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What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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Tour Companies Local Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours Bikepacking Routes Tour Calendar – Road Tours – Gravel Tours – MTN Bike Tours

A cycling holiday is what you make it and is a fantastic way to explore new destinations, meet new people, make new friends, and experience new cultures, foods, and drinks. There are many great places to cycle in Virginia. From the ocean to the mountains, city cycling to rural biking, gravel roads and mountain bike trails, historic towns and cities to award-winning wineries and breweries. Whatever your preferred cycling terrain and your level of expertise on a bike, Virginia has something to offer you. Your bicycle touring experience can range from single-day trips to extended travels spanning weeks or months. Whether you are looking for a guided or self-guided bikepacking, gravel, mountain, or road biking vacation, you’ll find it here.

TOUR COMPANIES

Discover the very best Virginia has to offer with the help of a knowledgeable cycling tour company. Take advantage of a local, regional or a national company, and come experience Virginia’s landscape from the ocean to the mountains, visit historical cities and towns, breweries and wineries, and take in the southern charm that makes Virginia one of the best places to ride. Virginia is  Ranked 7th  in the nation for being a “ Bicycle Friendly State ” and number one (#1) in the southern region out of 13 states by the League of American Bicyclists.

Virginia’s tour companies offer many riding options, not just on set dates, but throughout the riding season including guided and self-guided tours. While regional or national bike tour bike companies offer great experiences on specific dates. So, whether you’re interested in a unique personal experience, group ride, family outing, or corporate team-building event, come to Virginia and “Find Your Ride.”

VIRGINIA TOUR COMPANIES

Blue Ridge Bicycle Tours provides tours of the Virginia’s Blue Ridge and of the City of Charlottesville.

Burg E-Bike Tours offers E-bike tours of Skyline Drive and a scenic ride along the country roads of Shenandoah County stopping at three Virginia wineries along the way.

Lost Trail MTB offers guided mountain bike services in Roanoke and Blacksburg area to both new and seasoned riders.

Magical Mystery Bike Tours travels to several destinations throughout Virginia.  The company provides tours from the ocean to the mountains of Virginia, and provides road and gravel experiences. Bicycle tours are all-inclusive, all you have to do is pack your bike and get ready for an adventure.

Roanoke Mountain Adventures offers individual, group and custom ride experiences on mountain and gravel bikes in the Roanoke region. They also have both bicycle and E-bike rentals.

Shenandoah Mountain Touring offers individual or groups of all levels and abilities full, multi-day and specialty tours including mountain, road and gravel biking.

Take Aim Cycling provides mountain biking instruction, guided tours and shuttling services in the Shenandoah Valley region.

LOCAL GUIDED TOURS

Richmond/williamsburg region.

Basket & Bike provides tours throughout Richmond, the Capital Trail, James Town Island, as well host custom and corporate team building tours.

Kul Wheels provides E-bike tours, both one-way and round trip, along the Virginia Capital Trail with stops at eateries, plantations and a winery. They also provide hourly rentals for your use.

Williamsburg on Wheels an E-bike tour around historic landmarks in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and surrounding areas! As you glide along scenic routes, you’ll come across some of the city’s most popular attractions, parks, and restaurants. They also provide flexible E-bike rentals to get around.

Stafford County, VA

FXBG E-Bike Tour provides E-bike tours of Stafford County and travel along the Belmont and Ferry Farm Trails which include the Rappahannock River, Chatham Manor, Belmont Plantation, Town of Falmouth, Ferry Farm and several not so known sites.  

SELF-GUIDED TOURS & ROUTES

For a complete list of Trails in Virginia , visit the Resource page.

Arlington County self-guided history tour is a 26-mile self-guided tour with 13 stops along Arlington County’s bikeway, a low stress route.

Beans Bikes & Blooms (Arlington County) website has a 12-mile self-guided tour and rental information.  This is a safe 11.5-mile route taking you on trails and past several D.C. attractions.

