The top cities between Knoxville and Washington DC are Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Charlottesville, Cherokee, Luray, Blowing Rock, Roanoke, Fredericksburg, Sevierville, and Frederick. Gatlinburg is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Knoxville and 8 hours from Washington DC.
Sevierville is an eastern Tennessee metropolis that boasts plentiful forest trails and cascading waterfalls within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which lies to the south. The Tennessee Museum of Aviation, containing a collection of vintage planes, including two rare P-47 Thunderbolts, can be found in downtown Sevierville. A beaux arts-style courthouse erected in 1896 stands nearby, featuring a statue honoring country music icon Dolly Parton, who hails from the area.
17% as popular as Gatlinburg
10 minutes off the main route, 6% of way to Washington DC
Pigeon Forge is a popular tourist destination located in eastern Tennessee, known for its mountain town vibe and numerous attractions. One of the most well-known spots is Dollywood, an Appalachian-themed amusement park created by country singer Dolly Parton, which includes thrilling rides, a water park and a museum featuring her costumes and memorabilia. Travelers can also enjoy various country music shows like Smoky Mountain Opry or dinner theaters such as Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.
97% as popular as Gatlinburg
20 minutes off the main route, 8% of way to Washington DC
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Gatlinburg, located in the eastern part of Tennessee, serves as an entry point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park spanning over 520,000 acres. This mountain town provides tourists with numerous attractions that offer panoramic views of the park surroundings. Among them are a 407-ft Space Needle observation tower and a 2.1-mile Sky Lift cable car that takes visitors from Downtown to Ober Gatlinburg - a well-known amusement park and ski resort destination.
Most popular city on this route
35 minutes off the main route, 10% of way to Washington DC
Cherokee, located in western North Carolina, is a town on the reservation of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Visitors can experience the 18th-century Cherokee lifestyle at Oconaluftee Indian Village through live demonstrations and watch the tribal story unfold at the outdoor Mountainside Theatre during summer performances of "Unto These Hills." The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers campgrounds and Appalachian hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
13% as popular as Gatlinburg
2 hours off the main route, 19% of way to Washington DC
Blowing Rock is a charming village in western North Carolina, located on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. It is named after a majestic formation called The Blowing Rock that offers breathtaking views of peaks, forests and the Johns River Gorge. Visitors can explore regional artwork at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum or visit the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which features a preserved country estate with a 1901 mansion.
7% as popular as Gatlinburg
1 hour off the main route, 31% of way to Washington DC
I'll never travel to Washington DC without this trip planner again
Roanoke is a city in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia. It’s known for the Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, a neon landmark overlooking the city from the summit of Mill Mountain. The surrounding park area is home to trails, picnic areas and the Mill Mountain Zoo. Downtown, the Taubman Museum of Art highlights work by American artists like Thomas Eakins and John Singer Sargent.
6% as popular as Gatlinburg
8 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Washington DC
Charlottesville, situated in Virginia, serves as a home to the University of Virginia renowned for its core campus that was designed by Thomas Jefferson. The city also houses Monticello - a mountain-top plantation belonging to Jefferson that features reconstructed slave quarters and a mansion, along with Highland - President James Monroe's former residence retaining numerous original furnishings. Additionally, Charlottesville is an access point to Shenandoah National Park located within the Blue Ridge Mountains region.
18% as popular as Gatlinburg
20 minutes off the main route, 67% of way to Washington DC
Luray, located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, is a charming town known for its natural and historical attractions. The famous Luray Caverns offer visitors the chance to explore vast underground cave systems with unique rock formations and the fascinating Great Stalacpipe Organ. The town also boasts the Luray Valley Museum featuring recreated 19th-century buildings and the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum showcasing vintage vehicles.
8% as popular as Gatlinburg
11 minutes off the main route, 75% of way to Washington DC
9
Fredericksburg
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Fredericksburg, located in Virginia along the Rappahannock River, is a city steeped in colonial and Civil War history. The area is home to the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, which encompasses four battlefields including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Additionally, the park features the Fredericksburg National Cemetery where thousands of Union soldiers are laid to rest.
4% as popular as Gatlinburg
23 minutes off the main route, 87% of way to Washington DC
Located in the western region of Maryland, Frederick is a city that boasts several fascinating attractions. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine offers immersive displays on medical care during battles, while the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum showcases a German colonial house from the 1750s alongside a heritage garden. Additionally, Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums features a manor house, log cabin and children’s museum for visitors to explore.
4% as popular as Gatlinburg
27 minutes off the main route, 87% of way to Washington DC
Best stops along Knoxville to Washington DC drive
The top stops along the way from Knoxville to Washington DC (with short detours) are Cades Cove, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, and Luray Caverns. Other popular stops include Grandfather Mountain, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Mill Mountain Star.
