Scenic Drives &
Motorcycle Tours

Drive or Ride Along

On a Sunny Day

The rolling hills of Augusta County are bucolic, calling one and all to drive or ride along on a sunny day. Five favorite Virginia scenic drives roll through Augusta County. Start here and be on the lookout for a historical, in-depth itinerary of this classic drive courtesy of the Augusta County Historical Society in its Augusta Highways and Byways program.

Route 608

From Vesuvius to Grottoes, Route 608 ushers drivers and motorcyclists past farms and into communities like Stuarts Draft where The Cheese Shop and Milmont Greenhouses are a regional draw. Farther north along the route in New Hope, the Battle of Piedmont was waged on June 5, 1864. Nearly 2,400 lives were lost that day and more than 1,000 Confederate soldiers were captured by General David Hunter.

Route 42

From Goshen to Bridgewater, Route 42 meanders along the Little Calfpasture River and through the small communities of Craigsville, Buffalo Gap, and Churchville. “Mom and Pop” establishments dot the route. Seek out Unbridled Souls BBQ for a meal and sweet treat, then once you’ve driven through Churchville and are back on 42, watch for Route 731 to Mt. Solon. Shift your course in that direction to arrive at Natural Chimneys Park & Campground, home of our favorite geological feature and Red Wing Roots Music Festival.

Route 250

Pushing westward from Churchville to Monterey, Route 250 is known as the Virginia Valley & Mountains corridor for the Virginia Civil War Trails. The drive climbs through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and leads to some of the area’s best hikes. Take a brunch, lunch or dinner break at The Buckhorn Inn & Tavern, a restaurant and Bed & Breakfast with a history dating back to 1811.

Route 252 & Beyond

From downtown Staunton, Route 252 leads south to the historic village of Middlebrook where a stop at the 1800s Middlebrook General Store is an absolute must. It’s a great place to get a snack or quick lunch. Travel east on Route 670 and follow the road right as it turns into Route 662. From that point, look for Route 673 to visit Springdale Water Gardens, a water garden nursery offering demonstrations and water features and more.

Route 11

Take Route 11 to experience what was once known as the Great Wagon Road and then Valley Pike along Virginia’s Heritage Migration Route. Route 11 now offers visitors multiple opportunities to experience history and fun. Take a stop at Valley Pike Farm Market for local goods and then pop into a museum to look back. Make sure to visit the Factory Antique Mall, the largest antique space in America.

The Official Guide to Augusta County

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY IS Calling

The Official Guide to Augusta County and the online directory are the ultimate resources for visitors and residents looking to explore Augusta County and its surroundings. Whether you’re exploring alone, looking for family fun, or planning a gateway in nature, the guide and directory have suggestions for the best scenic routes, outdoor activities, shopping, local eateries and more. Click the links below for Augusta’s scenic drive tours.

Read the Guide Explore Directory

All August, All Outside