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The best places to see along an I-81 road trip

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Created by Tatiana Danger - June 14th 2016

Interstate 81 is over 800 miles of history, natural wonders, and quirky tourist attractions. Beginning just northeast of Knoxville, Tennessee, I-81 travels through six states, and ends at the border with Canada.

2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, US

War Dog Memorial Statue

A noble Doberman pinscher represents hundreds of heroic war dogs that served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Although most were Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and occasionally, a collie served during the war as sentries, messengers, and scouts. But they also served other roles to the Marines who served with them...devoted friend, confidant, trusted companion.

The War Dog Memorial, an exact replica of the official memorial in Guam, was donated to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine by Dr. Maurice Acree July 17, 1998. It honors not only the war dogs, but symbolizes the special connection people share with dogs.

6829 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN, US

Airplane Service Station

The Airplane Service Station, also known as the Powell Airplane, is a service station built in 1930 in the shape of an airplane. Located at 6829 Clinton Highway in Powell, a neighborhood in Knox County, Tennessee, it is on the National Register of Historic Places.The station was built by brothers Elmer and Henry Nickle. Their intent was to increase business by having a service station that was visually unique, both to area residents and to travelers on newly widened U.S. Highway 25. Elmer Nickle had a strong interest in airplanes, and so the station was constructed in the Fantastic architectural style in the shape of an airplane. It just reopened as a barber shop.

2002 Morningside Drive, Morristown, TN , Morristown, TN, US

Davy Crockett Tavern Museum

Davy Crockett is a genuine American hero. As a frontiersman, politician, and warrior, he won acclaim and a permanent place in the lore that forms the history of America. He may be best known a martyr at the Alamo in Texas' battle for independence.

A replica of the Crockett family well was constructed on the site of the original (located in 1949) for the Centennial celebration. Representatives from the Alamo visited the city. Leaders from Morristown visited San Antonio, TX. Proceeds from the Centennial celebration were sought by the local APTA chapter to build a memorial to the Crockett family. Groundbreaking for the site was held on August 17, 1956. The initial idea was to build a formal museum with a statue of the Alamo hero out in front.

1245 Davy Crockett Park Rd., Limestone, TN, US

Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park

I tent camped there and had a good experience. It was on grass which is my favorite surface. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful. They have a trail that overlooks the river and some information on Davy Crockett in the museum. They have showers too. It costs $15 to tent camp without electricity. It was quiet at night; I did not here any road noise from road warriors since it's not near an interstate. It's in the foothills of the mountains and is not that scenic, but pretty enough.

853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, TN, US

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Bays Mountain Park, located in beautiful Kingsport, Tennessee, is a 3,550-acre nature preserve and the largest city-owned park in the state of Tennessee. Offering a variety of features, visitors to Bays Mountain Park can enjoy a picturesque 44-acre lake, a Nature Center with a state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater, Animal Habitats featuring wolves, bobcats, raptors and reptiles, and anAdventure Ropes Course complete with a 300-ft. zip line. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the park’s 38 miles of trails forhiking, running, sight-seeing, exploration and mountain biking.

1651 West Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN, US

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Interpretive exhibits on 18th-century history plus a trail with signs detailing events of the area. The historic Sycamore Shoals State Park is located along the banks of the Watauga River flowing through Elizabethton, Tennessee --- before and during the American Revolutionary War, this area in present day Northeast Tennessee was actually within the western frontier of North Carolina.

Sycamore Shoals State Park showcases a reconstruction of a colonial frontier fort that was the setting of both the Transylvania Purchase and the September 26, 1780 mustering of the "Overmountain Men" American Patriots who undertook a trek over the Appalachian Mountain range to find, attack, and defeat British American Loyalist troops under the command of British Major Patrick Ferguson at the October 7, 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

Mountain View Avenue, Rural Retreat, VA, US

Grave of Dr. Pepper

Stop over to Mountainside Cemetery to see the grave of Dr. Pepper. To be sure, the fabled doctor had no role in the making of the delicious soft drink, rather the inventor chose to honor the beverage with his namesake.

303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA, US

Virginia Museum Of Transportation

The Museum’s collection includes approximately 2,500 objects, including more than 50 pieces of rolling stock—locomotives and other rail cars—including the largest collection of diesel locomotives in the South. The Museum has expanded its collection to include automotive, aviation, transit, and other artifacts and frequently exhibits loaned objects.

6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA, US

Natural Bridge Park

A pretty cool sight although the entry fee is a little steep for just a viewing of the bridge. I recommend going to the National Bridge Zoo thats just down the way from the bridge. The zoo is low budget zoo that outshines any other zoo including the San Diego zoo! If your a hands on type a person you'll have a blast. Llamas followed us through out the park and baby flamingos on their daily walk, climbed right over my feet!Beautiful spot for a walk, and you'll get some great nature photos along the way. The butterfly museum is small, but they have a wide variety. Be sure to enjoy a hotdog at the snack stand! hundreds of years from twenty stories of solid limestone rock; then descend 34 stories and explore the deepest caverns on the East Coast; and see colorful, exotic butterflies flutter in the new Butterflies at the Bridge - Virginia's largest indoor butterfly garden.

1290 Richmond Ave, Staunton, VA, US

Frontier Culture Museum

Stopped here yesterday. We loved going through all the period houses, many of which have been carefully disassembled from their original locations and reassembled on the museum grounds, otherwise have been constructed in accordance with archaeological and historical records. You'll see workers in costumes reenacting daily jobs such as spinning thread, gardening, splitting wood, iron forging, tending to animals. Worth checking out! Adults are only $10 and it's just off the highway. The Frontier Culture Museum tells the story of the thousands of people who migrated to colonial America, and of the life they created here for themselves and their descendents. These first pioneers came to America during the 1600s and 1700s from communities in the hinterlands of England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa. Many were farmers and rural craftsmen set in motion by changing conditions in their homelands, and drawn to the American colonies by opportunities for a better life. Others came as unwilling captives to work on farms and plantations. Regardless of how they arrived, all became Americans, and all contributed to the success of the colonies, and of the United States.

To tell the story of these early immigrants and their American descendents, the Museum has moved or reproduced examples of traditional rural buildings from England, Germany, Ireland, West Africa, and America. The Museum engages the public at these exhibits with a combination of interpretive signage and living history demonstrations. The outdoor exhibits are located in two separate areas: the Old World and America. The Old World exhibits show rural life and culture in four homelands of early migrants to the American colonies. The American exhibits show the life these colonists and their descendents created in the colonial backcountry, how this life changed over more than a century, and how life in the United States today is shaped by its frontier past.

101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA, US

Luray Caverns

The Wishing Well is a 6-foot deep pool of water at Luray Caverns where visitors toss coins and even paper money. Once a year, all of the coins are removed and donated to various charities. So far, since 1954 almost a million dollars has been collected and donated.

Since discovery in 1878 by a tinsmith and a local photographer, visitors by the millions have made Luray Caverns the most popular cave in Eastern America and an internationally acclaimed destination.

Luray Caverns, a U.S. Natural Landmark, is noted for the profuse variety of formations and unsurpassed natural color. From well-lighted, paved walkways explore cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools.

Also, hear the haunting sounds of the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument. This most unique one-of-a-kind instrument uses stalactites covering 3 1/2 acres of the surrounding caverns to produce tones of symphonic quality when electronically tapped by rubber-tipped mallets.

901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA, US

Museum of The Shenandoah Valley

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley interprets the art, history, and culture of the great valley for which it is named. This regional museum complex includes a historic house dating to the 18th century, six acres of spectacular gardens, and a museum designed by internationally recognized architect Michael Graves. The museum is open year-round, and the house and gardens are open March through November. All are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays and major holidays. An admission fee is charged. Gorgeous gardens, great for a scenic route.

Zittlestown Rd, Boonsboro, MD, US

Washington Monument State Park

6720 Rice Road, Shippensburg, PA, US

One Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA, US

The National Civil War Museum

368 Middletown Rd, Hummelstown, PA, US

Indian Echo Caverns

101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA, US

Hershey's Chocolate World

501 Mahantongo St, Pottsville, PA, US

Yuengling Brewery Gift Shop and Store

2 Eckley Main St, Hazleton, PA, US

Eckley Miners Village

1036 S Prospect St, Nanticoke, PA, US

Concrete City

Tatiana Danger

Roadtrippers co-founder. When I grow up I'm going to be Indiana Jones or a professional pizza tester. Current Status: Mom to Bruce and Nina.

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Highway 81 Roadtrip – The Best Places to Stop on I-81, USA

For those who have driven Highway 81 in any direction, you already know there is not all that much along the way.

Steve and I have a running joke that it could be one of the most boring drives ever. With the scenery of trees, grass, mountains, and turns this 854-mile road feels endless and gets old real quick.

Here’s the good news – if you plan and know the best places to stop, this can be an actual fun drive.

Welcome, fellow travelers, to an unforgettable road trip adventure along Interstate 81 (I-81). This major United States Interstate spans from the southern charm of Tennessee to the scenic wonders of New York.

As a seasoned travel blogger with 15 years of experience exploring the Southeastern USA, I’m thrilled to guide you through this incredible journey. Fasten your seat belts, roll down the windows, and let’s hit the road!

• FirstHeading

Where Does Highway 81 Start And End?