Cades Cove is a valley located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offers a scenic drive through preserved homesteads and churches, providing a glimpse into mountain life 150 years ago. The Cove's 11-mile loop allows for leisurely exploration, with opportunities to observe wildlife such as black bears along the way. Short trails provide additional access to the area's natural beauty. Take your time and soak in the history and stunning views of this popular destination.
Absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful scenery plus lots of wildlife we saw lots of deer, horses, turkey and plenty of other birds.
Jessica Peters — Google review
This was my third time being at Cades Cove in Tennessee. I've had the opportunity to see several black bears on each occasion. I got within 20 feet of one this time and got some great videos along with photos. There are also several deer along with other wildlife. The backdrop of the smoky mountains all around you is worthy of the trip as well. This is an 11 mile loop that you can drive at your own pace with several locations to pull off for photo opportunities.
Jamie Sharp — Google review
This was so much fun. Definitely bring snacks and drinks if you are going through in your car. It was such a cool experience to see how they lived. I loved getting out and going through the houses. It was also a great view of the mountains and wildlife. While we were driving through, there was a bear behind the fence, and it was awesome to see it so close. Another great thing is that a park ranger went to where the bear was spotted and made sure everyone and the bear was safe.
Ellie Wallace — Google review
One of my favorite places to go, to meditate and pray after a long week. Whether I see bears or not, I love the landscape and scenery, especially the clouds against the mountains.
Susan Shafer — Google review
A great drive though nature with beautiful sights at every turn. The loop is spectacular with trees, rapids filled streams and flowers where ever you look. The store and bicycle rental is convenient and fun to look through. They have a wide range of souvenirs and items for sale. A very peaceful place to visit or to camp.
Louis and Elaine — Google review
Beautiful place to vacation year-round,
Me and my family have been going as a tradition since the early 1950s from the hiking trails to the wildlife to having a peaceful ride around the loop, there is some thing for everyone, and I look forward to coming back every year!
Finley Martin — Google review
I wanted to see a bear so bad but I don’t think they are out too much yet. We did see lots of deer and turkey! It was a beautiful drive plus we managed to hit a quiet time so there wasn’t a ton of traffic yet either!
Holly — Google review
Many very nice sights to see! The views of the mountains are unbelievable! There are many smaller structures some dating back 200 years! Small pull offs and trails all along the way! We saw many deer, unfortunately no bears tho. The loop is one way with many sights to see! Definitely worth the drive!
David Schuwerk — Google review
When exploring the Smoky Mountain National Park, don't miss Cades Cove. It's 11-mile loop provides access to a variety of homesteads and churches that give insight to life in the mountains 150 years ago. Take your time. Enjoy the views. Read the signs. Look for wildlife. Allow yourself to be transported back in time to a much younger America.
James Aderman — Google review
This is another must visit attractions in great smoky mountains national park. This a very scenic 11 mile one way loop road that offers amazing views of the nature and wildlife. You can slowly drive along the loop road or even do biking. Cars are not allowed on Wednesday but you can bike or walk down the loop. Rest of the days cars are allowed. One can easily spend 2 to 4 hours depending on the slowness of traffic. Most of the times traffic slows down if they see any wildlife. There is a visitor center located half way the loop road where there is restroom and a small gift shop. Most of the times one can see bears, deers, turkeys, etc.,. There is also a information center at the start of the loop. This is definitely recommended.
Nareshkumar Acharya — Google review
Amazing views and chance to see wildlife! Get there early before traffic backs up too much and stop at restrooms at campground before you depart, could be long time till next restroom at visitors center.
Kent 19 — Google review
It was wonderful. We made the circle 3 times. In the first lap we enjoyed the nature and saw 2 coyotes, we started the second lap around 6:30 pm and we managed to see a black bear and lots of roe deer, and the third lap was magical because the meadows were full of fireflies. We haven't seen fireflies for a long time in our country, barely one a year and this was really magical for us. We enjoyed it, it was like being in a fairy tale. The road is 11 miles long and goes only one way, but since there is always a lot of cars, and everyone wants to see and take photo of both the scenery and animals, the first lap with few stops lasted 2 hours. We drove for almost 4 and a half hours and we are not sorry. We enjoyed it to the max. Must see for everyone.
Jelena Vujevi? — Google review
I've been wanting to go for years and it was great! Don't go in expecting to be out in under an hour. The loop is not meant to drive through fast and if you want to finish in under that, just don't go. You may see some wildlife but if people see a bear, they act ridiculous. If you're expecting to see a bear, you may want to just try a nature trail or short nearby trail. Bear sitings aren't always guaranteed.