Bike the Valley – Shenandoah Valley’s Ride Guide is a website that encourages bicycling in the Central Shenandoah Valley, and includes road, trails, gravel and MTB routes and maps covering the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham; the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro; and the eleven towns that lie between.

Biking in Roanoke – this site provides information on places to ride in and near the City of Roanoke; road & mountain biking, urban trails and links to guided trips, tours and other experiences.

Biking Shenandoah County  – this is an excellent site for road and mountain biking information in Shenandoah County and includes GPS route information. Shenandoah County has an abundance of cycling and outstanding scenery.

Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Bike Tour – The tour our includes options for 7- or 8-day trips; on those options some days will have longer riding. Complete list of dining and accommodations, and over 100 things to do and things to see.

Map My Ride, Virginia Cycling Routes – Map My Ride has a number of cycling routes listed for many of Virginia’s localities. Download the GPS routes for your use.

Road Tested Bike Tours options abound throughout Virginia with your Road-Tested Bike Tour. You can plan your tour for any day of the year and for any number of days. Side trips off the beaten path can easily be incorporated as can rest days.

Roanoke, VA , the bike routes on this page, which was created in partnership with RIDE Solutions, have been organized by subject and include arts & culture, history, scenic views, food & drink, scavenger hunts, and nature and the environment.

Shenandoah County biking page has a complete list of Ride with GPS routes for road and mountain bike enthusiasts.

Virginia Beach Cycling and Bike Trails – there are over 200 miles of bikeways and trails. Plus, there are 23 miles of unpaved paths in 2 state parks and a federal wildlife refuge.

BIKEPACKING ROUTES

Bikepacking in Virginia will allow you to experience the Appalachian Mountains, and beautiful forests, visit historic towns, and off-the-beaten-path locations you would have missed. Virginia has some incredible bikepacking routes ranging from an overnighter to several days. If you have a passion for outdoor adventure and favor riding predominately off pavement, on gravel roads, and occasionally a little singletrack, then you are invited to “Choose Your Adventure . “ Just remember to respect your surroundings – “Leave No Trace,” and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Special thanks to those who took the time to develop these routes, and willingness to share their knowledge so others can enjoy the experience. Big shout-out to Virginia’s David Landis who put together the majority of the bikepacking and gravel routes and resources listed here. Please consider supporting his efforts to continue to provide regular updates to the routes as well as develop new places to ride.

Valley View Stokesville – 1 day , 49.2 miles, 100% unpaved; this is a looped route, beginning and ending in Harrisonburg, VA.  Need to park in the parking deck downtown and ask permission to leave the car overnight, they will let bikepackers if you ask. Route includes camping and places to resupply.

Slate Springs Overnighter – 1 day , 52 miles, 75% unpaved; this is a looped route through the George Washington National Forest just west of Harrisonburg, VA .

Grayson County Traverse – 2 days, 72-mile mixed-surface gravel bike route that connects the  Virginia Creeper Trail  and  New River Trail over well-maintained and remote roads featuring a variety of challenging climbs. The route follows optimal west-east gravel corridors just south of the Grayson Highlands area, in the foothills of Virginia’s highest peaks, crisscrossing the creeks that carry water from the high mountains down to the New River. This overlooked gem of Virginia presents some of the best gravel cycling in the state, mostly unridden and undiscovered.

Cyclist Guide to Bikepacking Skyline Drive – 2 days , 210 miles, 100% paved; the ride begins in Front Royal, Virginia and ends in Afton, Virginia and then you turn around and head back to Front Royal. The Southern Terminus is also the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Unlike the parkway, the National Park Service charges an entrance fee: $30 gets you unlimited access to the park for 7 days. The riding isn’t overly difficult. Most sections top out at a reasonable 6-7 percent grade. You may be climbing for a while, but nothing is “fall-over steep.”

Sky Meadow Overnighter – 2 days , 84 miles, 67% unpaved; this route takes you to Sky Meadows State Park in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Delaplane, Virginia .