1) stop 1 on a fun i-81 roadtrip: bristol, tennessee, and virginia:, a tale of two states (exit 5), 2) stop 2 top places to stop for nature lovers: roanoke, virginia:, a mountain escape (exit 143), 3) stop 3 best road trip stop for families: hershey, pennsylvania:, sweet delights (exit 77), 4) stop 4: syracuse, new york for art and nature lovers:, cultural travel (exit 26), 5) final stop for relaxation fisher's landing, new york:, lake ontario retreat., an unforgettable journey and the conclusion of your highway 81 drive:, share travel knowledge by commenting on your top places to stop on interstate 81, submit a comment cancel reply, need more fun road trip ideas.

Highway 81, also known as Interstate 81 (I-81), is a major north-south interstate highway in the United States. It runs through multiple states in the eastern part of the country.

The total length of I-81 is approximately 854 miles.

Interstate 81 begins in Dandridge, Tennessee, and stretches to the Canadian border near Fisher’s Landing, New York.

Start your adventure in Bristol, where the two states of Tennessee and Virginia come together.

The town of Bristol is unique and offers a blend of small-town charm, southern culture, and some exciting attractions.

Here’s what not to miss in Bristol:

Discover Bristol’s Birthplace of Country Music

Book a Stay with the most popular place to stay in Bristol, Tennessee: The Bristol Hotel .

Explore the Bristol Motor Speedway , a legendary NASCAR track that hosts thrilling races and events.

Check out Historic Downtown Bristol , where charming shops, local eateries, and live music await.

Gamble the night away at The Bristol Casino – Future Home of the Hard Rock.

See my full review and details on the first casino in the state of Virginia!

For a comprehensive guide to Bristol, Virginia, or Tennessee – Click here – Fun Things to do Bristol Tennessee 0r Virginia!

As you continue North on I-81, make a pit stop in Roanoke, Virginia, nestled amidst the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.

Here’s what you can do in Roanoke:

Explore the Natural Beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains:

Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and marvel at breathtaking vistas.

Visit the Mill Mountain Star and Park , home to the iconic Roanoke Star.

Find yourself in the arts at the Taubman Museum of Art.

Next on your journey on Highway 81 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Hershey is a town known for its delicious chocolate and family-friendly attractions.

Here are some highlights:

Family Fun Attractions – Indulge in Chocolate Paradise

Take a free adventure at Hershey’s Chocolate World.

Visit Hersheypark , an exciting amusement park with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and water attractions for all ages.

Explore the Hershey Gardens, featuring stunning floral displays and a butterfly atrium.

Book a stay at the luxury Hershey Hotel.

Continuing north on I-81, you’ll arrive in Syracuse, New York, a blend of arts, enjoyment, and outdoor beauty. Don’t miss these attractions:

Indulge in Art in Syracuse, New York, USA:

Explore the Everson Museum of Art and admire its impressive collection.

Families will love the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and get up close to fascinating wildlife.

Spend some time at Onondaga Lake Park.

Plan for the best hotel accommodations Here.

Your road trip ends in Fisher’s Landing, New York, near scenic Lake Ontario. Here’s how to make the most of your time in New York, Fisher Landing.

Embrace the Lake Life Fisher’s Landing, New York:

Relax on the sandy beaches of Lake Ontario and soak up the sun.

Take a boat tour or fishing excursion to explore the stunning waters.

Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or birdwatching.

Travelers should book hotel reservations in advance to get the best deals and accommodations in Fisher’s Landing, NY.

As you reach the end of your road trip along I-81, take a moment to reflect on the incredible memories you’ve made. Traveling South on Highway 81? No problem just reverse the order and have a fun road trip.

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Bristol. Your article was extremely informative. I would definitely recommend visiting the speedway.

I’m extremely pleased to discover this website. I need to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and i also have you book marked to look at new stuff in your blog.

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Touring Virginia’s Spectacular I-81

Activities , Virginia Group Tour Guide

Enticing attractions,  lovely scenery and charming towns along Interstate-81 in Virginia

The 325 miles of Virginia’s I-81 passes through multiple scenic regions, from Shenandoah Valley in the north, Blue Ridge Highlands in the south and the Virginia mountains in between. Here are a few of our favorite stops and towns along interstate 81 in Virginia.

Not-to-be-missed towns along I-81 in Virginia:

Abingdon, virginia.

Arriving in Abingdon , it takes visitors about 10 seconds to realize this is a really cool small town. That’s just the beginning. Plan to spend a few days and you’ll become immersed in the history, culture, diverse landscape and hospitality of Southwest Virginia.

The perfect first stop for an understanding of exactly where you are is Southwest Virginia’s Cultural Center & Marketplace .

The area has a rich musical heritage and it’s on full display at the center. Home to The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail and the starting point for exploring that heritage, exhibits tell the story of how this roots music was born in the area and still flourishes. Regular concerts in the performance area provide both entertainment and an opportunity to talk with musicians.

A highlight of any visit to the center is the Marketplace . Here, you’ll find the most significant collection of art from the area’s leading artisans. Viewing all media types, you’ll discover items from clay and jewelry to glass and wood.

The historic Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. Copyright 2012 Jason Barnette

One of Abingdon’s oldest attractions began in 1933 during the midst of the Great Depression. The Barter Theatre , the State Theatre of Virginia, began on Robert Porter’s basic idea that patrons could pay with produce to support local actors. Area farmers were unable to sell their produce and local actors were literally starving artists. The plan worked.

Today, the theater is attracting more than 160,000 yearly visitors featuring outstanding comedy, musicals, drama and new Appalachian plays. Over the years, Barter Theatre has been the launching pad for the careers of many entertainment giants and continues that tradition today.

Located directly across the street is the four-star Martha Washington Inn & Spa . A member of Historic Hotels of America, it was built in 1832. In addition to its first use as a residence, it has served as a women’s college, Civil War hospital and residence for visiting actors of the Barter Theatre.

Just 17 miles south of Abingdon is Bristol, Virginia and The Birthplace of Country Music Museum , a Smithsonian affiliate. The story is told of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and explores how today’s musical heritage has been influenced by technology. Through artifacts, interactive displays and multiple theater experiences, the story of the Sessions is shared.

Join a local historian and learn about Abingdon history at the Abingdon Muster Grounds . This is the original mustering grounds of the Virginia Militia for the Revolutionary War. Men and women in period costume share the challenges and mountain spirit that drove these Virginians. This is the northern trail-head of the 330-mile-long Over-mountain Victory National Historic Trail.

The historic downtown features traditional and contemporary dining options, plus plenty of unique shopping, including Holston Mountain Artisans and Art Depot . Tastings at the Abingdon Olive Company feature numerous varieties of their Ultra Premium extra virgin fruit olive oils. Stop by Wolf Hills Brewing, Co and sample its craft beer.

A visit to the William King Museum of Art is a must. It showcases outstanding visual arts and is the premier facility in Southwest Virginia. Located in a former school, fine art exhibits from contemporary and heritage change frequently, enhancing the museum’s impressive permanent collection.

People enjoy live music at the Street Dance Party during the 2012 Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon, VA. Copyright Jason Barnette

The Crooked Road Heritage Musical Festival features numerous events and venues throughout Southwest Virginia. The Virginia Highlands Festival, which takes place July 24-August 2, 2020 in Abingdon, is a tradition.

The Virginia Creeper Trail begins in Abingdon and is a gentle grade for bicyclists and walkers of all ages. Channels State Forest is one of Virginia’s best-kept secrets, and Grayson State Park’s wild ponies are a calling card. visitabingdon.com

WYTHEVILLE, Virginia

Approaching this crossroads of Interstates 77 and 81, you’re impressed with the spectacular landscape of this small town. Rolling hills and magnificent mountains are just the beginning of what Wytheville has to share.

A visit to Wytheville is only complete with dinner and a show at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre . Broadway-style professional productions are presented year-round with a four-course meal customized to fit the production’s theme.

How many of us remember the Great Lakes to Florida Highway? Back in the day, Route 21 was the main route from Ohio to Florida. The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum , housed in a restored 1926 Texaco station, tells the story of the development of Route 21 and later I-77 with original artifacts, newspaper clippings and exhibits.

To dig deeper into Wytheville’s history, a visit to the town’s first resident physician is in order. The Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum was built in 1832 for Dr. John Haller, a country doctor, coroner and delegate to the Virginia Legislature. A Registered Historic Landmark, the museum features more than 1,400 artifacts and period furnishings. The Thomas J. Boyd Museum is adjacent to the Haller-Gibboney Rock House. Known as the Father of Wytheville, Boyd was an attorney, town mayor, surveyor, hotel developer and Virginia legislator.

The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is the birthplace and childhood home of a descendant of Pocahontas and the only Appalachian-born First Lady. One of just eight historic sites dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady, the museum has an interesting life timeline and highlights her contribution during a critical time of World War I.

Mansion at Fort Chiswell has been restored and is now a private residence listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and as a Virginia State Historic Landmark. The good news is the proprietor is ready to share. Key Ingredients Restaurant takes pride in its locally sourced menu.

Step back in time to the 1500s and experience Native American life at the Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum . The village was re-created based upon a 1970 archeology report. Guides are available to escort groups through the village and give a glimpse into the culture of Eastern Woodland Indians.

