Pedaling Through Virginia: Discovering the Soul of the Old Dominion

Virginia, with its rolling hills and winding roads, offers a cyclist's paradise. Here, you can lose yourself in landscapes that seem to have sprung from the pages of a Faulkner novel or an Edward Hopper painting. The backroads are where Virginia’s true essence reveals itself—where history whispers through ancient oaks and every turn brings new revelations.

Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 0 - Milepost 469)

Start your journey on one of America’s most scenic routes—the Blue Ridge Parkway. This road stretches from Afton Mountain (MP 0) near Waynesboro down to Cherokee in North Carolina but focus on the Virginian segment for now. As you pedal along this ribbon of asphalt, you'll find vistas that rival any landscape captured by Ansel Adams. The parkway is more than just a road; it’s an experience steeped in natural beauty and historical significance.

Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park)

Skyline Drive runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains within Shenandoah National Park (3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835). It’s not just about cycling here; it's about immersing yourself in nature's grandeur while pondering life’s deeper questions—a perfect setting for channeling your inner Thoreau.

Crozet Tunnel Greenway

For something offbeat yet historically rich, head to Crozet Tunnel Greenway (215 Afton Depot Lane Afton, VA 22920). This abandoned railway tunnel turned biking trail takes you through dark corridors echoing with tales from another era. Imagine Edgar Allan Poe penning "The Raven" as you navigate this eerie passage—it adds an element of gothic thrill to your ride.

Colonial Parkway

Connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown—the three points forming Virginia's Historic Triangle—is Colonial Parkway (Colonial Pkwy Williamsburg VA), a serene route flanked by dense forests and open fields dotted with colonial-era relics. Picture Thomas Jefferson drafting his letters at Monticello as you glide past these storied landmarks.

Mount Vernon Trail

If urban escapades are more your style without sacrificing greenery or history then Mount Vernon Trail should be next on your list(George Washington Memorial Pkwy Arlington VA). Stretching nearly eighteen miles alongside Potomac River offering stunning views across DC skyline culminating at George Washington estate itself this path seamlessly blends metropolitan vibrancy & pastoral tranquility much like Fitzgerald juxtaposed Jazz Age decadence against moral decay!

New River Trail State Park

Nestled away lies New River Trail State Park(116 Orphanage Dr Max Meadows Va)—a hidden gem running parallel old railroad bed spanning fifty-seven miles cutting through southwestern part state following contours namesake river! With each pedal stroke feel connected both earth beneath wheels sky above head reminiscent Frost poem Stopping Woods Snowy Evening invoking sense solitude peace only found amidst untouched wildernesses!

In conclusion dear reader remember: Cycling isn’t merely physical exercise rather spiritual journey allowing rediscovery oneself midst untamed splendor Mother Nature herself! So grab helmet mount trusty steed embark upon adventure awaits amongst Virginias lesser-trodden paths where every mile promises unveil new facet soul perhaps even inspire next great American novel...

# Websites:

- [Blue Ridge Parkway](https://www.blueridgeparkway.org)

- [Shenandoah National Park](https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm)

- [Crozet Tunnel Greenway](http://nelsoncounty.com/crozet-blue-ridge-tunnel/)

- [Colonial Parkway](https://www.nps.gov/colo/planyourvisit/colonialparkway.htm)

- [Mount Vernon Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mvt.htm)

- [New River Trail State Park](http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail)

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