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Scenic Drives in Bath County Va
Scenic Drives

The lure of the open road beckons. Don’t try to resist it.

By automobile, motorcycle, van or RV, the country roads and scenic byways of Virginia’s Western Highlands offer spectacular mountain scenery and the freedom to enjoy it all at your own pace. Don’t forget your camera. And drive safely, we want you to come back and explore more back roads.

We suggest these scenic routes, which can be driven in either direction. Simply download and print the Google Maps and let your journey begin.

Falling Spring Falls in Alleghany Highlands, VirginiaScenic Drive #1: Icons of Virginia’s Western Highlands

This drive will take you past some of the icons of Virginia’s Western Highlands. From the
quaint town of Paint Bank, head north on Route 18 to Covington, where you’ll pick up Route 220 north. A few miles outside of Covington, pause to enjoy Falling Springs Falls. Soon you’ll be in the County of Bath, where you’ll pass The Omni Homestead Resort and the charming village of Hot Springs followed by the historic Jefferson Pools in nearby Warm Springs. Continue your journey to Monterey in Highland County, enjoying peaceful mountain views along the way. A right turn to head east on Route 250 will take you through McDowell, site of a major Civil War Battle.
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Scenic views in New Castle, VirginiaScenic Drive #2: Peaceful Back Roads

If you enjoy cruising the quiet back roads, you will love this peaceful drive. You’ll begin your adventure in historic New Castle, just 20 minutes from I-81 on Route 311, and wind your way into the quiet hamlet of Low Moor. Then, follow Route 60 Business into the charming town of Clifton Forge, where dining, art galleries and the C&O Heritage Center await. From there, it’s more quiet country roads including Route 42 north, which winds along the Cowpasture River. Enjoy mountain views on your way to Millboro Springs where you’ll turn onto Route 39 west. Stay on Route 39 until a right turn on Route 629 east. Continue on Route 629, which becomes Route 678, and heads into McDowell. Heading west will lead to Monterey while east will lead to I-81.
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New Castle Rt 42 Overlook - Blair Jones with dog, PaigeScenic Drive #3: Scenic Craig and Alleghany Counties

The beauty of Craig and Alleghany Counties is on full display throughout this scenic route. In Craig County, you’ll pass through the charming towns of New Castle and Paint Bank. In addition to breathtaking mountain vistas, the route covers much of the popular Craig County Barn Quilt Trail. As you cruise into Alleghany County, you’ll pass a few of the most photographed spots in Virginia, including Humpback Bridge on Route 60 and Falling Spring Falls on Route 220. The drive then passes through the quiet countryside of Alleghany County before concluding at beautiful Lake Moomaw – the perfect spot for a picnic.
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Motorcycle tour through Highland CountyScenic Drive #4: East Loop of Highland and Bath Counties

This peaceful drive through the eastern portions of Highland and Bath Counties passes through several charming towns and includes sweeping vistas from the top of Warm Springs Mountain. The route begins in the historic village of McDowell. It meanders into Bath County past one of the region’s most Instagram-worthy locations — the Dan Ingalls Overlook. After visiting the town of Warm Springs, you’ll experience two of the most scenic roads in Virginia — Route 220 to Monterey and Route 250 to McDowell to complete the loop.
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Mikula-Harris