With a good understanding of Wytheville history under your belt, it’s time to step outside. Begin at Beagle Ridge Herb Farm and Flying Flowers at Beagle Ridge . If you’ve never been to a lavender farm, you’re in for a fragrant treat. This is Southwest Virginia’s premier one and is joined by 14 theme display gardens with herbs and perennials. Alpacas are a South American species related to llamas, but you don’t have to go to the southern hemisphere to interact with them. Cobb Hill Alpaca Farm has taken care of that issue. Visitors to this family-owned and -operated farm will see 18 alpacas. The Fort Chiswell Animal Park is a must stop on any itinerary. On 45 acres, there are animals from six continents at Southwest Virginia’s largest zoo. A stop at the Henley Mountain Berry Farm promises to be a sweet memory to take home. Pick your own blueberries mid-June to September, or take home a variety of blueberry products.

West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery

Winery and vineyard visits are a must when spending time in Wytheville. Rural Retreat Winery & Vineyards features a wide selection of full-body reds and lovely whites. West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery offers a broad selection of wines from reds and whites to sweeter offerings. A welcoming tasting room, a magnificent view and a wide array of soaps, candles, unique home gifts round out a relaxing visit. visitwytheville.com

Just 1.5 hours north is the largest city on Virginia’s I-81, Roanoke. With the community’s rich rail history, stops at the History Museum of Western Virginia & O. Winston Link Museum and the Virginia Transportation Museum are a must.

Further north is charming Lexington. History is abundant at the Stonewall Jackson House, George C. Marshall Museum & Library, Caverns at Natural Bridge and the Lee Chapel & Museum on the campus of Washington and Lee University.

STAUNTON, Virginia

This pleasant community is a rare combination of delightful shopping options, a vibrant culinary culture, world-class performance and visual arts and rich history. Welcome to Virginia’s Queen City and its scenic setting in the Shenandoah Valley.

Blackfriars Playhouse by Lauren Parker

The historic downtown of Staunton is a logical place to start your visit. A compact, walkable community features history-rich architecture and numerous dining options with many featuring locally sourced menus. However, it’s the Main Street style of shopping that attracts the locals and visitors alike. More than 60 merchants offer everything from jewelry and home décor to antiques, books and everything in between. Staunton’s theater scene begins at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse . This re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor London theater presents a year-round offering of up to 14 performances of Shakespeare’s plays and contemporary works.

Sears Hill Bridge, Downtown Staunton by Warren Faught

The Heifetz International Music Festival attracts gifted violin, viola and cello students to the campus of Mary Baldwin University for six weeks in the summer. ShenanArts produces plays and musicals for participants of all ages. In Staunton, home of the Statler Brothers (who can forget “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You.”), the music never stops. The city’s nightlife is lively and a pair of music festivals is each worth a visit. Red Wing VIII Roots Music Festival will be July 10-12, 2020 with a dozen performers scheduled. The Staunton Music Festival offers brilliant chamber music performed by world-class musicians. This year’s festival in August 2020 will share 29 concerts at historic venues over 10 days.

The Beverley Street Studio School , in addition to providing high-quality art instruction, has a gallery with rotating exhibits throughout the year. Also located on Beverley Street in downtown Staunton, the CoArt Gallery exhibits local artists’ originals in various media. Presenting art for almost 60 years, the Staunton Augusta Art Center features changing and permanent exhibits. The annual Art in the Park event during Memorial Day weekend showcases quality fine arts and crafts.

Glassblowing demonstrations, unique art and one neat festival each come from the artisans at Sunspots Studios . Get up-close and watch a glassblower demonstrate his art, or have one assist you in creating your own piece. Virginia’s Hot Glass Festival attracts area glass artists over Memorial Day weekend. The Frontier Culture Museum tells the story of immigrants to America and their descendants. Structures from 1700s England, Ireland, Germany and West Africa have been constructed.

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum. Zak Suhar Photography

Staunton was the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson and you can learn about our 28th president at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum . A guided tour takes groups through seven galleries exploring Wilson’s early years and his presidency including women’s suffrage, prohibition and World War I. North on I-81, Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, has numerous attractions and a fantastic farm-to-fork culinary scene. It’s on to Winchester with its rich Civil War history, Patsy Cline Historic House and the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival .

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Stunning Virginia Views: 10+ Sights To See Along the I-81 Corridor

Ever been on a trip where you felt like you were constantly pulling over to enjoy the incredible sights surrounding you? That’s exactly how I felt during my Virginia road trip along Interstate 81 . With iconic destinations like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Roanoke along with lesser-known gems like Wytheville and Luray, you won’t want to miss these remarkable Virginia views you’ll find along the I-81.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links where if you make a purchase, I may receive a kickback at no extra cost to you. It helps keep IBB alive so thank you !

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Unmissable Virginia Views On An I-81 Road Trip

As you can imagine, there are so many beautiful Virginia views to enjoy! Enjoy the twists and turns of Interstate 81 and be sure to take the occasional detour to check out these Virginia sights.

Golden Hour From the Bristol Hotel’s Lumac Rooftop Bar

Rooftop of the Bristol Hotel

In the southwestern corner on the border with Tennessee lies the town of Bristol, Virginia which is where you’ll find The Bristol Hotel. Rated #4 in 2019 and #10 in 2020 by Travel + Leisure, you can expect impeccable quality and top-notch service during your visit. This office building turned boutique hotel features 65 elegant rooms with amenities such as a workspace, mini-fridge, plush robes and most important, complimentary WiFi. Sink into their mountain of pillows as you sleep soundly after a day of adventuring… but not until you head to the Lumac Rooftop Bar for a handcrafted cocktail. Trust me, they only enhance the incredible views you’ll be treated to!

Whether or not you choose to stay overnight is up to you, but you’ll certainly have a memorable stay at the Bristol Hotel. See what other guests have said about their experience or click here to book your stay now !

Route 16 aka Back of the Dragon

Detour from the I-81 for the epic serpentine Route 16 known as  Back of the Dragon . A hotspot for motorcycle riders and sports car enthusiasts, this 51.5 kilometre (32 mile) stretch of road will have you sinking into your seat. Get ready for incredible views as you follow the twists and turns that create one of Virginia’s top road trip routes. In the warmer months, you can even rent a Polaris Slingshot to ensure it’s a ride you’ll never forget!

BONUS STOP : Not too far away is Burke’s Garden, home to Virginia’s highest valley. It’s often referred to as “God’s Thumbprint” due to the surrounding mountain ranges making a circular shape . 

When Visiting Wytheville, You Have to Enjoy the Virginia Views from the Big Walker Lookout!

Wytheville’s Big Walker Lookout

Climb the ~1037 metre (3,405 foot) beast known as Big Walker Mountain for the best views in Wytheville! The Big Walker Lookout is the state’s oldest privately-owned scenic attraction. It’s not surprising though once you experience the brilliant 360 degree views  you’ll be treated to from their ~30 metres tall (100 feet) lookout tower.

Their biggest claim to fame is that you can see five states on a clear day – West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, of course! Farmlands and forests create a beautiful natural patchwork that’s a feast for the eyes with some gorgeous Virginia mountains being the icing on the cake.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: If you visit in late autumn, it can be surprisingly chilly due to the change in elevation. You’ll definitely want to bring a warmer jacket with you and don’t be surprised if you see some remnants of frost or even snow!

Once you’re done taking in these Virginia views, spend some time perusing the BW Country Store. They have all kinds of local goodies like homemade jams and jellies, handmade items from artisans in Southwest Virginia and what is said to be some of the best ice cream in the state!

RELATED:  Incredible views aren’t the only thing you’ll find in this unique little town! For all the great things to do, see and eat, check out my guide to Wytheville .

Blue Ridge Parkway From Floyd to Roanoke 

As one of the United States’ top road trip routes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is not to be missed when visiting Virginia. It starts in Asheville, North Carolina and ends in Roanoke, Virginia, running ~755 kilometres (469 miles) in length while connecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park. While to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in its entirety would be epic, we’re focusing on Virginia here! I recommend taking a detour from the I-81 and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway from Floyd to Roanoke.

This hour-long stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway is absolutely magnificent with lookout after lookout for you to enjoy. I won’t list them all because half the fun is discovering them on your own but I will share a few of my favourites like The Saddle Overlook near Floyd, Virginia. While this territory of the Tutelo was settled at one point before the American Revolution, the farmland has since been abandoned and nature is reclaiming the area.

Follow the twists and turns of the Blue Ridge Parkway and you’ll see just how many overlooks there are – I’m talking upwards of 20 here! A few more of my favourite overlooks are Pine Spur , Devils Backbone , Cahas Mountain and the Roanoke Valley . If you have others that tickle your fancy, let me know in a comment below!

Views from the Roanoke Valley Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Natural Bridge State Park

Approximately 40 minutes north of Roanoke you’ll find what Thomas Jefferson called “the most sublime of Nature’s works”. Natural Bridge State Park is named after the spectacular ~66 metre (215 foot) tall limestone arch within the park. Spanning 27 metres (90 feet), it was carved out by Cedar Creek thousands of years ago. Take a moment to stand beneath it and you’ll humbly realize what small part we play in this wild and crazy world we find ourselves in. The park also offers about 10 kilometres (6 miles) of trails. Don’t miss the Cedar Creek Trail as well as Lace Falls!