J Hart — Google review
We had an awesome time driving through here! I came in the off season so it was slightly less crowded than usual, but still pretty busy. We saw two bears, some wild turkey, and a fox which was cool. Overall this was a super scenic drive that I would definitely recommend to anyone in the area!
Ethan Unverferth — Google review
Nice, fun loop to drive through. Daily access is super cheap and there's plenty of rest stops and bathrooms along the way. There's beautiful landscapes all around and plenty of critters abound. Just keep an eye out for the black bears, as when they show up, everyone is going to stop in their tracks and take pictures as they travel.
Sean Green — Google review
My husband and I hiked the Abrams Falls trail. The trail was absolutely beautiful and we had a wonderful time. The drive there, however, was a bit stressful. They have signs on the scenic loop saying not to stop. We got behind several people who stopped every time they saw a deer or sometimes for no reason at all. There are many areas that allow you to pull off the road to stop and look, but many people just stop in the road and no one can pass. The road is a single one way lane. We ended up taking about 30+ minutes to drive the short distance to the trail head. Leaving was even worse. So if you go, please be courteous and pull over if you want to stop to look.
Stephanie A Walker — Google review
Beautiful view. Go well fed, bring snacks for the kids, use the bathroom before you go. It's a one way loop with other cars and pulloffs. Don't stop in the road. Do stop at the visitor center, look up hours of operation and expect to spend more than an hour to make it through.
Kelly South — Google review
Breathtakingly beautiful scenery. We were hoping to see bears on our visit, but we didn't spot any this time. We enjoyed seeing deer and turkeys. The untouched vast landscapes are phenomenal. I'd highly recommend this drive to anyone.
Jennifer Sullivan — Google review
A must see scenic route! If fortunate, you’ll see wildlife. Note: sometimes it’s possible to not see any, but still give it a shot! You won’t be disappointed regardless because the scenery is breathtaking!
Jereomy Clark — Google review
I’ve been going here my entire life and it never gets old. Amazing views of scenery and wildlife. Ignore the review from the guy who said there were no restrooms on the loop, there are multiple restrooms along the loop. Check this place out.
Scottie Evans — Google review
One of our favorite places to go while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An easy to drive scenic loop full of beautiful nature, wildlife and history. If you are lucky you might even get to see a black bear.
Warren’s Reviews — Google review
I don’t understand the hype about driving through this valley. There are so many other beautiful areas of the park with breathtaking vistas. It is a good location if you want to see some old wood cabins and churches built by the first European settlers.
Carol matthews — Google review
Just visited in the beginning January and it was still absolutely beautiful. We even got to see some deer. Plan on spending 2 to 4 hours to see the whole loop And probably worse when it is busy. There is only one restroom I noticed on the whole loop. Definitely worth the visit.
Catherine Jones — Google review
Beautiful park and very friendly staff at the park store. We didn't see any bears because they were hibernating. We did see plenty of whitetail deer, though. Can't wait to go back in April when the bears are out.
Traveling Construction Superintendent — Google review
Always enjoy seeing the deer, foxes, bears, etc . Also, there are many rustic cabins, churches, and an old mill. Many trails to explore, a waterfall, an old cave, and many other things to see. During the warmer months, they have entertainment such as rustic music, srup, or molasses making at the visitors center at the halfway point
Philip Steen — Google review
This place is a gem!
If you end up going, don’t stop in the middle of the road!! There are places to pull off the road literally everywhere, yet folks were still stopping smack dab in the middle. It’s a one-way loop, and when you stop, you hold everyone up. Don’t be that person.
Keith Lawler — Google review
Cades cove always delivers awesome beautiful trip sad I didn't see a bear but very beautiful also if you visit please don't allow your children to write on things
Michelle Abbott — Google review
Beautiful place to visit especially if you have kids who love exploring and seeing animals. I do recommend going during the week and at lunchtime or later afternoon. Those have been the slowest times and we were able to explore without feeling rushed!
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers hikers and cyclists a peaceful 8-mile ride through the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail passes by sites where settlers and the loggers have left their mark on history, including an old mill site, a waterfall, and a crossroads where early trails intersected. Along the way, there are special markers that tell the story of the region.
Beautiful views! We loved the water falls and playing in the creeks. Did not spot any bears, but we did get there in the afternoon. Go early and pack your lunch and eat in the park! Be prepared for steep, curvy roads. There are lots of places to pull to the side and park to sight see or hike. Does not cost anything to drive through, but there is a cute little gift shop at the end.
Brandy Purdon — Google review
Beautiful scenery and a very peaceful drive for sure! Plenty of photo spots, and so cool just riding through with the windows down.
