Top Places to See When Driving from Bethesda, Maryland to Blacksburg, Virginia

Taking a road trip from one state to another is always an adventure. Driving from Bethesda, Maryland to Blacksburg, Virginia is no exception. Along the way, you'll discover beautiful landscapes, historic towns, unique attractions, and amazing food. We've put together a list of the top places to see on this road trip, so you won't miss a thing. Get ready for an exciting journey!

Maryland

Great Falls

Great Falls is a natural wonder located in Potomac, Maryland. This beautiful area features impressive waterfalls, rapids, and hiking trails. The Potomac River flows through a narrow, rocky gorge, creating a stunning vista. Visitors can hike along the trails, have a picnic, or rent a canoe to explore the river. The park offers various programs, including ranger-led hikes, geology talks, and bird watching.

Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield is located in Sharpsburg, Maryland. It’s the site of one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War and is now a national park. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or join a ranger-led program to learn about the history of the battle. The park features several hiking trails, including one that leads to the top of the observation tower. The view from the tower is breathtaking, and you can see the entire battlefield.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is a historic town located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The town played a significant role in the Civil War and is now a national park. Visitors can walk along the streets, visit the museums, or hike up to Maryland Heights for a breathtaking view of the town. The town is also home to several restaurants and shops, making it the perfect place to grab a bite or do some souvenir shopping.

West Virginia

New River Gorge Bridge

The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in West Virginia. The bridge spans 3,030 feet and is 876 feet above the New River. Visitors can walk the bridge on Bridge Day, which is held every October, or they can hike the trails in the area and admire the view from different angles. The bridge is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia

Tamarack is a unique arts and crafts center located in Beckley, West Virginia. The center features the work of over 2,000 artists from across the state and is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or gift. Visitors can browse the galleries, watch the artisans at work, or attend a workshop. Tamarack also has a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.

Virginia

Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is one of Virginia's most stunning natural wonders. The 215-foot-tall bridge was formed over thousands of years by the forces of nature. Visitors can hike the trails in the area, explore the caverns beneath the bridge, or take a guided tour to learn about the bridge's history. The bridge is particularly beautiful during the fall, when the leaves change color.

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg is the home of Virginia Tech, one of the state's most prestigious universities. Visitors can explore the campus, which features stunning architecture and beautiful landscaping. The university is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Geosciences and the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. The university also has a lively town square, which is the perfect place to grab a bite or a drink.

Conclusion

Driving from Bethesda, Maryland to Blacksburg, Virginia is an exciting journey full of natural beauty, history, and unique attractions. We hope our list of top places to see will inspire you to hit the road and explore this stunning region. Remember to take your time, enjoy the ride, and make plenty of memories along the way. Have fun!