Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Burke, Virginia and Oakland, Maryland
Overview
Looking for an adventure on the road? Take a road trip from Burke, Virginia to Oakland, Maryland. The trip takes about three hours one way if you take the most direct route, but there are plenty of stops along the way. One must-see location is Star Tannery, VA, which sits right at the halfway point of the trip. Continue reading to learn about the top five things to do on this excursion.
1. Visit Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit location, located about an hour and a half from Burke, VA. Known for its beautiful hiking trails and scenic views, it's the perfect stop for the outdoor enthusiast. With over 500 miles of trails, visitors can spend hours hiking and exploring the park. Not only is Shenandoah National Park great for hiking, but it's also a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Visitors have a high probability of spotting animals such as black bears, deer, and birds. Interesting Fact: The park is also home to one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks of the Appalachian Trail - McAfee Knob.
2. Explore Luray Caverns
About an hour from Shenandoah National Park, lies Luray Caverns in Virginia. Luray Caverns is the largest cavern system in the Eastern United States, attracting over half a million visitors each year. With natural rock formations as old as 4 million years, visitors can marvel at the beauty of the underground attraction. Besides the unique rock formations, the Caverns also feature an underground lake and The Great Stalacpipe Organ. The organ produces music by tapping rubber-tipped mallets on stalactites. Interesting Fact: The underground cathedral in Luray Caverns is so large, it could fit a 10-story building inside!
3. Experience Green Bank Observatory
The Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV, is located about an hour and a half from Luray Caverns. Science enthusiasts and stargazers alike will enjoy visiting the observatory, home to the world's largest fully-steerable radio telescope. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits, watch live science demonstrations, and even take a guided tour of the site. The Green Bank Observatory is a unique stop on the trip that visitors won't want to miss. Interesting Fact: The radio telescope can detect a cell phone signal from Saturn!
4. Hike in Blackwater Falls State Park
Located in Davis, WV, Blackwater Falls State Park is about two hours from Green Bank Observatory. The park is known for its beautiful waterfall, which is created by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. Visitors can take a walk down some of the 10 miles of hiking and biking trails to view the falls or stop at the scenic overlook. Blackwater Falls State Park is also home to a nature center where visitors can learn about the wildlife and plant life in the park. Interesting Fact: The minerals in the Blackwater Falls Creek give the water a distinct amber color.
5. Ski at Wisp Resort
Wisp Resort, located in McHenry, MD, is the perfect stop for a winter sports enthusiast, especially those who love to ski and snowboard. With over 34 slopes and trails, visitors can experience some of the best skiing on the East Coast. The resort also features a skating rink, snow tubing, and even snowshoeing. During the warmer months, the resort has golfing and other outdoor activities available. Interesting Fact: Wisp Resort is home to the only mountain coaster in Maryland.
Conclusion
With so much to do on the road trip from Burke, Virginia, to Oakland, Maryland, visitors will find themselves wanting to stay longer and explore more. The route covers different types of destinations from natural wonders to scientific exploration, and fun outdoor activities. With its scenic beauty and abundance of stops, this road trip is worth embarking on and will surely be an unforgettable adventure.