Natural Bridge is also a sacred site for the Monacan People of the area. Predating colonization, it is told that the Monacans came upon a large canyon as they were fleeing from their rivals the Powhatan People. With no means to cross it, the Monacan People prayed to the Great Spirit for assistance and they were shown the way across the Natural Bridge. Since then, it’s been referred to as the “Great Path” and a spiritual site for the Monacans.

Great Valley Farm Brewery in Lexington, Virginia

A pint and a view? Sounds like the perfect combination to me! Just 10 minutes north of Natural Bridge along the I-81, you’ll find Great Valley Farm Brewery. Owners Nathan and Irma Bailey have been serving pints to go with their brilliant views of the Shenandoah Valley since October of 2016. Their focus is on Belgian-style ales using ingredients grown on their 27 acre farm. I highly recommend indulging in a flight while enjoying the Virginia views from their outdoor patio!

Since my visit, they’ve expanded to include wine in their repertoire as well. Production began in 2019 and they grow a number of their own varietals including Cabernet Franc, Vidal Blanc, Gruner Veltliner and Lemberger. The last two, Austrian varietals, have adapted well to the climate of the Shenandoah Valley. They plan to continually focus on small-batch vintages with four currently available.

You Can’t Help but Smile With These Views at Great Valley Farm Brewery!

Blackburn Inn in Staunton, Virginia

The Blackburn Inn should be on your radar for a number of reasons. Besides its regal architecture (it was designed by Thomas R. Blackburn after all – and yes we’re talking Thomas Jefferson’s protégé), this hotel has an interesting past. Long before it was a hotel, the Blackburn Inn was originally the administration building for the Old Western State Hospital and then a medium-security prison. There are still remnants of these previous lives within the building!

The hotel is absolutely spectacular with modern decor, plush amenities and amazing add-ons and packages. However, there’s a lesser-known feature that you’ll have to inquire about at the front desk. This is how you’ll enjoy some of the best views of Staunton! They’ll give you access to the beautifully hand-crafted spiral staircase that leads to their rooftop dome and veranda. Don’t forget your camera!

Oh, and did I mention it’s women-owned? That makes it extra awesome in my books! See what other guests have said about their experiences at the Blackburn Inn but my guess is that you’ll be wanting to book a night or two which you can do here .

BONUS VIEW: If you’re unable to stay overnight in Staunton or you’re looking for additional views of the city, make the trek to Sears Hill and enjoy the sights from  Woodrow Park .

Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive

Shenandoah National Park certainly offers some of the best hikes in Virginia but you don’t need to hike in order to enjoy some brilliant views. If you only have a few hours but still want to enjoy some of the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hop on the Skyline Drive. At 169 kilometres (105 miles) in length, there are plenty of gorgeous Virginia views to enjoy along the way!

Since the Skyline Drive is the northernmost part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can surmise that there are a number of lookouts to explore throughout the park. There are over 20 between the southern entrance at Rockfish Gap and the Swift Run Gap exit – and that’s barely a quarter of the park! A few of my favourite stops were the Calf Mountain, Sawmill Ridge, Crimora Lake and Rockytop Overlooks but there are honestly so many incredible views to see. Each one is worth a stop to admire the Virginia views!

If you want to take your time exploring this part of the Shenandoah Valley, I recommend staying by the park. While there aren’t any accommodations within the park itself, there are a number of options close to the park that will make exploring much easier. Less travel time means more time hiking in Virginia!

One of the Many Magnificent Views You’ll Find in the Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns

Unlike the Virginia views listed above, you’ll have to go underground for this one! Benton Stebbins struck gold in August 1878 as he discovered what has since become the largest expanse of caverns in the eastern United States.

Make your way below the earth’s surface with a guided tour of the Luray Caverns. You’ll be blown away by the mesmerizing shapes formed by limestone sluggishly flowing to create the intricate natural sculptures in front of you. Of course, your imagination will run wild as you spot a shaggy dog, ghost and other fun characters in the stalagmites and stalactites. The highlight of the entire experience though has to be Dream Lake, hands down. Though the Great Stalacpipe Organ comes as a close second!

RELATED:  While the caverns are certainly a highlight, Luray itself has a lot to offer and is worth spending some time exploring. Check out my guide to all the great things to do in Luray VA !

You can’t help but stop to admire the views along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

Tips for Exploring These Virginia Views

Ready to check out these brilliant sights for yourself? Here are a few tips and tricks for making the most of your I-81 road trip as you catch these stunning Virginia views.

What are the Best Mountain Views in Virginia?

If you’re looking for those incredible vistas, my top picks for the best views in Virginia along the I-81 would be the Devils Backbone Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive’s Sawmill Ridge Overlook. Back of the Dragon also has some great Virginia views, but not quite to the extent of the other two. Of course, I’m sure there are many to be found if you tackle some of the top Virginia hiking trails found here.

When is the Best Time to Visit Virginia for These Views?

My trip was in early November and while the views were still incredible, autumn was on its way out. Had I been a week or two earlier, the fall colours would have been at their peak making them even more magnificent! If you’re a fan of fall foliage, I definitely recommend mid to late October. However, summer means longer days and therefore more time to explore which is always a good thing!

How Long Should I Spend Exploring the I-81?

My visit to Virginia was an absolute whirlwind as I did the entirety of the I-81 in just over a week. This isn’t overly surprising as it’s just under 5 hours to drive the state from end to end, but there is so much to see and do in between! While I’d do it again in a heartbeat, I recommend at least two weeks if you want to explore Interstate 81 in its entirety.

However, this can easily be broken up into a few different trips like Bristol to Roanoke, Roanoke to Staunton and Staunton to Winchester. Although many cities like Abingdon, Whytheville, Roanoke, Staunton and Harrisonburg to name a few can each easily be done as a weekend trip on their own. All that to say there are so many trips to experience along the I-81!

Looking for More Ideas For Your Virginia Road Trip? Don’t Miss My Guide to Exploring Interstate 81! Fuel Up At These Top Virginia Restaurants Along Interstate 81 See Why You Need to Visit the Quirkly Little Town of Wytheville Caverns, History & More – Check Out All the Great Things to Do in Luray VA Check Out These 15 Unique Places to Visit in Virginia Near the I-81

Disclaimer: This post is brought to you in partnership with Virginia Tourism . While I was compensated for my time, all of the content and opinions here are honest and speak to my personal experience!

Don’t Forget About These Epic Virginia Views & Pin it for Later!

16 Comments

Sarah smart.

Virginia looks just beautiful. On my list for sure !

Lindz author

It sure is magical and the state has plenty to offer! It’s definitely a fantastic road trip destination!

I haven’t been to Virginia since I was a kid and this makes me want to go back asap! Those Luray Caverns are next level. Thanks for sharing, Lindsay!

I’d say you’re about due for a return trip then – and maybe Luray should be your first stop! 😉

Joel Bryan Rasnake

I have been to most of the places that you have listed and actually live in Bristol but there is another place that I think is worth mentioning and that is the Peaks of Otter outside of Roanoke. Robert E Lee went there with his Daughter after the civil war to reflect on the shape of the Country. The views are AMAZING and it is within driving distance of a few of the sites already listed and right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. ❤

Hi Joel! Oh this is fantastic, thank you so much for sharing! I’ll certainly have to check it out next time I’m in the Roanoke area 🙂

Your photos remind us just how much we want to visit Virginia again, and explore more of the state! Great roundup of spots to savor. 🙂

Aww thanks you two! I hope you’re able to visit Virginia again soon!

Stephanie Mayo

I had no idea that Virginia was so stunning! Each and every view is worth the stop! I’m definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list, especially for fall colours!

I haven’t been to Virginia, but it looks amazing on photos and I would love to visit one day.

Wow, I had no idea there’s so much to see along this route! Definitely adding it to my list!

Elena Pappalardo

Wow, Virginia has some really beautiful views! I’d love to check out the Big Walker Lookout!

Sheila Harris

Comers Rock…Aka Comers Overlook in Wythe County (Rt 21 below Speedwell) is an old fire tower and has the most spectacular views you will ever see in your entire hiking experience …be prepared for a bit of a climb…but sooo worth every step

Hi Sheila – thank you SO much for this information! I’ll definitely have to check it out next time I’m in the area 🙂 I love fire towers and I’m sure the views must be stunning!

Look up McAfee Knob.

Hey there, WOW the views look incredible! I’ll definitely have to check out McAfee Knob once I’m back in Virginia 🙂

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Enewsletter, exploring virginia’s state parks off i-81.

Interstate 81 runs a long and scenic way through Virginia, from historic Winchester up near the Maryland border 320 miles down to music-rich Bristol . While coursing through Virginia, I-81 comes near an array of intriguing state parks that will whet your outdoor appetite. So why not combine your road time with some downtime to explore the scenic splendor within Virginia’s state parks ? Walk to the incredible arch rising over Natural Bridge State Park or experience the view-laden hills of Sky Meadows State Park. Paddle the soothing waters of Shenandoah River State Park. Do some waterside bicycling at New River Trail State Park or perhaps swim in the highland-rimmed lake centering Hungry Mother State Park.

Come to think of it, wouldn’t it but fun to use I-81 as a conduit for the ultimate Virginia state park road trip, where you can hike, paddle, camp, overnight at a cabin or lodge, or engage that often elusive goal we all seek – relaxation? So hop on in and let’s head north to south, exploring where to go and what to do on our ultimate I-81 Virginia State Park road trip.

