SCENIC DRIVES

Slow down and take in the beauty of your surroundings by exiting the busy interstate and enjoy a scenic drive through Shenandoah County. Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Shenandoah County offers outstanding views along our many designated Virginia Byways. Routes 11, 600, 675, 42, and 263 are some of the most picturesque roads within our community. Listed below are some of our favorite routes or email us to request a map of the county and plan your own adventure.

BACK ROAD BEAUTY

Explore the rural landscape of the valley with a drive along Back Road, which parallels I-81 and US 11 from Strasburg to Woodstock. Begin by taking Route 55 west to Route 623 (Back Road) South. Continue on Back Road to either County Route 600 or U.S. Route 42 North. Both Routes 42 and 600 reconnect to U.S. Route 11. Attractions near Back Road include Woodbine Farms along U.S. 55 is a great stop along US 55 for fresh produce, baked goods and other local products. North Mountain Vineyard is s great stop within close proximity to Back Road as well.

AWESOME AGRICULTURE

Begin by taking Stoney Creek Road west from Edinburg. Turn left onto Wakeman’s Grove Road. At the fork, bear right onto Swover Creek Road. Continue to J&L Green Farm and visit their farm store where you can purchase locally raised meat and eggs or take the time to tour the farm. Just next door is Swover Creek Farms where you can pick your own berries or savor their fresh smoked sausages and other home-made foods and baked goods. Looking to satisfy those adult taste buds? Why not sample their latest creation, berry-infused beers made from hops grown on the farm. Turn right out of Swover Creek Farms. Swover Creek Road will soon intersect Route 42. Make a right to continue back to Woodstock and Interstate 81 or turn left to venture towards Basye where visitors can explore Deauville Farms on the weekends. This former deer farm practices organic and sustainable farming techniques and sells fresh eggs and produce.

BASYE & BRYCE DELIGHT

Routes 42 and 263 take you through winding mountain roads with great views of Bryce Resort. This is an excellent ride by motorcycle as well, with many switchbacks as you approach the resort. Enjoy the outdoors with a round of golf, swim in Lake Laura, or soar down the mountain on the zip line or mountain bike park.

SCENIC WINE LOOP

Starting from Woodstock, take Route 42 south to Conicville. Make a left onto Conicville Road and bear left onto Cave Ridge Road. Make another left onto Polk Road and left onto Hamburg Road to reach Wolf Gap Vineyards. Continue to Cave Ridge Vineyards by way of Stout Road to Garlic Hollow to Conicville Road. From here, make a right out of the driveway and continue on Conicville Road to the Winery at Kindred Pointe in Mount Jackson where visitors can enjoy a picnic, explore the walking trails and even play a game of corn hole as you sip wine. Continue south again on Conicville Road until you reach South Middle Road. Turn left onto South Middle Road and enjoy the rural landscape on your way towards Edinburg. Turn right onto Stoney Creek Road and then left onto Ox Road to reach Shenandoah Vineyards, the oldest vineyard in Shenandoah County. Continue north on Ox Road back to Woodstock.

MEEMS BOTTOM BRIDGE

No scenic trip to Shenandoah County is complete without a drive through Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, located just off Route 11 between New Market and Mount Jackson on Wissler Road. This 204 foot single-span Burr arch truss bridge sits astride the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. It is the longest covered bridge in Virginia and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

SOUTHERN SCENERY

Heading north along Route 11 from New Market, turn left Quicksburg Road. Stop at Paughs Orchard for some fresh produce before continuing on to either South Middle Road or Route 42. Each roadway offers outstanding scenic views of the county. Route 42 takes you further west, while South Middle Road heads north. Both roads intersect Route 263. Make a right to head back to U.S. Route 11 in Mount Jackson. Interested in viewing wild flowers along your drive? Click here to view a bloom calendar. Slow down, roll down your windows, and enjoy a colorful panorama and a variety of fragrances and views.

SKYLINE DRIVE LOOP

Enjoy 105 miles of scenery atop Skyline Drive, 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness and endless amounts of inspired recreation-all within a few hours of DC. It takes about 3 hours to travel the entire length of the park on a clear day. Skyline Drive has 75 gorgeous overlooks to take in. You can enter Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive at Front Royal near 1-66 to US Rt. 340 and Thornton Gap at US Rt. 211. Visit the website at www.visitskylinedrive.org.

THE VALLEY WITHIN THE VALLEY

Known as “The Valley Within The Valley,” Fort valley offers a spectacular drive through a part of the Shenandoah Valley untouched by commercial business. You wont find McDonalds here but you’ll find an opportunity to truly embrace the wilderness and the scenic beauty of the Valley. Please be advised that cell phone and GPS coverage can be spotty throughout Fort Valley, especially towards the South approaching Page County and Luray so printed directions are advised. Depending on how long of a drive you are looking to enjoy, you can either turn right onto Edinburg Gap road which will take you back to Route 11 in Edinburg or continue south through Fort Valley towards Luray. If you travel Edinburg Gap Road, take note of the natural spring which runs off the mountain side. This is a favorite spot for locals to stop and fill up on refreshing natural spring water. Those continuing on to Luray should bear right at the first fork onto South Fort Valley Road to enjoy a stop for horseback riding at Fort Valley Ranch before continuing onto Camp Roosevelt Road. History lovers will appreciate Camp Roosevelt‘s role as the first Civilian Conservation Corps camp under President Roosevelt. From here, continue on Route 675, Camp Roosevelt Road into Luray.

FALL FOLIAGE DRIVING TOUR

Begin at Interstate 81 using Exit 279 for Edinburg. Proceed east on Stony Creek Boulevard to the Town of Edinburg where you can refuel or enjoy a bite to eat at a variety of locally owned restaurants including the Restaurant at the Edinburg Mill, Beans BBQ, and Sal’s Italian Bistro. Turn left onto Route 11 and proceed north before making a right onto Edinburg Gap Road (Rt 675). This country road will take you across the North Fork of the Shenandoah River before entering the George Washington National Forest. The tree canopy as you climb in elevation provides brilliant displays of fall color. Upon arriving at King Crossing, turn left onto Fort Valley Road. This scenic road will course lazily through the entire length of Fort Valley. After traveling approximately 12 miles of Fort Valley Road, you’ll come upon a stone wall that separates Passage Creek from the roadbed. This wall was built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and this section of National Forest is home to Elizabeth Furnace Campground and several hiking trails. After a short drive, Turn left onto Route 55 and travel westward into the Town of Strasburg. From Strasburg, you can gain access to I-81 or Route 11.

SCENIC CIVIL WAR TOUR

Start your trip at the Cedar Creek Battlefield and head south along Route 11 to Hupp’s Hill Civil War Park and Visitor Center in Strasburg. Enjoy an outside picnic here or travel just a little further for a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants located in historic downtown Strasburg. Continue south on Route 11 and turn right onto Battlefield Rd to see the Fisher’s Hill Battlefield. Next, travel through Toms Brook along Route 11 and stop at the Shenandoah County Park to view a portion of the Toms Brook Battlefield. Continue south along Route 11 making stops at the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse in Woodstock to view Civil War era graffiti, the historic Edinburg Mill, Our Soldier’s Cemetery in Mount Jackson and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market.