We didn't get to see any bears, but did hear some people talking about one after we had gone through, but we did get to see some wolves and other wild life. Plus got some great photos.
brittny92 — Google review
Beautiful drive through the lush forest with plenty of stop off points where you’ll find hidden gems. Took about 2 hours. Definitely a good way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg for a little bit.
Austin Tyler — Google review
Loved this leisure ride through the woods. Stopped by the Ogle Cabin and made the quick round trip hike. Hike was easy, a few small inclines and a good bit of boulder hopping. A few stream crossing with some wooden bridges and tons of beautiful scenery. Amazing hat Mother Nature can do, even after a devastating fire.
Donnie Tilghman — Google review
Beautifully stunning scenery! Paved road made the motor tour easy to commute. Plenty of places to pull over and stop to take in the view and get some pictures.
T J — Google review
Really nice driving path. Nice and short, while also being very close to Downtown Gatlinburg. We visited a bit later in the day and it was wonderful. Plenty of places to park along the road if you need to stop at any point. Walked along the river and took plenty of great family photos. Maybe not a star attraction, but I would definitely recommend it if you have a few hours to kill.
Shawn John — Google review
Beautiful trail with lots of history. Plan to be there early and know you will not be able to park at each stop. Be ready to hike and explore. The cabins are beautiful.
Stephie Lynn — Google review
Nice paved loop road. It's not meant to speed through so don't expect to do that. Plenty of pull off areas for scenic views or hiking trails. If you want to stop at the more popular stops, go early in the morning. They're usually packed by mid to late afternoon and parking may be full.
J Hart — Google review
We took the motor vehicle tour the last weekend in October. Saw two bear and the trees were absolutely gorgeous.
Deb Nutter — Google review
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117 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a picturesque, single-lane road that spans over 5.5 miles and winds through the beautiful mountainside. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of well-preserved farms and take hikes to scenic waterfalls. The route offers an immersive experience into nature's beauty and provides an ideal getaway from city life.
Beautiful place to visit and enjoy the wildlife and see the historic buildings.
Timothy Jackson — Google review
Wow! Nature at its best. Scenic drive alongside beautiful creeks. Traffic is usually heavy and the drive being one way, there are delay’s for sure if a bear 🐻 is spotted . Lot of trails on the way and picturesque overlooks. Depending on what you are interested the drive may last from 1 -2 or 4-5 hour. Roaring fork is highly recommended !! Don’t miss it !
Rishikesh Nalapur — Google review
David Branam — Google review
This is a must visit attraction in great smoky mountains national park, Tennessee. Recommended for nature lovers. This a very scenic loop one-way drive of around 5.5 mile long and surrounded by amazing nature display. One can see streams, mills, old cabins, etc. The drive may take around 1-2 hours. There are also trails to rainbow and grotto falls and other nature trails located along this drive.
Nareshkumar Acharya — Google review
Stunning views, multiple picturesque vista points, serene, feels so close to nature that you don’t want to leave this place. Don’t miss this drive to get the feeling of what Smoky Mountains offers. River streams, Hiking trails, Tall Trees, cloudy peaks… Do whatever you enjoy the most, this place has everything !!
Piyush Bhatt — Google review
Such a great way to experience The Smoky mountains with minimal hiking/walking. There's a lot of history to see as well. Plenty of pull-off spots at the key points to be able to get out and look around, there are a couple good overlooks, as well as numerous places along the stream.
Highly recommend this place at the end of a long day, a nice way to unwind and take in the relaxing scenery.
Max Patch is a renowned bald mountain in the region, featuring hiking trails and a section of the Appalachian Trail. Situated at 4,600 feet, it offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. While previously known for camping opportunities, recent changes have restricted camping and reduced parking to preserve the area's natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment.
Short hike up to an amazing view! However many visitors have trashed the place in the past and it is closed to camping. REMEMBER TO LEAVE NO TRACE!! Pack in and pack out, don’t leave your dogs waste in a bag by the sign, there are no magical trash fairies that take your trash away. They will close this down if people continue to destroy the area!
Alissa Cole — Google review
Definitely the best place to see sunset around Smoky. And easy to get to the summit, you can drive the most way. If you like to go cross-country, you can try the other trail, instead of the main wide road. I used my Civic and made to the top. It is fun. It is a part of Appalachian trail, very cool place.
Kaiyu Wang — Google review
Yes, it is worth the drive. We timed our visit with sunrise. Go before dusk, sit on a blanket, and take in the morning.
Ray Zaffke — Google review
Max Patch is a beautiful place now that the mountain top has had a chance to regrow after being destroyed by campers! Grass is healthy and the bees and birds are a fun site to see! The surrounding mountains just make the bald so much better!