Sky Meadows State Park

Sky Meadows State Park, Photo Credit: Mike Zorger

For starters, the world’s most famous hiking path – the Appalachian Trail -- runs through this hiker’s paradise of a state park (Did I also mention that Virginia has 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail, far more mileage than any other state?). The paths at Sky Meadows State Park traverse a blend of woods and meadows, travel astride ridges and beside streams, along old stone fences and upon tree-covered slopes, cobbling together a mosaic of landscapes sure to please the most discriminating trail treader. Moreover, the views are something to behold – vast panoramas of proud hills falling away toward the gathering lowlands in the distance. Further refine your adventure by pedaling the nine miles of trails for bicyclists, riding the ten miles of trails for equestrians as well as hiking the 22 trail miles for hikers only.

Sky Meadows State Park, Photo Credit: Rex Robichaux, @rex.on.life

Sky Meadows is an international dark sky park, should you favor star gazing, and what better place to do it than at the primitive hike-in campground, necessitating a one mile walk to the camp? Here, 16 campsites are situated along a stream, with ample distance separating the leveled campsites on a slight slope. Each site has a fire ring, lantern post, picnic table, and tent pad. A pump well serves the camps.

Day trippers can bring the kids to the Children’s Discovery Area and Outdoor Classroom or the Track Trail, all designed to get your youngster deeper into the great outdoors. Kids of all ages can tackle the Sensory Explorer’s Trail, displaying the interface of Sky Meadows agricultural past with today’s preserved wildlands. Other attractions and activities include fishing at a small former farm pond. Have a picnic on site then find a souvenir at the gift shop.

Shenandoah River State Park

Shenandoah River State Park, Photo Credit: Mike Zorger

Mountain ranges line much of I-81, but so do rivers. And if you need to scratch that aquatic itch, Virginia state parks have it covered. Shenandoah River State Park (official full name “Shenandoah River Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park”, the longest state park moniker in Virginia) protects over five miles of shoreline on the South Fork Shenandoah River.

The South Fork Shenandoah River flows for 97 beautiful miles in a valley bordered by Shenandoah National Park to the east and the mountains of the George Washington National Forest to the west. How can you go wrong with that setting? It’s a paddler’s utopia. The nearby town of Front Royal dubs itself the “Canoe Capital of Virginia”.

The state park offers a drive-up campground, a riverside tent camp, trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, picnic shelters, and cabins.

Shenandoah River State Park, Photo Credit: Johnny Malloy

For paddlers, Shenandoah River State Park presents a natural shoreline with multiple river accesses. The shoals here are often ledges mixed in with riffles and even-gradient rapids. On some of the longer shoals, you will have to route find but beware -- the stellar views from the river can disrupt your navigational concentration. Within the developed area of the state park, you will see shoreline anglers and others playing in the water or tubing.

The vistas here aren’t limited to river floaters. An extensive multiuse trail system – 24 miles strong -- renders panoramas from hills and along the Shenandoah River of Massanutten Mountain and the crest of Shenandoah National Park, where Skyline Drive delivers highland panoramas of its own.

Rent one of 10 state park cabins or a whole six-bedroom lodge. Tent campers can overnight at River Right Campground or opt for the separate RV campground, which includes water and electricity. The park’s three yurts and four camping cabins upgrade your camping experience. Complete your trip to Shenandoah State Park with a meal under one of four picnic shelters.

Seven Bends State Park

Seven Bends State Park, Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson

One of Virginia’s newer state parks, the name Seven Bends refers to the number of hairpin turns on the North Fork Shenandoah River in the vicinity of the mountain-rimmed preserve. Just a short hop from historic Woodstock (purportedly named by George Washington himself), Seven Bends State Park is centered on the natural amenities of the vivid North Fort Shenandoah with its shoreline striped by small streams flowing off regally wooded Powell Mountain above.

This is a make-your-own fun type of park, perfect for cranky car-worn kids to stretch their legs or play in the river. Lead them on the Bass Bight Trail. The wide track runs riverside. Combine the Eagles Edge Trail with the Gokotta Trail to experience one of the Seven Bends firsthand in a 1.7-mile loop. A total of eight miles of trails lace Seven Bends State Park.

Water lovers can paddle or tube the North Fork using the two launches for small boats. Anglers can throw in a line for bass or bream. Overnight accommodations from camping to hotels can be found in nearby Woodstock, renowned for its farmer’s market. Enjoy fresh farm offerings or have a meal made for you at one of the eclectic restaurants in town.

Douthat State Park

Douthat State Park, Photo Credit: Vicky Lake, @vicky_lake_photography

Okay, I admit it, Douthat State Park is located closer to I-64, a half-hour’s drive west of the I-64/I-81 junction, but this rustic preserve, federally recognized as a National Historic District, is just too cool to leave off this list. The natural setting is supreme, lying between two mountain ridges in the Alleghany Highlands of Bath County, not far from Hot Springs.

Part of the “Original Six” Virginia state parks established in 1936, Douthat covers over 4,500 acres. The Civilian Conservation Corps left its mark with naturally integrated landscaping, quaint stone masonry, and distinctive wood craftsmanship throughout the park (hence the National Historic District designation).

Douthat State Park, Photo Credit: Bill Crabtree Jr.

The list of manmade facilities is long: camp store, amphitheater, park restaurant, four distinctive campgrounds with fine fully electric and water sites, 30 restored cabins built by the CCC yet revamped to work for today’s cabin lover, three lodges for families or larger groups, and a large group meeting area.

The first-rate Virginia mountain scenery has been there all along. Eye-pleasing Wilson Creek courses through the park and is dammed as 50-acre Douthat Lake. On this placid impoundment, you can enjoy the swim beach, and fish for trout, bass, or catfish. Only electric motors are allowed on Douthat Lake, keeping the atmosphere serene. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent a rowboat, paddleboat, or even paddleboard in this scenic impoundment surrounded by majestic highlands. Wilson Creek also has stream fishing for trout and is beloved by fly anglers.

Here for just a little while? Have lunch under one of three picnic shelters then go for a hike. Douthat State Park delivers over 40 miles of first-rate trails, including pathways to two pretty but seasonal waterfalls – three-tiered 60-foot Blue Suck Falls and rhododendron-bordered 50-foot Stony Run Falls. Both cataracts are on tributaries of Wilson Creek. Another must-visit is Tuscarora Overlook where you’ll find a grassy clearing and a restored CCC fire-watch cabin, with a superb panorama into the basin of Wilson Creek and across toward the distant Beards Mountain on the park’s east boundary. Grab another terrific view from Lookout Rock. Yet still another vista can be had via the Buck Hollow Trail. Whether you come via I-81 or I-64 making the exit to Douthat State Park will be a wise move.

Natural Bridge State Park

Need a short nature stop off I-81? Natural Bridge State Park is an ideal choice, very close to I-81 with quick-hitting highlights. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson himself, Natural Bridge had been attracting visitors for centuries before I-81 ever came into being. And such a landmark is Natural Bridge -- a massive, 200-foot-high arch rising above Cedar Creek. The former private attraction joined the Virginia State Park family in 2016, making it an even more desirable natural destination.   

Make the park visitor center your starting point. The classic hike from there is the .8-mile Cedar Creek Trail, where you travel under Natural Bridge and then continue to 50-foot Lace Falls. The .6-mile Skyline Trail loops you past a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If your kids need to expend a little more energy before putting them back in the minivan visit the Children's Discovery Center, an interactive outdoor classroom of sorts with hands-on nature displays. The Track Trail here makes a little loop and is also designed for the younger set.

Since the Natural Bridge infrastructure was built as a private attraction, park acreage is limited, but the preserve does have three reservable tent campsites. If you are looking for accommodations check out the nearby historic Inn at Forest Oaks or the adjacent Natural Bridge Hotel . The Caverns at Natural Bridge is also beside the state park and remains a private attraction. Savor a guided tour of the belowground phenomenon. 

Claytor Lake State Park

Claytor Lake State Park, Photo Credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos

Claytor Lake State Park, with its three miles of waterfront, is your best bet if you are looking for recreation on a big lake. The full-sized reservoir comes in at 4,500 acres. Set on the inside of a big bend of the reservoir, Claytor Lake State Park is one of those “has-it-all” preserves, with every amenity you have come to expect at quality Virginia state parks. In summer, the lake beach and swimming area are a big draw. Fishing and boating on Claytor Lake are fun and scenic experiences, with wooded hills rising above the stilled mountain waters of the lively New River.

Claytor Lake State Park even has its own marina, as well as picnic shelters and fishing platforms bordering the water. The marina rents everything from pontoon boats to motorboats to kayaks, saving you the hassle of hauling watercraft. They also rent paddleboards for those inclined.

The state park overnighting facilities stretch along Claytor Lake. A whole set of cabins and larger lodges are situated waterside, ready for you and your extended family to experience the respite offered here. Those who love camping (like me), can choose one of over 100 campsites divided among four campgrounds. Select a site with or without electricity and water. Yurts and a group bunkhouse round out the overnight options.

The Haven Howe House adds a touch of Virginia history. The brick manse overlooks Claytor Lake and doubles as a visitor center, where the folks inside are happy to help and give advice. Hikers and bicyclists have about seven miles of easy trails to explore, with most of the paths laid out in loops, so trail trekkers don’t have to cover the same ground twice. The park even rents bikes, should you want to pedal the paths or park roads. Want more? Have a shoreline picnic. You can even get married here -- the state park offers a gathering facility overlooking Claytor Lake. This state park really does have it all.

