Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between City of Ithaca, NY and Blacksburg, VA
Are you planning a road trip from Ithaca, NY to Blacksburg, VA? Here are the top five places to visit on your way. From historic sites to scenic views, these destinations are sure to make your journey unforgettable.
The Route and Halfway Point - Hagerstown, MD
The shortest route from Ithaca to Blacksburg is through I-81 South. It will take you around 7 hours of driving time and cover a distance of nearly 400 miles. The halfway point of your journey lies in the city of Hagerstown, MD, where you can take a break, grab some food and stretch your legs.
1. Watkins Glen State Park - Watkins Glen, NY
Title: Nature's Wonderland
Sub-Title: The Gorgeous Trails of Watkins Glen
Description: Your journey from Ithaca can start with a quick detour to Watkins Glen State Park. The park features a variety of scenic trails that will surely leave you in awe. As you walk the Gorge Trail, you will be greeted with stunning waterfalls, mesmerizing rock formations, and enchanting forests. The park is open year-round, but some trails may be closed during winter. Admission fee is $8 for adults and $5 for kids.
2. Antietam National Battlefield - Sharpsburg, MD
Title: Witness to History
Sub-Title: The Bloodiest Day in American History
Description: A few miles south of Hagerstown, you can visit Antietam National Battlefield. The battlefield is a somber reminder of the bloodiest one-day battle in American history, with over 23,000 casualties. You can explore the site on a self-guided tour or take a ranger-led tour. Don't miss the Dunker Church, where some of the fiercest fighting took place. Admission fee is $15 per person and includes access to the museum and visitor center.
3. Natural Bridge State Park - Natural Bridge, VA
Title: A Natural Wonder
Sub-Title: The Iconic Rock Formation
Description: About an hour's drive from Roanoke, Natural Bridge State Park boasts the iconic natural wonder of Virginia - the Natural Bridge. The massive limestone rock formation is over 215 feet tall and 90 feet wide. Other attractions in the park include the Lace Falls, the Monacan Indian Village, and the Cedar Creek Trail. Admission fee is $8 for adults and $6 for kids.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway - VA
Title: Scenic Drive
Sub-Title: A Journey Through Time
Description: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches over 469 miles and connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. As you drive along the parkway, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, quaint towns, and historic sites. Some popular stops include the Mabry Mill, the Peaks of Otter, and the Humpback Rocks. Admission to the parkway is free.
5. Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA
Title: College Town Charm
Sub-Title: Home of the Hokies
Description: Your journey ends in the charming college town of Blacksburg, home of the Virginia Tech Hokies. The university offers a variety of attractions, including the Virginia Tech War Memorial, the Moss Arts Center, and the Hahn Horticulture Garden. If you visit during football season, don't miss the chance to cheer on the Hokies at Lane Stadium. Admission to campus is free, but fees may apply to specific attractions.
In conclusion, a road trip from Ithaca, NY, to Blacksburg, VA, is a journey through time and nature. From the iconic natural wonder of Virginia to the somber reminder of the nation's history, each stop offers something unique and memorable. So fill up your gas tank, pack some snacks, and hit the open road - adventure awaits!