RJ — Google review
This is a must see trail!! Bring a snack and sit and take it all in because it’s a short trail and can be completed quickly if you don’t sit and enjoy it.
Ray G — Google review
Spectacular vistas all year. My barn conversion is just 12 miles away so getting up there is so easy. I love Haywood county.
James Tola — Google review
Super cool spot, easy walk, leashed dog friendly, and BEAUTIFUL! It’s a ways back and at certain times of the year I can imagine a 4-wheel drive vehicle would be a necessity. The views are stunning and worth the trip.
Jonathan Hamrick — Google review
A great place on top of the mountain! My son and I started a hike together from here, and we we hiked the AT to Hot Springs. I will never forget! First picture: Max Patch/ Second picture: My son carrying my back pack and his into Hot Springs♥️
lynisa marks — Google review
I loved this place the first time I came here in 2019 but now that they have removed camping reduced parking and restricted hours its so much better! No more hundreds of people vying for the best spot and trampling protected habitats. It was such a different experience being up there alone on a stormy day and the returning bird populations were amazing to see.
Amber Gibbs — Google review
Mini hike up to the bald. It was a lovely day, even with the fog. I imagine it's lovely when everything is in bloom.
Sonia Donnelly — Google review
Great hike if you have small children. 20 minutes up (if you're with kids), and then a great sit and fun exploring time with them. Can't wait to bring them here to camp!
Lainey Stowe — Google review
Although it was sunny at the bottom of the mountain I hit a hail storm at the top so didn’t get to hike the trail this time. There’s always a chance of no visibility but I had been hopeful and had made the drive up the washboard rutted road, just in case the weather has cleared there too. It hadn’t . Still, everything happens for a reason. There were three soaked hikers in need of a ride off mountain due to an injury and I was able to help get them back to their vehicle in Tennessee where they had left it a week ago.
Ruth Newell — Google review
A magical place indeed. The panoramic views are amazing and I didn’t photograph any for you. Oops.
Joe Lewellin — Google review
A definite must hike! Whether you're thru /section the Appalachian Trail or just visiting and doing the loop, you will love Max Patch! The surrounding views make the wonder of nature a true treasure! Get out and go for a walk. As a matter of fact, make it Max Patch. Happy Trails!
William Fritzler — Google review
This is a beautiful place to hike. The trail is relatively easy and the views are wonderful.
Lane Hall — Google review
Unbelievable view and pretty easy walk. My boyfriend and I had a picnic dinner here for sunset. It was the best picnic spot I have ever been to, so far.
Jacqueline Coutu — Google review
Very Relaxing and Unbelievable view. The walk to the top was very laid back and easy. Family and I hiked to the top and had a very relaxing picnic. This is a place I will most definitely come back to just to sit at top and relax. Highly recommended won’t regret it!!!
Juan M — Google review
Took my cousin for her first visit to the Max Patch. She loved it! The sunset did not disappoint. The quietness was so serene. Can't wait for another visit.
Sondra Annette — Google review
Warning: make sure you have at least 8 inches of ground clearance and extremely good tires before attempting to drive on that road. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and almost popped all of my tires on the 7 mile drive to the top 🤣. There are potholes everywhere, waves in the concrete, and lots of big rocks in the middle of the road, haha. If you can get past that, it's a nice place to visit.
This vast park with 25 miles of trails features a planetarium, a pioneer museum & fishing spots.
We came with a homeschooling group to learn about the wolves and attend a planetarium showing. The rangers in charge of the wolves are extremely knowledgeable and the planetarium was a very interesting show. We got to take a walk around between the two events; the nature surrounding the park is beautiful! Overall, a wonderful day (despite the weather)!
Sara Smith — Google review
Beautiful location with lots of exhibits that allow for exploration opportunities to entertain both young and old visitors. There are some accommodations for physically handicapped individuals but the terrain is a bit challenging and some of the paths difficult to access. It is a very calm atmosphere but parking can be challenging to find and park navigation/map a bit challenging to follow.
Overall it’s a nice, cheap place to stop for a couple hours but I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone that has physical limitations making it difficult to ambulate.
Ashley Stevens — Google review
$7/vehicle (more for buses), planetarium is $6/person, children 5 and under free with parent. Nature programs $3/ person or more for a 2-hour tour. Barge rides also cost pp. Beautiful park on a mountain, excellent trails, nice buildings, zip line seems to be a resident contractor business. Serious discounts for military i.d. Wolf pack is fed around 2 pm. Wolves have a nice large compound. Bobcats are also in a nice large commons for the two brothers. Planetarium is small but seems new, seats are reclined, very comfortable. Do not go late, they open 10 min before show time and lock doors at one minute past! On weekends there are food trucks. Membership probably worth it! That includes free planetarium and Barge, iirc. On approach drive, stay left at the fork or you will wind up in the Eastman company's private rec area.