New River Trail State Park

The New River, Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson

This long (as in linear) Virginia state park encompasses a picturesque rail trail I highly recommend and have ridden from end-to-end numerous times. Stretching for 57 miles from Galax to Pulaski, the path is easily accessible from several points along I-81. Fun for couples, families, and everyone in between, the trail primarily traces the gorgeous New River as it courses through big mountains for which Southwest Virginia is known. Hikers, bicyclers, and equestrians love to follow the gentle former railroad grade along the New River, breaking out their phones to photograph the interplay of deep forest and open meadow, of stirring water and expanding mountains. A fresh scene opens around every bend. In other places, you can traverse the New River by bridge or even trek through a tunnel, or cross trestles spanning dancing creeks below.

Specific highlights along the New River Trail, which traces the former bed of the Norfolk and Western Railroad, include Chestnut Creek Falls, the Shot Tower, and Foster Falls. Chestnut Creek Falls forms a wide, eight-foot-high drop over a rock base at a bend in Chestnut Creek. A ledge rises on the far side of the falls, fashioning an alluring pool. A little covered picnic shelter stands nearby. Foster Falls is more of a long roaring rapid on the New River which stands as a community from yesteryear, while the Shot Tower is a preserved architectural curiosity.

Being along the New River adds a major water component to this state park experience. You can paddle the watercourse in a kayak, canoe, or raft or simply tube down the mountain-rimmed waterway, using state park river accesses. Anglers can vie for bream, bass, and even walleye. The New River is renowned for its smallmouth bass fishery.

The Foster Falls access at New River Trail State Park is a great starting point if you haven’t explored the linear preserve before. A concentration of facilities is located here, including rail trail access, bike rentals, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as tube rentals for floating the New River during warm season weekends. An outfitter runs both bike and paddler shuttles seasonally. Make the four-mile river float from Austinville to Foster Falls or the eight-mile aquatic run from Ivanhoe to Foster Falls. The bike shuttles also allow for trips of differing lengths to suit the mileage you want to cover. Check ahead for specifics. A children’s play area and picnic tables are also available here.

Foster Falls was once a community that included a church and post office. The historic buildings – now part of the state park -- have been restored, including the old train depot, now a gift/information shop. Here at Foster Falls, you can camp at Millrace Campground, set riverside under widespread sycamores. Since it is a walk-in campground, the state park provides little carts to haul your camping gear to the site from your vehicle. Each camping area has a picnic table, fire grate, and lantern post. Two more camping areas are stretched along the New River Trail. More developed lodgings can be had in Fort Chiswell or Pulaski, directly off I-81.

Shot Tower Historical Park, Photo Credit: Bill Crabtree Jr.

The Shot Tower, an antique stone turret originally used to manufacture ammunition, is a rewarding 1.5-mile hiker destination on the New River Trail from Foster Falls. With lead mined from nearby Austinville, shot makers poured the molten metal through sieves whereupon the lead dropped 150 feet into a water-filled kettle, rounding the shot along the way. Check the Shot Tower out for yourself or join a ranger-led walk to the tower and climb up its heights, while imagining shot makers hauling the hot lead up the tower.   

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother State Park, Photo Credit: Brad Deel, @brad.deel

Conveniently located off Interstate 81 near Marion, Hungry Mother State Park is a Virginia classic, a venerable state park set in mountainous terrain between Little Brushy Mountain, Brushy Mountain, and Walker Mountain. I’ve spent many a worthwhile day at this preserve within easy striking distance of my home. When you think of Hungry Mother State Park, you’ll think of one of Virginia’s prettiest little lakes from which rises regal mountains overlain with visitor-friendly facilities. Think of loads of natural beauty, from blooming rhododendrons to autumn hues, and from vast mountain vistas to colorful wildflowers brightening your spring day.

Consider making the three-mile paddle around the shore of the 108-acre, no-gas-motors lake. Rent a paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or paddleboat then start at the park boat launch – with its universally accessible pier -- and stroke your way into the main part of the slender reservoir, where Hungry Mother Creek was dammed back in the 1930s when the state park was established. Cruise toward the imposing rampart of nearly 4,000-foot-high Walker Mountain. Head to the uppermost part of the lake to meet chilly Hungry Mother Creek. From here you work your way back around the impoundment, passing more facilities that will leave you wishing to expand your Hungry Mother State Park adventure beyond paddling. Lakeside you can hit the swim beach during the warm season or test your skill while attempting to catch bass, bluegill, or catfish from the many fishing platforms scattered around the impoundment.

It is a special treat to make the 5.7-mile hiking circuit around Hungry Mother Lake. Or enjoy one of the three views from the Molly’s Knob Overlook Trail. Make a family loop hike on the .9-mile Raiders Run Trail. A total of 17 miles of trails run through the preserve.

Hungry Mother State Park, Photo Credit: Chad Williams, @echadwilliams

A variety of cabins are available at Hungry Mother for your overnight stay, from one-bedroom, rustic log cabins to more modern choices and even larger lodges for family gatherings. Here at Hungry Mother State Park, you can find your perfect lodgings and it will surely beat a nondescript motel just off the interstate.

Campers have a large variety of sites to pitch their tent or park their rig. Over 80 campsites are available in three separate campgrounds. Royal Oak is for tent campers only, while Creekside (with beautiful natural surroundings along Hungry Mother Creek) has a mix of sites appealing to hard-shell campers and tent campers. Camp Burson is located 1.5 miles from the main park facilities but does have water and electric hookups expected by RV campers. Ever overnighted in a yurt? Hungry Mother has three of them so here’s your chance to try one out for a night.

Next time, when you are rolling down I-81 – perhaps on your ultimate Virginia State Park road trip, you will know where to go and what to do at these fun and convenient getaways.

Johnny Molloy

Johnny Molloy is an outdoor writer who has penned over 85 outdoor books covering hiking, paddling, camping, bicycling covering 28 different states. Having camped out over 5,000 nights throughout the United States, he continues to explore the great outdoors and write about it.

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Making Family Travel an Adventure

Virginia Road Trip: Exploring the State Along I-81

As a near life-long Northern Virginian, I know there’s a lot to love about Virginia (I mean hello, Virginia is for Lovers ). I also know that most visitors, and in-state residents, give a lot of love to the east side of the state, like Williamsburg , Richmond and Virginia Beach .

I can tell you, however, that the west side deserves its fair share of love. In April, we took a week-long road trip along I-81 from Northern Virginia to Abingdon (a few miles from the Tennessee border). There were waterfalls, wild ponies, trail towns and intensely scenic views.

We started our adventure in Natural Bridge, home to one of Virginia’s newest state parks, Natural Bridge State Park . Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, Natural Bridge stands 215 feet tall and is basically a limestone gorge carved out by the creek below.

It’s not a big park. There are three trails, but really, the one most visitors traverse is the out-and-back Cedar Creek Trail that’s just 1.6 miles round-trip. It’s short, sweet and the payoff is a waterfall at the turnaround point. There’s also a Monacan Village along the trail, a replica of sacred land once owned by the Monacan Indians in the late-1700s.

We stayed literally across the parking lot at the Natural Bridge Historic Hotel . It was quite a beautiful hotel with two restaurants, which was perfect for dinner, then breakfast the next day. On Saturdays, you can buy a s’mores kit for roasting at the fire pit at 7 pm. Fun.

Our next stop was the drive-through Virginia Safari Park . So much fun. It takes about an hour to drive through the safari park, including time to feed the llamas, buffalos and emus that pop their heads into your car windows. Be sure to buy some feed when you buy your tickets.

It was raining a bit when we arrived at the safari park, so we had our windows closed much of the time, at least when we weren’t feeding the animals. Still, animals would approach and peer in, breathing heavily on the windows, waiting for us to roll them down and place our feed buckets out the windows.

I’m certain these animals worked in teams too. We couldn’t drive more than a few dozen yards before approaching another group whose leader would center himself in front of our car while his cohorts immediately positioned themselves on either side of our vehicle. We basically couldn’t move forward until they let us move forward (after we fed them, that is). Very clever.

From here, we drove a short distance to downtown Lexington for a tour of Stonewall Jackson House .  Interestingly, this tour is not about Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, but rather Jackson’s pre-war life as a professor at Virginia Military Institute before he became known for his role in the Civil War. He was also an avid gardener. I felt a bit duped, but it was still quite interesting.

Our next stop was Washington & Lee University for a quick stop in the chapel where Robert E. Lee is buried. Then it was time to go since there was a tornado watch. C’est la vie.

We ate dinner at the Pink Cadillac Diner in Glasgow, about halfway between Lexington and Natural Bridge. There aren’t a lot of restaurants in the area, but this one is a favorite. There’s also an ice cream shop, so yes, it’s a must stop. Yum.

If you get a chance, a couple of other cool stops in Natural Bridge are the Natural Bridge Zoo and Dinosaur Kingdom II . Unfortunately, we were about a month too early for a visit to see dinosaurs and other wacky sculptures.

