WanderLove: The Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide to Virginia's Scenic Mountains
Wanderlust means a strong desire to travel, but in Virginia, we call it WanderLove. Even with travel evolving post-2020, Virginia's boundless beauty awaits via epic road trips. Discover our top scenic routes packed with outdoor adventures, historic sites, dining, and lodging for your perfect itinerary.
Experience this family-friendly road trip through Virginia's mountains for a relaxing getaway everyone will cherish!
**Note: Hours and closures may vary; contact businesses directly for the latest information.
DAY 1: Explore Park & Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Launch your journey in Virginia's breathtaking Blue Ridge near Roanoke. Begin at Explore Park along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a full day of family fun. Kids 4+ and adults rave about the Treetop Quest ropes course—equipment sanitized between uses, with distanced, outdoor paths. Options suit all ages, from kid-friendly to challenging treks.
Next, tube the river with Blue Mountain Adventures. Gentle rapids allow independent rides for ages 7+, ideal for social distancing. Endless activities await in these mountains!
Prefer culture? Visit the Roanoke Star, Mill Mountain Zoo (daily 10am-5pm), Center In The Square, Roanoke Pinball Museum, or Roanoke Starcade.
For dinner, try Wildflour Cafe, Tuco’s Taqueria, Taaza, or Cedar’s Lebanese—many offer carryout for outdoor picnics. Stay at Natural Bridge KOA, a family haven with spacious sites, full RV hookups, and private cabins for comfort and privacy.
DAY 2: Natural Bridge & Rockbridge County
Morning: Scenic drive through Goshen Pass. Pull over for Maury River views; fish, swim, hike, or tube as time allows—diverse mountain pursuits abound.
Thu-Sun: Stop at Wade’s Mill, Virginia’s oldest grist mill, for fresh grains.
Lunch at Pink Cadillac Diner, then Natural Bridge State Park. Marvel at the 215-foot limestone arch by Cedar Creek, a Thomas Jefferson-owned National Historic Landmark. Fees: $6 (6-12), $9 (13+).
Hike Cedar Creek Trail to a 30-foot waterfall (1.6 miles RT, easy). Wade in shallows, cross to a cave. Note: Monacan Indian Village viewing from trail only.
Return to Natural Bridge KOA for evening relaxation.
DAY 3: Virginia Safari Park & Downtown Lexington
Drive-thru safari at Virginia Safari Park—animals approach your vehicle for feeding fun, conveniently near your campground.
Head to Lexington for lunch and exploration. Home to Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, this college town charms with historic streets.
Stroll downtown, visit Boxerwood Nature Center if open, or admire architecture by car.
Final night at Natural Bridge KOA.
DAY 4: Covington & the Alleghany Highlands
Drive to Alleghany Highlands. In Covington, snap pics at Main Street LOVEwork, then Eastern National Children’s Forest—planted by kids post-wildfire.
Lunch: Cucci’s Pizzeria’s massive pies.
Visit Humpback Bridge LOVEwork (oldest covered bridge in VA, National Historic Site). Wade, skip rocks nearby.
See 80-foot Falling Spring Waterfall—easy parking lot viewpoint.
Camp at Morris Hill at Lake Moomaw—tree-shaded sites. Bear safety: Secure food/trash.
DAY 5: Alleghany Highlands Adventures
Bike Jackson River Scenic Trail (rentals at Alleghany Outdoors, ages 10+; family-friendly gravel, 1% grade). Kayak Jackson River (ages 8+; shorter options). Or cross swinging bridge.
End at Coles Point Beach, Lake Moomaw—sandy shore for swimming, picnics, sunsets. Return to Morris Hill.