Heather Preston — Google review
Wonderful wonderful place to visit! I went when I was a child and now my daughter has been able to go. The gift shop is also a win win all proceeds go to help the park and animal's there. It is just a wonderful family place good for a day visit.
Jessica Adkins — Google review
Went here for a Friday hike with my husband, easy to moderate trails. The wolves were feeding which was kind of cool. Free for veterans.
Samantha Nelson — Google review
Nice place with a lot of trails from easy to hard. We had limited time so only did a small walk along the dam and along the lake. There is a nature area with animals such as deer, gray wolves, and a variety of raptors.
Sharon Rumley — Google review
Very nice trails! The building at the entrance of the trails is great for souvenirs and a quick restroom trip. The animal sanctuaries are well kept and great for if you’re bringing kids. The fire tower was fun and looked pretty up to date while still on the rustic side. There are a few places on the trails that provide views. Will definitely be going back!
Wanderlilly Taylor — Google review
Spent the afternoon rock climbing well maintained sport routes and top-rope routes. Then read beside the lake. We made a spontaneous stop here after visiting the Smokies and were blown away by how beautiful and secluded this park felt. The nature center and animal enclosures were incredible. Never thought we'd see such happy looking gray wolves this far south! The animal exhibits were accessible and very cute. We plan to come back tomorrow to climb the rest of the routes and say hey to all the turtles 😊 🐢
Mitchell Skopic — Google review
Absolutely beautiful area. Went on a clear, sunny December morning with kids ages 2, 6, and 8, when it was 32°. The barge and ropes course were winterized but we nearly had the whole place to ourselves and got to see bobcats, foxes, gray wolves, and various raptors all up close. Gave it 4 stars because the website was not clear about which things were closed for the winter and which were available year-round (the welcome / visitor center was closed -- disappointing! but the gift shop was open). The person taking parking entrance fees had run out of park maps. Also, the credit card machine in the gift shop wasn't working well and took 10 minutes till it worked, and we ended up getting overcharged when it finally went through and at that point didn't bother pressing for a refund (aka more time fighting with the credit card machine). (An elderly person was running the gift shop at the time.) We didn't make it to the Planetarium this trip so we only paid the parking entrance fee ($7). Would love to go back in the spring or summer to do the ropes course. Based on our winter experience and a bunch of little reasons above, I would almost give it 3 stars, but I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt that everything is run much better during the warmer months.
Emily Smith — Google review
One of the prettiest places I have went and hiked/walked! It cost $7 to get in but there is so much to see and do. The city of Kingsport maintains this park beautifully and provides a great map to help you navigate the grounds.
Miranda White — Google review
Park is in the middle of improvement, lots of trees down around the animal areas and gift shop. Hiking trails were well maintained.
The adventure course is now closed.
Dogs are not allowed in areas with animals.
John W — Google review
Awesome place to hike or bike. The views from the fire tower are beautiful except for looking over the water treatment area.
Animal habitat area is really interesting to work thru.
Gift shop is very small with little to choose from compared to other parks' gift shops I've visited.
Regenia Shepherd — Google review
Great little nature center. Several snake species. Raptors and a very healthy and active wolf pack.
Georgeous bay views. So glad that we checked this place out. Highly recommended.
Devin Bunch — Google review
Great place to visit with the family!! They have a lot of exhibits to enjoy for the small parking/entry fee of $7 for the entire car(not per person) to the park. Additional cost for the barge ride and planetarium, and a small obstacle coarse (I'm not sure if it was open, though).
J Willi — Google review
One of our favorite places for a nature walk. The kids love the barge ride and planetarium.
Rebecca Wilson Real Estate — Google review
We enjoyed your short visit here and glad the dogs could come along. There are restrictions to where dogs are allowed but we wanted to take a short hike on the lakeside trail. It was $7 for entry. We say a few beaver dams.
Thomas Nguyen — Google review
Bays Mountain Park is a great place for hiking, learning about nature and local history, they have wonderful children's educational programs. My wife and I really love hiking there.
Kenneth Sours — Google review
A perfect place to spend the day enjoying the serenity of nature! There are lots of hiking trails and beautiful views.
Chadwick Dunford — Google review
The nature center is great and has tons of cool stuff for children and adults alike! The wildlife exhibits are both indoor and outdoor and include wolves, birds, deer, fish, and a reptile house. My only complaint is that the trail up to the fire tower is confusing to follow at times even with an online map.