From Natural Bridge, we slowly made our way to Roanoke. I originally wanted to go paddling in nearby Buchanan, but poor weather made it not to be. It was cold and blustery, so we made a quick stop for the 366-foot-long Buchanan Swinging Bridge. Not the best idea on such a windy day, but still a fun spot. I mean really, why not.

Next, we made our way onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Umm, gorgeous. Also, windy. It was so beautiful in April, even when so little was in bloom. I can only imagine how scenic it must be when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. WOW.

I’m pretty sure I stopped at at least a half-dozen viewpoints. The kids got out of the car at the first one or two, then realized that yes, they all do look pretty much the same. Eventually we made it to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Roanoke. It was worth a stop for some cool topographic maps.

As we rolled into Roanoke , it was lunchtime, which meant Texas Tavern . It’s a longtime Roanoke establishment that sells burgers and bowls of chili for less than $2 each. Then there was the Cheesy Western. It’s a burger patty, an egg, a slice of cheese and pickles and/or relish (I’m not sure which). Let’s just say it was very awesome.

After lunch, we hiked the Star Trail at Mill Mountain Park. It’s kind of a must-do when in Roanoke. It’s a 3.7-mile out-and-back trail to reach the Mill Mountain Star , the world’s largest man-made star that stands 100 feet tall. The hike was mostly uphill, so my kids weren’t excited about every moment of the hike, but it was still worth doing while in Roanoke.

At the top, there’s also a small parking lot and restrooms, so you can drive to the top to take in the views of downtown Roanoke down below. The views were nice at mid-day, but I imagine they’re even more spectacular at sunset. Maybe next time.

That night, we were all about baseball. As in, minor league baseball. The Salem Red Sox play not 20 minutes from Roanoke. It was chillier than we would have liked, but we made it through four innings and that was plenty. We also got to snap a few pics with team mascot, Mugsy.

Visitors to Roanoke are fortunate that the city has Center in the Square , which houses several different museums in one building, including the Science Museum of Western Virginia and the Roanoke Pinball Museum . There’s also a children’s museum called Kids Square .

We started the day at the Science Museum, which occupies the fourth and fifth floors of Center in the Square. Here you’ll find loads of hands-on exhibits, like a Healthy Bodies Gallery that teaches kids about blood cells and human organs. Meanwhile, Toy Joy has a super-sized Lite-Brite and LEGO bricks. There are also race car track pieces so you can build your own track.

Our next stop was the Roanoke Pinball Museum on the second floor of Center in the Square. There were lots of old school pinball games with signage noting the year of the game and the designer, but this was definitely more pinball than museum. There were at least two dozen pinball games. One entry fee lets you play all day (you can even leave and return).

While in Roanoke, we stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke-Downtown. Just a block or two from Center in the Square, the location could not have been more perfect. It was also an easy walk from lots of restaurants, boutiques and a historic farmers market.

Maybe the best thing about this particular hotel – at least according to my kids – is the game room. It was lucky that no one else wanted to play video games because my kids were in there playing FIFA nearly every moment we weren’t doing something away from the hotel.

Speaking of being away from the hotel, I knew my kids weren’t up for another hike just yet, so I took off to hike the nearby Buzzard Rock Trail at Read Mountain . This 3.6-mile out-and-back hike was also incredible thanks to sweeping views of trees and mountains off in the distance. I kind of enjoyed being on my own for this one. It was so good for the soul.

The next day we were off to Abingdon , but not without first making a stop at Grayson Highlands State Park to see the wild ponies along the Appalachian Trail. I’d been looking forward to a stop here since I started planning this trip and it did not disappoint. There were wild ponies aplenty, many just steps off the trail.

Grayson Highlands State Park is about 2.5 hours by car from Roanoke. Much of the route is south along I-81, but then you may want to pop the Dramamine. The last hour of the drive is along small, winding roads. The scenery is beautiful, but I was ready to get out of the car.

Hike along the Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers, the highest mountain in Virginia. I so wanted to do this, but it was about four miles longer (round-trip) than my kids were willing to hike. Oh well. Another day, for sure.

Abingdon is fairly well-known for the Virginia Creeper Trail , a 34-mile rail trail that travels through Damascus (aka Trail Town USA) and on to White Top Station. While 34 miles does seem daunting, particularly when you need to return, there is a secret.

We knew we wanted to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail, but we weren’t up for a 68-mile round-trip ride and weren’t totally sure where to pick up the trail and where to turn around. I was glad to find the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop when planning out our trip on Google.

I had always planned to rent bikes, but had no idea there was a shuttle service, which was completely perfect, making for a 17-mile all downhill bike ride that day. The shuttle loaded up our bikes and hauled us to the trailhead at White Top Station. It was about a 45-minute drive in the van (again, windy roads), but then we were off and riding down the hill.

It took maybe two hours to go 17 miles to Damascus where there were a handful of good lunch spots to choose from before meeting the van for the short drive back to Abingdon. If you get a chance to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail, this is definitely the way to go.

The plan was for all of us to go hiking at Hungry Mother State Park the next day, but major rain showers were in the forecast, so I dropped my husband and kids back at the Comfort Suites in Abingdon and drove an hour to the state park. Trust me, they were more than happy to spend the afternoon in the hotel pool while I went off for yet another hike.

Hungry Mother State Park is a beautiful state park and I was set on hiking the Molly’s Knob Trail . It was just under four miles and rated as difficult. It wasn’t long after I set out that I whole-heartedly agreed with their rating. It was very steep, increasing 1,000 feet in elevation over the course of the hike.

However, the payoff was huge. As in, 180-degree scenic views. It was easily one of the most beautiful overlooks I’d hiked to, so I was so glad I didn’t miss out on this one. I’m definitely eager to return to this park too for hiking, swimming and boating. There’s even a sandy beach for simply playing and relaxing.

Once I made it back to the trailhead, I got back in the car for Abingdon, but not without a quick stop in Marion to snap a photo of the town’s LOVE sign, of course.

On the last day of our road trip, the rain fell as expected, which is too bad since we’d hoped to go to the small town of Tazewell to see Burke’s Garden . Also known as God’s Thumbprint, this lush valley is supposed to be quite breathtaking. Given the pouring rain, I thought a visit would have to wait another day.

Instead, we got back on I-81 and headed north, making one short stop at James Madison University to walk around and explore the campus. It was a nice place to get out and move around. They even had a Starbucks in the library. Nice.

Have you explored Virginia by on a road trip? I’d love to hear about your favorite, must-do activities. Please let me know in the comments section below.

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Privacy Overview

Interstate 81 (I-81)

Interstate 81 stretches for 325 miles between the Tennessee and West Virginia borders, parallel to I-11. The route of the primary north-south road west of the Blue Ridge is actually northeast-southwest. The northern end of the highway in Virginia is 200 miles east of the southern end.

The interstate exits are numbered starting at the southern end; Exit 323 is just south of the West Virginia border. I-77 and I-81 overlap for almost nine miles east of Wytheville. I-64 and I-84 overlap for over 30 miles between Staunton and Lexington.

I-81 was built between 1957 and 1971 as a four-line highway. It has been widened to six lanes from the Tennessee border to Exit 7 near Bristol and where I-77 and I-81 overlap. In addition, truck climbing lanes have been completed near Christiansburg and Fairfield. 1

Travel is unreliable because of incidents, which cause 50% of delays. That percentage contrasts with other interstates in Virginia, where recurring delays during rush hour can be anticipated and incidents cause just 16% of delays.

Engineers assumed only 15% of the traffic on I-81 would be trucks, but by 2000 they composed 40% of the traffic. In 2007, the state completed origin-destination surveys at the two truck weighing stations on I-81 at Troutville and Stephens City, and determined that 62% of the trucks were passing through Virginia rather than picking up or delivering a load within the state.

In 2019, truck traffic was growing faster than passenger car traffic. The percentage of accidents related to heavy trucks (26%) was the highest of any Virginia interstate, and about 45 times each year incidents created four-hour delays on the highway. Experienced drivers, including those going back and forth from colleges along the interstate, knew to make a rest stop before a gas tank was less than half-full or anyone's bladder was more than half-full. 2

In 1997, the Virginia Department of Transportation proposed widening I-81 to six lanes, except for 75 miles which would be expanded to eight lanes. The price tag was over $3 billion, and the proposal was not funded by the General Assembly. Instead, it ordered studies on intermodal transportation options to study the potential to divert traffic off I-81 and onto the Norfolk Southern railroad line that runs on the east side of the Blue Ridge before crossing into the Shenandoah Valley at Front Royal.

Those studies calculated that only 1-2% of passenger traffic could be diverted, but 10% of freight might shift to rail. Norfolk Southern estimated that it would have to spend over $1 billion to increase capacity in order to carry the extra freight. 3

In 2002, the General Assembly created special transportation districts for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads and planned for extra taxes to fund transportation projects. The conservative legislators from the western part of the state were less willing to increase taxes, so no special district or funding mechanism was provided for upgrading I-81.

Seeing an opportunity, a consortium of private companies known as STAR Solutions submitted a proposal based on Virginia's Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995. The companies would build two new truck-only lanes and widen I-81's regular lanes in urban areas to improve safety and reduce congestion. Tolls on the truck-only lanes would fund the costs and make the project profitable for the consortium.

