The Best Places to Visit While Embarking on a Road Trip from Alexandria to Columbus

Traveling by road is one of the best ways to truly experience the beauty and diversity of a country. The journey from Alexandria, Virginia to Columbus, Ohio is a picturesque one that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the mid-eastern region of the USA. There are plenty of amazing places to stop at and explore while traversing this route, and this blog post will highlight some of the must-visit places that you shouldn't miss on your road trip.

So, buckle up and let's dive into the list of the top places to see when driving from Alexandria, Virginia to Columbus, Ohio.

Visit the Catoctin Mountain Park

Our first stop takes us to the beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park located in Thurmont, Maryland. This picturesque park occupies a total of 5,810 acres and houses a number of scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The park is also home to historic places like Camp David, which was used by Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt as their presidential retreats.

Visiting the Catoctin Mountain Park is the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and to take in the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you're hiking, camping, or picnicking, this park will provide the perfect setting for it all.

Stroll through the Gettysburg National Military Park

The Gettysburg National Military Park is the next attraction on our list, located in South Central Pennsylvania. This majestic location covers over 6,000 acres of land that served as the site of one of the most significant battles of the Civil War in 1863. Walking through the intricate battlefield, where thousands of soldiers fought for the country's freedom, is a humbling and moving experience.

Some of the park's highlights include the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Centre, The David Wills House, and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Visitors here can witness the historic moments that have shaped America's history, including theatre performances, guided tours, and ranger talks.

Hike Through the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are an uninterrupted range of mountains that stretch from Georgia to Pennsylvania, and the section in Virginia offers absolutely stunning views. These mountains possess a beauty that is unmatched, with peaks, valleys, and waterfalls that will leave you in awe. The Shenandoah National Park is one of the best places to explore this range of mountains.

The park's highlights include the Skyline Drive, which offers a picturesque drive, and multiple hiking and riding trails. You can also witness the park's varied wildlife, including black bears, deer, and the elusive Shenandoah Salamander.

Explore Amish Country in Holmes County

Holmes County in Ohio is home to the largest Amish community in the country and offers a unique chance to experience Amish culture. Visitors here can take a self-guided driving tour by following the painted signs on the roads that will lead them to the many Amish villages and farms that are speckled throughout this area.

Some highlights of this area include the Yoder's Amish Home, farms with sights of farm life with haystacks, barns, and horses, and bakeries with fresh, homemade bread, cheese, and pies. You can also shop for handmade artisanal items made by the Amish community.

Visit The Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo is one of the most visited attractions in Ohio and is a perfect stop for families traveling with kids. This zoo was once owned by the famous zookeeper Jack Hanna and sports more than 7,000 animals and over 800 species.

Highlights of the zoo include the Polar Frontier, the Heart of Africa, and the Australia and the Islands exhibit. The zoo also has multiple indoor and outdoor exhibits and is a great place to spend a day, with plenty of picnic areas, eateries, and souvenir shops.

#Endnotes

The journey from Alexandria, Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio, is scenic and filled with ample opportunities to explore nature, culture, and history. Whether you're a solo traveler or traveling with friends and family, this journey is sure to leave a lasting impression. We hope that this list of must-see stops along the road trip from Alexandria to Columbus will help you plan your journey to make the most out of it. Happy traveling!