Scenic Byways
National Scenic Byways are roads recognised for their cultural, historical or
recreational significance. Travel along the region’s 10 byways to explore historic towns,
mountain vistas, lakes and historic landmarks. On your next visit, follow one or more of
these storied routes and embark on an unforgettable journey.
Maryland
Explore the waterways of Maryland along the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway,
celebrating the rich marine life of the area, both on land and at sea. Nowhere along this
137km (85 mile) route are you far from the tributaries that feed the mighty Chesapeake
Bay. Watch fishermen bringing their bounty to shore and experience the unhurried way
of life in communities that have fished, farmed and traded on the land for hundreds of
years. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars as the route is situated along the Atlantic
Fly-Way, a protected wildlife area that’s a major feeding and resting site for migratory
birds.
www.capitalregionusa.org/articles/chesapeake-country-scenic-byway
Crossing six states, the Historic National Road was the first federally funded
interstate highway and the road that ‘built the nation’, opening the country to the
west. The 273km (170 mile) Maryland section covers more than 300 years of history
including the state’s only remaining toll house at LaVale and the Western Maryland
Station Center, which explores the area’s transport heritage of canals that were later
eclipsed by the railway. Steam buffs will want to stop at Baltimore’s B&O Railroad
Museum, birthplace of the American railway.
www.capitalregionusa.org/articles/maryland%E2%80%99s-historic-national-road
Before the Civil War many enslaved African Americans fled to freedom in the North
through Maryland. The so-called Underground Railroad was the name given to the
secret network of roads, waterways, trails and hiding places that took them to
freedom. Former slave Harriet Tubman was the most famous ‘conductor’ on the
Underground Railroad and returned many times to help others flee from bondage.
Today visitors can follow in her footsteps along the 201km (125 mile) Harriet
Tubman Underground Railroad byway, traversing rural areas, marshes and small
towns across Maryland’s Eastern Shore that combine to tell the story of her
remarkable life and accomplishments.
www.capitalregionusa.org/articles/harriet-tubman-underground-railroad-byway
While many of the byways travel deep into the region, others are clustered around
big cities. Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street begins as a wooded parkway that
heads south into the heart of Baltimore City. Travel past the manicured lawns of the
state’s finest academic institutions and explore neighbourhoods vibrant with art,
fashion, history, culture and a wide variety of places to dine and shop.
www.capitalregionusa.org/articles/historic-charles-street-baltimore-maryland
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Virginia
For more than 70 years Skyline Drive has offered travellers the chance to view several
of the most scenic vistas in the eastern United States. The 169km (105 mile) byway
combines the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with the beautiful green
Shenandoah Valley and the rolling Piedmont Plateau. There are miles of hiking trails
and countless opportunities for wildlife spotting and bird watching. A short walk will take
visitors to Dark Hollow Falls, the closest waterfall to the drive, and below ground Luray
boasts some of the most magnificent caverns in this corner of America.
www.capitalregionusa.org/articles/skyline-drive
Opened in 1934, the Blue Ridge Parkway was America’s first rural parkway,
following the line of the famous mountains of the same name. The 349km (217 mile)
Virginia section provides spectacular mountain scenery, a riot of spring and summer
colour and lush valley vistas. It’s a stone’s throw from Crabtree Falls, the largest
vertical drop waterfalls east of the Mississippi that tumble a total of 365m (1,200ft).
Some of Virginia’s best wineries can also be found a short distance from the parkway.
As the largest city on the Parkway, Roanoke is known as the capital of the Blue Ridge.
Explore the town’s railroad heritage, local arts scene and wealth of outdoor recreation
opportunities.
www.capitalregionusa.org/articles/blue-ridge-parkway
Journey through 167 years of the English colonial experience on the Colonial
Parkway that links the outstanding historic sites of Jamestown, Williamsburg and
Yorktown. Jamestown is the birthplace of English speaking America, Williamsburg is
a quaint living history museum and, more recently, a lively university town and
Yorktown is where the colonists won their last major battle for independence. When
it’s time to move back to modern times, enjoy the thrills of the coasters at nearby
Busch Gardens or make a splash at Water Country USA.
www.capitalregionusa.org/articles/colonial-parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is the grand gateway and greenway to
the nation’s capital. A memorial to the country’s first president, the 40km (25 mile) route
is also known as Washington Street as it travels through historic Alexandria. See Mount
Vernon, where George Washington lived and enjoy sweeping views of the Washington,
DC skyline and breathtaking Great Falls of the Potomac River. The parkway passes
monuments and memorials, wildlife preserves and historic homes. Photo opportunities
include the world famous statue of WWII marines raising the flag on the island of Iwo
Jima and the cobbled streets of the 18th century seaport of Alexandria.
www.capitalregionusa.org/articles/george-washington-memorial-parkway
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