Harrisonburg-Little Dry River Loop – 2 days , 121.2 miles, 24% unpaved; This is a loop route starting Harrisonburg, VA and back and is a great overnight or big day ride. Best when water is low on Rough Run (max 7 stream crossings).

Harrisonburg/Fort Valley/Wolf Gap – 2-3 days , 130.7 miles, 42% unpaved; This is a loop route starting in Harrisonburg, VA with nice rolling hills without any crazy climbs. These are beautiful gravel roads which traverse around the edges of the Shenandoah Valley.

Grayson Gravel Circuit – 2 to 3 days , 143.4 miles, 47% unpaved; is a looped route starting at the Virginia Creeper Trail Whitetop Station Visitors Center parking lot. This mixed-surface gravel bike route that connects the Virginia Creeper Trail and New River Trail over well-maintained and remote roads featuring a variety of challenging climbs.

Grayson Gravel Long Haul – 2-3 days , 150.8 miles, 72% unpaved; this is a northward route starting in Abingdon, VA , and ending in Pulaski, VA , and runs on the Virginia Creeper Trail , Grayson Gravel Traverse , and the New River Trail .

Blue Ridge Wrangler – 3-4 days , 158 miles, 76% unpaved; this is a circumnavigation of the Glendwood-Pedlar Ranger District , in the eastern reaches of George Washington National Forest.

America’s Gravel/Loudon Loop – 3 – 4 days , 193.6 miles, 58% unpaved; Only 20% of the entire route is on paved roads shared with cars. Explore centuries-old dirt roads, canalways and rail corridors west of Washington DC along the Potomac River and into northern Virginia which date back more than 250 years. This four-day journey leaves the nation’s capital along the famous Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) canal towpath to enter Loudoun County. You’ll return to DC on the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) paved rail trail to finish the loop back at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.

DC/Harrisonburg 215 – 3-4 days , 213.3 miles, 54% unpaved; starting in DC and ending in Harrisonburg, VA . The ride progresses from flatter rail trails leaving the capital to cross the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah River, following the western edge of the Shenandoah Valley along the George Washington National Forest to Harrisonburg, VA .

Rockstar Gravel – 4-5 days , 255.4 miles, 48% unpaved; this is a classic ride heading south from Harrisonburg, VA to Roanoke, VA .  You can overnight at  Braley Pond ,  Douthat State Park  and  Eagle Rock .

Hotchkiss South Valley Ultra Endurance – 4-5 days , 262.3 miles, 31% unpaved; this looped route starts and ends in Buena Vista, VA. This is a challenging route with over 25,000 feet of climbing and an average grade of 12.9%.

Blacksburg Bikepacking Bonanza – 4-5 days , 274.4 miles, 65% unpaved, 5% is bikepath. The remaining paved roads are mostly quiet back roads. This is a loop route begins and returns Blacksburg, VA , home to Virginia Tech.

The Sods Circuit – 4-5 days , 287.8 miles, 45% unpaved; This loop route starts and ends in Harrisonburg, VA . Items in this list include lodging (hotel, hostel, cabin, campground, primitive campsite), food (restaurant, country store, supermarket, gas station/ convenience store) and water (public taps, springs or natural water source requiring treatment). Picnic and rest areas are also noted, as well as some points of interest.

Blue Ridge Hills & Hollows – 4-6 days , is a gravel bikepacking loop connects eight county memorials via a 300-mile mixed-surface cycling route around Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. The multi-day route connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, and can be approached from numerous starting points for camping and hotel-based itineraries.

Breakdown Bikepacking Route – 4-7 days, 35% unpaved; This route explores the vastness of the Pine Mountain region starting at Breaks Interstate Park , Breaks, VA   home to the Breaks Canyon, which is one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River.  Then heading off west towards the sunset and the infamous Wardaddy Loop . Traversing the Grand Canyon of the South, it is a showcase of the best these rugged and historic Appalachian Mountains has to offer. Superb mountain-line scenery tracing the Virginia/Kentucky border and a tradition of pure, hard adventure.