David Buckett — Google review
4.7
(2970)
•
4.5
(546)
853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
USA Raft Adventure Resort offers a thrilling experience on the Nolichucky Gorge with expert guides like Walker and Loren. The Lower Nolichucky trip provides a different but fun adventure, with a beautiful primitive campground at Red Banks take out. The friendly and helpful staff, including Dale and Riff, make for an enjoyable stay in accommodations like the Love Shack. While Take Out and One Love were closed during this visit, guests can bring their own supplies for next time.
We love this place. We try to visit 2-3x a year. Bathrooms/showers are clean. The Take out bar and grill was a great additive. We’ve camped in regular tents and the Bell tent.
Ashley Price — Google review
My wife and I were in town for our anniversary and looking for something exciting to do. The spelunking adventure into Worley's Cave was AWESOME! Andy and Miranda (our guides) were knowledgeable, personable, funny, and so patient during our excursion. We were with another group who had smaller kids and they took their time to pause to point out cave-dwelling wildlife, rock formations, and were mindful of what crystalline formations were still growing to look at but not touch! Fantastic experience - highly recommend!
Matt Anthony — Google review
Planned this trip a month ago, long overdue vacation with my wife. We scheduled a 1/2 day rafting trip, for 1:30pm. We both work late nights into early morning so getting up for the 8:30trip would have been a rough indevour. However the wonderful staff worked some magic and got us a group for 10:30am.
Our guide Lauren was amazing, personable, knowledgeable and made our trip memorable and safe.
At night our "Appalachian concierge" Cory was quick to get us what we needed, helpful, friendly and an all around great guy!
We had a couple great evenings at the Take Out Tavern. The food was amazing, the beers ice cold, service was absolutely spot on weather it was to warm our bellies after the wonderful white water or after a few beers.
We stayed in one of the domes, the pictures didn't even do it justice to how luxurious it would be. The bathhouse facility and sauna were clean and maintained daily.
We had a wonderful surprise of live music by the Dirty Dead.
The grounds had this amazing vibe and ambiance, it felt like I came home, it was home, and everyone there was my family.
A completely magical vacation, we can not wait to go again. Already looking at the calendars!
Thank you to everyone, even if I didn't get your name you were intrical to making it the best vacation, what our souls really needed.
Erin Hurlock — Google review
I was charged with criminal trespassing for showing up on their property after getting my property back from my ex-boyfriend at the Nolichucky River Gorge Campground. Avoid going here. They just want your money and do not care about relationships or the truth. I am not a thief.
Cat Walsh — Google review
We stayed at the resort for two nights. Dale, Riff and the rest of the staff that we interacted with were friendly and helpful. We loved staying in the Love Shack. We were there on Monday and Tuesday night, so the Take Out and One Love were not open. We brought our own and will check that the next time we are there.
We went rafting on the Nolichucky Gorge with USA Raft during our stay. Our guide, Walker, was fantastic. He is a real pro on the river. He and trip leader Loren made the trip exciting and fun. We will definitely go again.
We also floated the Lower Nolichucky a couple of times while there. That is a different but fun trip. The Red Banks take out has a nice beach and is a beautiful primative campground.
Benjamin Smith — Google review
Super awesome experience on the Nolichucky with Andy! He was very informative of the surrounding area and history, kept us engaged with silly jokes, and kept us on the edge of our seats! Definitely a trip worth making. Can't wait to come back!
Madison Taylor — Google review
We had an amazing time with USA Raft..A group of us stayed in the Crockett Cabin. The cabin was HUGE..it was great for covid..we all had our separate places and one main area. We spent most of our time outside enjoying the river, fishing, swimming, and tubing…we missed out on the rafting but that’s just an excuse to come back. The communal bathrooms were cleaned and stocked from tampons to hand towels, soap and more…Everything was always fully stocked and clean. We went during SOL Jam…so it was pretty packed. They made everyone comfortable with all things covid. It really was more than I expected in every way. The food was great, the people were great and the music was great. A truly wonderful experience for us all.. We love the Band Sol Driven Train and we hope to come back and see them and USA Raft again next year. Thank you, for sharing your little piece of heaven with us and all your accommodations, recommendations and making us all feel so welcomed.
Kelly Stahulak — Google review
We took a wrong turn coming off the AT trail after hiking 18 miles (the sign with showers and several amnenities got us overly-excited!) and ended up at the USA Rafting Adventure Resort. We were confused and asked for directions and guidance of how to get to Uncle Johnny's Hostel in the main store. They misled us by saying it was far away and telling us there was no real downtown area in Erwin (which we knew was false information) presumably to encourage us to stay there (their cabin rates started at $165). An off-duty staff member offered us a lift (all of 1 mile) for $10 and left us waiting for 20 minutes for him to return and he never showed up. We ended up just hiking the extra mile to Uncle Johnny's. It was confirmed that this facility often mislead and attempt to appeal to the hiking community but doing so by spreading false information is really dishonest and dissapointing.
