famous Virginia peanut soup at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern.
When you want to enjoy some of the spectacular fall colors around Alexandria, take a drive on a few of these top scenic routes around the area.
Image via Flickr by Stefan Serena. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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