DC/Harrisonburg 400 Loop – 5-7 days , 397.7 miles, 41% unpaved; Starts at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. to Harrisonburg, VA , and loops back to the Lincoln Memorial. Items in this list include lodging (hotel, hostel, cabin, campground, primitive campsite), food (restaurant, country store, supermarket, gas station/convenience store) and water (public taps, springs or natural water source requiring treatment). Picnic and rest areas are also noted, as well as some points of interest.

AML 400 – 6-7 days , 403.3 miles, 29% unpaved; This looped route starts and ends in Blacksburg, VA, and traverses into West Virginia though hills, valleys and several scenic small towns as well as forests and parks including Watoga State Park , Seneca State Forest , and the Monongahela National Forest .

TransVirginia Mountain 565 – 7-9 days , 565.5 miles, 60% unpaved, rail trail and pave; Starts at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and travels south to Damascus, VA . Items in this list include lodging (hotel, hostel, cabin, campground, primitive campsite), food (restaurant, country store, supermarket, gas station/convenience store) and water (public taps, springs or natural water source requiring treatment). Picnic and rest areas are also noted, as well as some points of interest.

TransVirginia Valley 535 – 7-9 days , 536.8 miles, 40% unpaved, rail trail and pave; begins at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and travels south to Damascus, VA . Items in this list include lodging (hotel, hostel, cabin, campground, primitive campsite), food (restaurant, country store, supermarket, gas station/convenience store) and water (public taps, springs or natural water source requiring treatment). Picnic and rest areas are also noted, as well as some points of interest.

VA/WV Gravel Bikepacking Route Collection –  a collection maintained by David Landis , and currently includes 17 routes.

Basket Bike Tours – Upper Shirley Vineyards

Cycling virginia’s historic triangle tour, ride the ridge bicycle tour, discover the shenandoah valley, shenandoah county wine tour – sunday’s, 9/11 national memorial trail bike tour, crozet wine tour (select dates only), shenandoah county wine tour – saturday’s, bike virginia – two valleys adventure 2024, discover virginia’s blue ridge, bicycling the eastern shore of virginia, 22nd annual tour de skyline: 2 days of cycling skyline drive, virginia blue ridge, shenandoah valley 4-day bike tour in virginia’s wine country & culinary cradle, blue ridge parkway bike tour, fall blue ridge parkway tour, southern shenandoah, shenandoah & skyline drive 6-day bike tour, 6-day colonial virginia tour, fall foliage tour 1, gravel tours, trek travel – shenandoah valley gravel bike tour (offered weekly), mtn bike tours.

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Enewsletter, motorcycle riding, virginia is for motorcycle lovers .

With stunning scenery lining Virginia’s  roads, any time of year is perfect for a memorable motorcycle ride. Whether you are planning a trip to a specific historic destination or simply looking for scenic motorcycle rides through the countryside, we have a beautiful bike route that will give you the full experience. Hit the road and discover some of Virginia’s most unforgettable motorcycle rides.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Total Drive Time:  5-6 hours

Often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the  Blue Ridge Parkway  spans a total of 216 miles in Virginia before heading south into the Great Smoky Mountain of North Carolina. Drive this route along the Appalachian Mountain chain for panoramic views from mountains that tower anywhere from 650 to 6,000 feet in elevation. Like Skyline Drive, there are countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks to experience off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. See more  scenic drives .

Don’t Miss:  Peaks of Otter , Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and historic towns like  Charlottesville ,  Lexington , and  Roanoke

Colonial Parkway

Total Drive Time:  About 45 minutes

Connecting Virginia’s Historic Triangle, made up of  Colonial Williamsburg ,  Historic Jamestowne , and  Yorktown , the 23 miles of the  Colonial Parkway  is a perfect route for those wishing to combine scenery with history. The area has more than six historic sites and attractions to visit right off the route, as well as several dozen fine dining destinations and even a theme park for the riders that can’t get enough thrills on the open road. The route is especially stunning during the fall months, with the amber colors, brick bridges, and lush natural surroundings adding a certain nostalgic charm to your trip.

