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Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Return Loop

A scenic journey through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, featuring the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park. This route balances historic landmarks with breathtaking mountain vistas and elevated dining experiences.

6days
12stops
1608km

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Alexandria · Charlottesville · Bedford · Staunton · Shenandoah National Park — start and end in Monsey.

DAY01

Monsey → Old Town Alexandria

415 km · 4h 24m driving · Overnight in Old Town Alexandria
  1. 09:00
    Monsey· start
  2. 404 km · 4h 9m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ National Mall
  4. 11 km · 15m
  5. 15:00
    Old Town Alexandria· overnight
DAY02

Old Town Alexandria → Downtown Mall Charlottesville

186 km · 2h 27m driving · Overnight in Downtown Mall Charlottesville
  1. 09:00
    Old Town Alexandria· start
  2. 179 km · 2h 15m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Monticello
  4. 7 km · 12m
  5. 15:00
    Downtown Mall Charlottesville· overnight
DAY03

Downtown Mall Charlottesville → Peaks of Otter

184 km · 2h 5m driving · Overnight in Peaks of Otter
  1. 09:00
    Downtown Mall Charlottesville· start
  2. 48 km · 35m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Humpback Rocks
  4. 135 km · 1h 30m
  5. 15:00
    Peaks of Otter· overnight
DAY04

Peaks of Otter → Staunton

112 km · 1h 20m driving · Overnight in Staunton Historic District
  1. 09:00
    Peaks of Otter· start
  2. 35 km · 32m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Natural Bridge
  4. 77 km · 48m
  5. 15:00
    Staunton Historic District· overnight
DAY05

Staunton → Big Meadows Lodge

124 km · 1h 53m driving · Overnight in Big Meadows Lodge
  1. 09:00
    Staunton Historic District· start
  2. 108 km · 1h 34m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Skyland Resort Dining Room
  4. 16 km · 19m
  5. 15:00
    Big Meadows Lodge· overnight
DAY06

Big Meadows Lodge → Monsey

587 km · 6h 33m driving · long drive
  1. 09:00
    Big Meadows Lodge· start
  2. 45 km · 49m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Elkwallow Wayside
  4. 542 km · 5h 44m
  5. 15:00
    Monsey
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Day 1Stay in Alexandria · Night 1
  2. Day 2Stay in Charlottesville · Night 2
  3. Day 3Stay in Bedford · Night 3
  4. Days 4–5Stay in Staunton · Nights 4-5
Heads Up
  • Day 6: 6h 32m driving — plan rest stops
  • Check the National Park Service website for seasonal closures on Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway.
  • Expect slower speeds and frequent wildlife crossings within the national park boundaries.
  • Book mountain-view dining reservations in advance, especially during peak foliage or summer weekends.