Who’s up for a road trip?

Today’s itinerary will take you to a special corner of the Shenandoah Valley, where you’ll find a winding road immersed in some beautiful scenery. Virginia’s Wilderness Road, also known as Route 11, is steeped in both beauty and history. Take the 50-mile stretch between the towns of Natural Bridge and Staunton and you’ll find enough stops along the way to impress just about everyone. Here’s more on how you can spend a perfect day exploring Virginia on the Wilderness Road.

Spend any amount of time in Virginia, and you'll soon come to realize that the backroads and lesser-traveled routes make for a more rewarding journey, even if they aren't the most convenient. That's certainly the case with Route 11: Virginia's Wilderness Road.
David Clow / flickr
The Wilderness Road is among the most historic of Virginia's routes. Hundreds of years ago, it was used by migrating bison and Native American hunting groups. Later, it was named the Wilderness Road by those looking to head westward from larger cities on the East Coast.
Our scenic itinerary begins at Natural Bridge State Park. The recently-opened park surrounds its namesake, Virginia's most impressive naturally-formed stone arch.
soozums / flickr
After leaving Natural Bridge, you'll enjoy the drive through Rockbridge County as you make your way to the small college town, Lexington.
Kipp Teague / flickr

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Despite being a small town, Lexington is chock-full of history and charm. Local coffee roasteries, museums, galleries, and restaurants await.
Kipp Teague / flickr
If you're looking to extend your trip, you might consider spending the night at the Georges, which was recently ranked among the best hotels in the world.
On your way out of town, you'll want to spend some time at Devil's Backbone Brewery. This local outpost is known for its laid-back atmosphere and award-winning beer. Plus, just look at those nachos!
Nathan Glomb / Google
The final stop along this stretch of the Wilderness Road is the lovely town of Staunton. Similar to Lexington, this small Virginia town offers loads of activities and adventure. In fact, it was recently named as one of the South's best mountain towns.
Doug Kerr / flickr

Have you driven this portion of Route 11 recently? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! For related content, be sure to read all about the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory — it’s a must-visit!

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Wilderness Rd, Bristol, VA 24202, USA