Don’t Miss:  Colonial Williamsburg , Jamestown Settlement, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown &  Yorktown Battlefield .

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Total Drive Time:  About 45 minutes without traffic

Right outside of Washington, D.C., the  George Washington Memorial Parkway  offers a relaxing route amid a bustling and hectic city. The route stretches along the Potomac River, offering beautiful scenery you wouldn’t expect to find only miles from the nation’s capital. A walking and biking trail borders the parkway, and you’ll almost always spot dozens of people strolling with their pets along the shady wooded path. With over 25 historic sites and wildlife preserves along the roughly 25 miles of parkway, you should ideally set aside at least half a day for exploring this scenic route. Don’t Miss:   Theodore Roosevelt Island ,  George Washington's Mount Vernon ,  Claude Moore Colonial Farm , and the  Arlington House , a Robert E. Lee Memorial

Nelson Scenic Loop

Nelson 151 trail.

Total Drive Time:  About 1.5 hours

Comprised of Route 151, Route 664, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Route 56,  Nelson Scenic Loop  runs through 50 miles of some of the most scenic land in Virginia. The route spans the lower foothills of the Piedmont, then climbs steadily to the summits of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Get the most out of your journey and plan a section hike the  Appalachian Trail  or stop at one of the many scenic overlooks to take in the colorful fall tree foliage that covers the ridges. Discover Virginia’s incredible wine and craft beer scene along the loop at a few of the wineries, breweries, and cideries along the  Nelson 151 Trail  and the  Monticello Wine Trail . Apple and peach farms just off the road let you pick your own from the seemingly endless groves of fruit trees, and there are even pumpkin patches open during the fall (although carrying a pumpkin on your motorcycle presents a challenge). There are also a number of  historic sites  for those looking for an educational pit stop. Don’t Miss:   Crabtree Falls , Lunch at Wild Wolf Brewing Company

Route 16: The Back of the Dragon

Back of the dragon.

Total Drive Time:  About an hour

Known as the “ Back of the Dragon ” for the sharp zig-zagging path the road cuts through the mountain landscape, Route 16 provides 32 miles of exciting, unparalleled thrills. Spanning three mountains between  Tazewell  and  Marion , this two-lane road is bordered by magnificent scenery that reaches its peak during the fall foliage season. Take your motorcycle for a ride down Route 16 to become a “Dragon Master”. Don’t Miss:   Hungry Mother State Park , the historic town of  Tazewell

Route 39: The Allegheny Mountains

Goshen pass.

Start your ride in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley city of Lexington to pick up  Route 39 , a gorgeous autumn road through steep mountains and plunging gorges. This curving course stretches almost 60 miles westward all the way to West Virginia border. As you enter  George Washington National Forest , you’ll reach the region’s best kept secret:  Goshen Pass . This area is known for its spectacular scenery viewable directly from the roadway, including pristine waterways and countless acres of woods that act as a natural canopy for the route. Continue through the national forest to the picturesque town of Warm Springs, and for a luxurious overnight experience, travel just a few miles south to the historic  Omni Homestead Resort . Don’t Miss:   Lexington , Goshen Pass,  Allegheny Springs at the Omni Homestead

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

Skyline drive.

Total Drive Time:  About three hours

One of the most famous routes in the world,  Skyline Drive’s  105 miles of winding roadway through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a must-drive for motorcyclists. This scenic route begins in the northern neck of the Shenandoah Valley at  Front Royal  and meanders south to  Waynesboro , where the road joins the equally spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway. During fall, warm tones blanket the rolling crests and envelope the pavement in a canopy of autumnal hues. The route takes motorists to 75 breathtaking overlooks, as well as over 500 miles of wooded hiking trails through the mountains. If  waterfalls  are your thing, this roadway leads to several incredible natural attractions, such as Stanardsville’s  South River Falls  and  Dark Hollow Falls  in Luray.