The Virginia Department of Transportation then invited other companies to submit proposals, and required that they consider a multi-modal solution including railroad freight diversion. Two companies submitted bids in 2003. The proposal from a consortium known as Fluor Virginia proposed to add two car-only lanes in the interstate median, at an estimated cost of $1.8 billion. The other proposal from STAR Solutions proposed to rebuild I-81 into an eight-lane highway, with four lanes dedicated to truck traffic, at an estimated cost of $6-$7 billion.

Virginia chose to partner with the STAR Solutions consortium, but the Federal Highway Administration required the Virginia Department of Transportation to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before signing a contract to build anything. The draft study, completed in 2005, examined over 200 different ways to expand road and rail capacity to reduce congestion on I-81. Proposals included widening the existing road, building separate lanes, and various combinations of wider/separate lanes to expand capacity between separate interchanges. Drivers seeking to avoid a toll on I-81 were expected to increase traffic on local roads, especially Route 11, but the highway engineers calculated that in most spots the existing local roads would not become excessively crowded. 4

The final version of the Environmental Impact Statement was released in 2007. Before the state finalized a contract to proceed, the STAR Solutions consortium split apart. Negotiations for the public-private partnership ceased, and the 2008 recession constrained funding. The need to improve safety and reduce congestion continued, however. 5

A 2010 study examined use of conventional intermodal transfer technology and also "open technology" that rolls truck bodies onto and off of railcars, allowing transport of gasoline tankers. Improvements were proposed to both the Shenandoah Line west of the Blue Ridge and the Piedmont Line east of the mountains, and full implementation would go beyond plans of Norfolk Southern to upgrade its Crescent Corridor. That 2010 study was more comprehensive, and explored increasing capacity between Knoxville, Tennessee and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in order to intercept traffic moving more than 500 miles.

The 2010 study concluded that full implementation of five different strategies could divert nearly 40% of truck traffic off I-81. Traffic going southeast-northwest, such as from Hampton Roads to Chicago or from Charlotte to Columbus, would not be intercepted, but long-haul and even short-haul freight headed southwest-northeast could shift to rail. The two major concerns of shippers were prince and on-time performance. Trucks were more reliable for on-time performance, but slow (30 miles per hour) trains could capture business because of their lower costs.

Implementing all five strategies could be done in sequence, and would cost $9 billion in Virginia and over $13 billion in other states for improving rail infrastructure and intermodal rail terminals. The most feasible option was to implement just the first strategy, to spend about $500 million to upgrade the Crescent Corridor capacity to handle more conventional long-haul intermodal traffic at traditional railroad speeds. That could divert more than 10% of the targeted truck traffic on I-81, a minimum of 1,255 trucks per day. 6

In 2018, the General Assembly directed the Commonwealth Transportation Board to develop an Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Plan with proposals to fund implementation. By the end of the year, the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved the plan with $2.2 billion in priority improvements along the 325 miles of I-81 in Virginia.

At the start of the 2019 General Assembly session, Governor Northam and key legislators announced a plan to use toll revenue, paid primarily by trucks, to fund the projects. Six toll gantries would be located 50 miles from each other on I-81 to collect tolls electronically.

Heavy trucks could end up paying over $55 each time they drove the entire length of I-81. The toll proposal included creating a $30 pass that would authorize unlimited use by cars for a year.

The Virginia Trucking Association argued that tolls were an inefficient way to collect revenue, and claimed trucks would bypass toll gantries by using parallel roads such as US 11. Residents living near I-81 objected to converting the freeway into a toll road, and the potential increase in local traffic from vehicles avoiding the six toll gantries. Northern Virginia legislators objected to the annual $30 pass for unlimited use, since residents in their districts were paying tolls every day for use of I-95, I-495, I-66, Dulles Toll Road, and the Dulles Greenway.

In the next session in 2019, the legislators could not agree on using tolls to provide the funding. The solution appeared in April, 2019. Governor Northam amended a bill to conduct another study and proposed to raise taxes instead of rely upon toll revenue, and the General Assembly quickly endorsed the revision. The trucking industry supported statewide increases in truck registration fees, a state surcharge on the road tax paid by trucking companies under the International Fuel Tax Agreement, and an increase in diesel fuel taxes.

The localities along the I-81 in Planning Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will collect a regional 2.1% fuels tax. The gasoline tax will raise about $150 million annually, and that revenue can be used to finance bonds and raise a large sum of money quickly. Unlike the transportation districts created for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, there was no increase in the sales tax to raise more funding dedicated to transportation.

A benchmark base price was defined for the fuel taxes, to ensure revenue would not drop below a defined threshold. February 2013 prices were set as the minimum for applying the taxes. Not coincidentally, prices had dropped about $1/gallon since then. Without setting that 2013 benchmark, Virginia would have collected significantly lower tax revenue based on 2019 prices.

Part of the legislation included statewide increases in registration fees and road use taxes on commercial trucks, and diesel fuel taxes. Those increases provided new funding for not just I-81, but also for I-95/I-395/I-495 and I-66/I-264/I-664.

The increases were projected to generate $150 million annually for the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Fund. The revenue generated by the increase in statewide fees and diesel taxes is distributed based on truck miles traveled on interstate highways, so there will be $40 million annually in new funds for I-95, $28 million for I-64, $20 million for the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and over $40 million for other interstate projects. 7

To negotiate regional priorities and allocate the funding for I-81 projects, the General Assembly created the Interstate 81 Committee. The 15 elected officials on it will determine the hottest of hotspots, and ensure that each part of the corridor regularly gets some benefits from the extra taxes. 8

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Interstate 81 Exit Guide

Gas stations, navigate exits, navigate cities.

Traffic tip for President Biden’s visit Thursday: Avoid I-81

S yracuse, N.Y. — Drivers should seriously consider not using Interstate 81 Thursday afternoon to avoid closures and delays caused by President Biden’s visit to Syracuse.

Closures of parts of I-81 are expected to cause massive traffic delays.

Biden will visit Syracuse to talk about the CHIPS and Science Act that lured Micron Technology to Central New York. The speech is at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology.

Starting around noon until around 1:30 p.m. Thursday I-81 south with be closed from Route 481 to Franklin Street in Syracuse, said Sgt. Jack Keller, a State Police spokesperson. That’s 7.5 miles of the interstate.

I-81 North will be closed from I-690 to the Syracuse Airport exit from around 2:45 to 3:45 p.m., Keller said. That’s about 5 miles of the highway.

When Biden last visited Syracuse in October 2022, the president’s exit from the city caused massive traffic backups on I-690 West.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at [email protected] .

©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit syracuse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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VSP cracking down on distracted drivers on Interstate-81 as part of ‘Operation DISS-rupt’

The goal is to achieve zero fatal crashes during the designated enforcement period.

Duke Carter , Anchor/Reporter

The goal is to prevent distracted driving — Thursday and Friday, Virginia State Police will disrupt bad driving behaviors.

Virginia State Police said the goal of “Operation DISS-rupt” is to achieve zero fatal crashes during the designated enforcement period.

Have the day's biggest stories arrive in your inbox every day at 8 p.m.

One driving behavior police want to address is ditching distractions like cell phones while driving.

It doesn’t matter where drivers are going, they said they want to be safe on the roads.

Drivers 10 News spoke with said they have seen some following the rules.

“Pretty much, pretty much, kind of pushing that speed limit a little bit, it’s 70 but folks are doing 75,” Jim Ezrow said.

Matt Demlein with Virginia State Police said troopers will enforce drivers to ditch distractions, never drive impaired, comply with speed limits, and wear seat belts.

“All of which lead to potential injuries on the road, crashes, and potential deaths,” Demlein said.

Virginia State Police said speed-related crashes claimed roughly 441 crashes in 2022.

They said preliminary numbers show so far, 225 drivers have passed away this year.

State Police will patrol the interstate to try and reduce the number of fatal traffic accidents.

“What we want people to do, buckle up, not drive impaired,” Ezrow said.

Copyright 2024 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

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Duke carter.

Duke Carter returned to 10 News in January 2022.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Interstate 81

Connecting Binghamton, Syracuse and Watertown, Interstate 81 travels 183 miles north across central Upstate New York. The rural freeway joins eastern reaches of the Finger Lakes Region with Fort Drum and Ontario, Canada. I-81 combines with I-86/NY 17 west to the Chenango River north of Downtown Binghamton. I-88 connects with I-81 north from there in the town of Chenango.

Through Syracuse, Interstate 81 leads directly to Downtown, where it converges with I-690 along an extended viaduct. Nearing the end of its lifespan, a study outlined demolishing the elevated roadway instead of replacing it due to high costs. Known as the "Community Grid" the proposal replaces I-81 with an urban boulevard while realigning Interstate 81 to the east over I-481. The freeway leading south into Syracuse along I-81 will be renumbered as part of Business Loop I-81.

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Only a short section of Interstate 81 was completed between Binghamton and Syracuse in 1964.

Interstate 81 under construction north of Watertown in 1965.

Initial construction on what would become apart of I-81 started in 1954. Located in Broome and Courtland Counties, the final gap along the route in Upstate New York was a 17 mile long segment completed in 1968. Constructed from early 1969 to 1971, the last section of Interstate 81 opened to traffic was the four mile stretch crossing Wellesley Island north to the Canadian border. Representing the longest continuous toll free Interstate within the Empire State at the time, I-81 cost $270 million to build. 1

• Interstate 81 History. http://www.upstatenyroads.com/ i81history1.shtml The Upstate New York Roads Site.

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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