I happen to think Western Loudoun is one of the most beautiful and interesting places to explore in the country. Fall is my favorite time of the year and I have put together my top five most scenic drives. If you are not from Loudoun or even if you have lived here your entire life, take an hour or the whole day and meander down some of these great back roads. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Snickersville Turnpike – Stretching from Rt 50 in Aldie to Rt 7 in Bluemont, Snickersville Turnpike passes through civil war battlefields, bucolic farms, charming small villages and some of the best views of the Blue Ridge. I suggest starting at Brassicas Farm Fresh Market & Cafe (39333 John Mosby Hwy, Aldie VA). Open 7am-6pm. From there head west to right on Snickersville Turnpike. Stop and read the civil war battle markers, pass by these beautiful farms and take in the stunning views. Right before you get to Bluemont take a left on Foggy Bottom Road. Make a pit stop at Dirt Farm Brewing (18701 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont VA). Open 12-6pm. I love the setting up there and the views are the best in the county.
Foxcroft Road – This charming road starts in Unison and ends in Middleburg. You can feel the history of Loudoun as you drive past the stone walls and black board fencing. You will pass by the entrance to Foxcroft School, an all girls boarding school established in 1914. Finally ending up in Middleburg, don’t miss the chance to stroll around this super charming town. Before you head out stop by Salamander Resort (500 North Pendleton St., Middleburg VA) and sit in one of the adirondack chairs around the fire pit and enjoy the vistas.
Charles Town Pike – Starting in Paeonian Springs and continuing into West Virginia, this is the beating heart of Loudoun’s wine trail. The stretch between Berlin Turnpike and Hillsboro takes my breath away no matter what the season is. Be sure to stop at the super cute Stoneybrook Farm and Market (37091 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro VA). Hillsborough Vineyards (36716 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville VA) has really great views and a tasty wine selection. After passing through Hillsboro, bear right on Harper’s Ferry Road. Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Short Hill Mountains, this is such a beautiful road and you will find about 5 more wineries from all different sizes.
Waterford Trail – Start at The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards (16804 Hamilton Station Rd., Hamilton VA), after that head north on Hamilton Station Rd, cross over Rt 9 and continue on Hamilton Station Rd., left on Clarkes Gap Rd and head towards Waterford. Make sure you make a stop in the village of Waterford. This is one of the few National Historic Landmarks in the country and it is so worth stopping and walking around. Founded in 1733, Waterford has fought hard to preserve the buildings and open space surrounding the village. After visiting Waterford, head right on Loyalty Rd to right on Stumptown Rd. Eventually Stumptown Rd will end up on Rt 15 in Lucketts. Take a left on Rt 15 and check out The Old Lucketts Store (42350 Lucketts Rd., Leesburg Va) Open 10am-5pm. If you love vintage treasures and revitalized antiques, you will love The Old Lucketts Store.
Blue Ridge Mountain Rd/Raven Rocks Rd – These two roads run along the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Heading west on Rt. 7, turn right on Raven Rocks Rd (not too far down the road it will end and you will have to do a U turn). The reason these roads make my list is because they are filled with charming stone homes that date back to when Bluemont was the end of the W, O and D railroad. At that time, Bluemont was an escape from the heat of the city. There were many summer homes throughout the mountaintop. Stop at Twin Oaks Winery (which is technically Clarke County and they stay open an hour later than the Loudoun wineries). This is a great stop to check out the sunset and great views of the Shenandoah Valley. The address is 18035 Raven Rocks Rd, Bluemont VA. Cross Rt 7 and the road changes name to Blue Ridge Mountain Rd., look for signs that say Bears Den (18393 Blue Ridge Mountain Rd., Bluemont, VA). Bears Den is owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and you can park here and take a short (or long) hike to a west ward facing overlook of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. Meander along Blue Ridge Mountain Rd and it will eventually end on Rt 50.