Don’t Miss:  Old Rag Mountain

Heart of Appalachia

High knob tower.

Taking you on a journey of over 1,500 miles of curvy backroads, mountain passes, and deep valleys, Appalachian Backroads is North America’s premier destination for motorcycles and sports cars alike. Stretching throughout Virginia’s Heart of Appalachia region, you’ll find 14 different routes connecting to downtowns, down home cooking and unique, welcoming lodging – pick a different destination each day! With short technical rides like The Back of the Dragon’s 438 curves along its 32-mile ribbon, to day trips riding along The Roadrunner (160 miles), Eagle’s Nest (90 miles), Bootlegger (145 miles) and more with plenty of fun scenic stops along the way, you have total control over your destination.

Did we mention no crowds? You will feel like you have gotten away from it all, with the lack of traffic and ability to focus on what you love most – the open road. Request your free map at Appalachian Backroads . Virginia’s southwest backroads of Appalachia are waiting for you.

Don’t Miss: Wilderness Road and Natural Tunnel State Parks, High Knob Tower & Recreation Area , Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park and the Breaks Interstate Park .

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Chesapeake bay bridge-tunnel.

Total Drive Time:  30 minutes

Spanning the entire width of the Bay, the  Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel  has been listed as one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. With the wind flying by and the waves crashing against the stone pillars only a few dozen feet below your wheels, you’ll feel as if you’re riding right on top of the water, creating an exhilarating experience.Make sure you check the  bridge travel information  ahead of time, as motorcycle travel is dependent on weather conditions, and there is a  bridge toll  - $14 - $18 depending on the season. 

Don’t Miss:  Kayaking with  Southeast Expeditions  at Sunset Beach in Cape Charles,  The Jackspot at Sunset Beach

The Nickel & Dime Drive

Shirley plantation.

Total Drive Time:  About 3.5 hours round trip

Also called the Capital Country Byway, the Nickel & Dime creates a loop between the current capital of Virginia and the colonial capital. Take  Richmond  to  Williamsburg  down Route 5, called the “Nickel Road”, for a peaceful country drive past three former  U.S. President homes  and more than two dozen  civil war  sites. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled as you go; the route has a heavy bald eagle population. Upon reaching Williamsburg, head south on Route 31 through Jamestown and across the James River. This road connects you to the “Dime Road”, or Route 10, which you can travel west on to get back to Richmond.

Don’t Miss:  St. Johns Church  in Richmond,  Colonial Williamsburg ,  Historic Jamestowne ,  Shirley Plantation

The Southern Highlands

Highlands parkway in damascus.

Total Drive Time:  5 hours+

The longest route on our list, Route 58 actually begins in  Portsmouth  near the shore and stretches to the  western border of Virginia , but the most scenic portion in the fall months begins around  Meadows of Dan . Take the road west and you’ll find dozens of quaint small towns like  Galax  and  Damascus  that welcome visitors with an air of friendliness that is both rare and refreshing. The  Appalachian Trail  runs right through the town of Damascus, and you’ll often spot a handful of scruffy hikers sharing their stories with the residents, who are more than happy to provide supplies and support for the weary travelers. As you continue your trek along the western road, you’ll eventually reach  Cumberland Gap National Historic Park , which traces the borders of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. For an unforgettable scenic view, hike to the top of Pinnacle Overlook. Don’t Miss:  The Sand Cave ,  The Historic Rex Theater  in Galax,  Breaks Interstate Park

US Route 250: From Staunton to Monterey

Downtown staunton.

Total Drive Time:  A little over an hour

For a challenging mountain motorcycle ride, take Route 250 from Staunton to Monterey. Make sure you start your day early, as a tour through  Staunton  could easily fill up an entire day if you hit all the museums and interesting destinations. After leaving Staunton, you’ll drive through the  Shenandoah Valley  and enter the George Washington National Park. The mountains provide several panoramic vista views of the valleys below, and although this trip can be done in a little over an hour, it will probably take closer to two once you stop to admire the scenery. During the fall, the mountain ranges are bright with the colorful variety of foliage, and the curvaceous portion that crosses Shenandoah Mountain will excite even the most experienced rider. Shortly after crossing the mountains, you’ll enter  Monterey , which has been called the “most rider friendly town” because of the large population of motorcycle enthusiasts, who are almost always willing to give advice or help to other riders. Don’t Miss:   Highland County ’s famous maple syrup,  Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library  in Staunton

Driving/Scenic - Virginia Is For Lovers

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More Trails for Virginia Canyon MTB Park

By Kate Agathon (courtesy of Campus Cycles)

Front Range mountain bikers, rejoice! 

Thanks to a $250 thousand donation from the Trek Foundation , the Trek Trails at Virginia Canyon Mountain Bike Park (VCMP) system located in Idaho Springs is back on track to start Phase II construction this fall.

COMBA Volunteer trail builders

  Nearly 25 years in the making (including property endowment in 1999), the park covers 400 acres and is located above the Argo Mine and Mill north of town.

  “The Trek Foundation stepped up at the perfect time to help us complete this project. We couldn’t be more grateful for their partnership,” said Gary Moore, Executive Director of the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA).

  Idaho Springs was selected primarily for its topography (steep and rugged) and southern exposure. According to Moore, mountain bike riders have built unofficial trails up there for decades primarily because it is steep and free of snow most of the year.

Gil McCormick on the right, long time advocate and volunteer

  Approximately 12 miles of trail are planned for Phase II, which will include a hybrid multi-use and bike-only trail, and a top-to-bottom, bike-only intermediate trail on the system’s western side. 

  Due to rugged terrain, most of the trails will be rated blue and black, with some double-black technical trail features on the more advanced lines.

Said Moore, “We’ve been able to incorporate all the modern trail management techniques: designated-use (bike-only and hike-only), directional travel requirements, and separation by speed (the main trail in the system that travels top-to-bottom is open to hiking both ways, but bikes can only climb on it, when we’re not much faster than a hiker or runner).”

Trek Foundation

Trek Trails at VCMP will join a growing network of new trail projects supported by the Trek Foundation since the program kicked off in 2021. 

  According to Haley Ludwick, Trek Brand and Retail Campaigns and Programs Manager, the Trek Foundation is making big investments in public trail systems designed to get more access to high-quality bike experiences for mountain bike riders across the country.

“The Trek Foundation was established with the goals of protecting land, developing trail systems for public use, and providing more mountain bike riders access to great places to ride,” said Ludwick.

“We know one of the barriers to riding is having safe and accessible places to ride. This is why the Trek Foundation’s work is so important and why we are excited to work with COMBA in bringing Trek Trails at VCMP to fruition,” she added.

Cost and Time Projects such as Trek Trails at VCMP can take years to achieve and come with a hefty price tag.

  Even after securing a $345 thousand Great Outdoors Colorado grant last year and receiving this month’s $250 thousand donation from the Trek Foundation, Moore expects the total cost to build Trek Trails at VCMP to reach $1.4 million. Amassing that funding has been the biggest hurdle and delay, he said.

  “Like most things, everything is more expensive with each passing day,” said Moore.

  “Trail builders are in increasing demand and have more projects to choose from. They are using machines pretty much exclusively now, which carry additional costs for operators, equipment, maintenance, fuel, and higher insurance costs, etc.” he continued. 

  Trail costs can be as cheap as a few dollars per foot for easy trails in easy terrain, supported by volunteers, or they can be quite expensive reaching over $20 per linear foot. Trek Trails at VCMP falls in this latter category due to the terrain, abundance of bedrock, number of corners, and constructed features like jumps and bridges.

Advocacy As much as 80 percent of a project is worked out via COMBA’s advocacy efforts. Like the proverbial iceberg underwater, advocacy is the part that no one sees, but is the most critical to COMBA’s success. 

  “Working closely with our land managers to achieve their vision and goals, keeping our fellow stakeholders involved and on board, and ultimately getting the opportunity to build new experiences for mountain bike riders is the advocacy dance,” Moore explained. 

While COMBA will not have any other major construction projects running concurrently with Trek Trails at VCMP, some work has been planned for the Indian Creek Recreational Area (located near Roxborough State Park), but the master plan is not complete.

  Depending on weather, COMBA hopes to have Trek Trails at VCMP ready to ride next spring.

  To learn more about COMBA or make a donation, click here .

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Welcome to Virginia

When most people decide to do a marathon, it’s a carefully made decision. In my case, Magnum and I decided that we’d take on the Damascus Marathon at 5pm the day before. The marathon goes from Iron Mountain Shelter to the Marathon gas station in Damascus. Our decision was motivated by the fact some of our friends had just hiked past the shelter because they were feeling good. Their new plan was to hike 2 20 mile days and camp 2 miles outside of town. As a result, we decided should beat them to town instead.

Since we originally planned to take 2.5 days to get to Damascus instead of 2, I had a lot of extra food and had a huge dinner. My dinner consisted of: ramen with dehydrated veggies , 2 tuna packets, and 3 oz of cheese. For dessert I had some Nerd clusters and a honey bun.

Our alarms were going off at 5:00 the next morning, so I was laying down in my tent by 7:00 PM. I was hoping to my huge meal and a good nights sleep would set me up for success.

Unfortunately, when I woke up in the middle of the night, I was instantly on high alert because something was rustling around camp. I knew where my fellow hikers had hung their food bags and it sounded like the noise was coming from around there. The more I listened, the more worried I got. What if it was a bear trying to get everyone’s food?

I knew I had to check, so I found my glasses and poked my head out of my tent. As I waved my light around, I could see a pair of eyes staring back at me. It was a deer—a herd of them had decided to come visit camp.

Relieved to see it wasn’t a bear, I settled back under my quilt to get a few more hours of sleep.

The next morning, I started walking at 5:30. I started with my headlight full blast to make sure I didn’t trip, but it didn’t take long for the sun to start to peak over the horizon.

The morning miles seemed the fly by. The trail follows a ridge into Damascus so it flat and easy walking. I was averaging about 3 miles an hour and made it to the first meet up spot, a spring at the 13.5 mile mark, before I knew it.

By the time I left the spring, it had started to heat up, so I put up my umbrella to provide myself some walking shade and put in my headphones.

The afternoon miles went slower but there was a lot going on to keep myself occupied: I finished an audiobook, listened to a podcast, and learned my company was doing layoffs.

The last bit certainly provided some fun stress to keep the afternoon miles interesting. Luckily, I wasn’t laid off, but my company ended up cutting 11% of the workforce.

Our final meet up point was at 24 mile mark. I made the mistake of sitting down for 15 minutes because my feet were getting sore. Unfortunately that was just enough time all the muscles and tendons in my legs, ankles, and feet to stiffen up and start to hurt. The last 2 miles were a bit of a slog but it’s always fun to walk through a trail town.

The marathon ended up taking ~11.5 hours and was worth the push. It felt like such a cool milestone to know that I’m capable of doing that many miles even though I definitely don’t want to do that on a regular basis (yet). I also avoided doing any damage that a zero couldn’t fix.

The Broken Fiddle Hostel had a great covered porch with comfortable couches which was the perfect place to lounge the next day.

Here’s to Virginia for the next month or so!

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Hey! I'm Linnea and I'm thru-hiking the AT NOBO in 2024. I feel in love with AT in 2007 when I went on my first backpacking trip and I've wanted to thru-hike ever since.

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