Virginia Isaharov — Google review
Great location, great people. Horrible management.
The manager, Tiffany, was rude and condescending. When I finally asked her to stop interrupting me, she yelled “OH, YOU’RE CUTE talking to me like that…” And it only got worse from there.
It only takes one person to make the entire establishment look bad. Which is awful considering everyone else was really friendly, accommodating and seemed like very nice people.
The Tiny House was fine as long as you can use the patio and deck area. For $285 I would have expected a few things to be nicer. For example: the cob webs along the AC unit, bleach stained shower curtain covering up a rusty water heater. The tent had 3 of its feet screwed in but one came loose and in the wind was slamming down and quite noisy!
The interior was not made for lounging. The amazing view was blocked by a full sized refrigerator and countertop grille backed by a trellis. The end of the bed and corner of the room were the only places to sit and see the River from inside unless we were standing and as it was too cold to stay outside for long, that’s all we got! During great weather I bet this spot is great but great weather it was not!
We never found the wifi, not in the in-room notebook which would be logical. Finally upon checking out, we saw a plaque in front of the office.
Note to staff:
-When cold weather is coming, don’t make the client have to call for another space heater or extra blankets. Have it in the unit for them.
-Let people speak and if they want $15 worth of tubing passes for the summertime so you might redeem yourselves as a location worth peoples money and time, listen to them instead of manipulating and condescending!
Jenn Criss — Google review
My partner and I have done the Nolichucky half-day trip twice now. This isn't a technical raft, but there are plenty of fun, splashy rapids. The aspect that keeps us coming back--and we'll be back again--is the scenery. For all of the 8.5 mi downriver, you're surrounded by verdant Appalachian mountainsides. A little-used train track traces a line along the south riverbank. Two-thirds of the way through, you are rewarded with a beautiful stretch of rocky cliffs on the north riverbank. Overall, very fun and tough to beat as a tour to this pretty portion of the Appalachians.
Our last guide, Ashley, was outstanding.
Ian Mc Dowell — Google review
First time out with USA Raft and was very impressed. Had a fantastic trip down the Nolichucky with Trip Leader Loren (sp?). He was very knowledgeable about the area, and had amazing control of our raft, such that we actually had to do very little paddling relative to other trips we've been on. His safety briefing was serious but also humorous. We will definitely be going back and requesting Loren as our guide.
Jim Applegate — Google review
We went white water rafting last Friday just before heading back home to FL. Walker was our guide and he was outstanding! Great personality and a Super Guide. We all had an amazing time. This river is now in the top of our favorites. Great white water rapids! The only downside was no pics....y'all need to get those back.
Heather DeBolt — Google review
Had a great time on the rafting trip! Our guide Andy kept us alive and entertained the whole time. Great guy. 10/10 would do again 🫡🫡🫡
Ivan Goubski — Google review
USA Raft is truly an amazing place. I can’t express in words how beautiful the Nolichuky Gorge is. You must float the river and experience it yourself. Danny was our guide, his knowledge on the history of the area, the flora & fauna made the trip that much more special. His paddling skills were amazing, he could certainly pick a line!
The campground at USA Raft is awesome as well, the Take Out Bar has a great beer selection and good bar food. You might get lucky with good music on the small or large stage!
I can’t say enough about this Mountain Gem!
Thanks for a wonderful weekend!
Rhys
Rhys Chittick — Google review
Stayed in one of the airstream camper trailers while hiking the AT. It’s 0.1m off trail and a great spot to stay dry on a rainy night. Activities look very cool, but it’s back to the trail tomorrow.
David L — Google review
Was a great time. My sister had never gone rafting before so we decided on the half day. Had a great time and the scenery was gorgeous. Great for all skill levels and the staff was extremely nice and friendly! Definitely would recommend.
Jennifer Behl — Google review
Rafting was lots of fun, beautiful sights and amazing guides. Cam and Andy were wonderful :)!!
Vikiix — Google review
Our group had a blast on the half day rafting trip through the gorge. It was SO beautiful, and exciting to navigate the class 3 and 4 rapids. Elliott was our guide and he was the master of the water and the dad jokes - very knowledgeable and entertaining. The location is perfect - convenient to the highway etc. We loved the resort too - so much that we came back the following weekend for the Dog Days festival. This will be at the top of our list to refer to our friends. Thank you!
Brooke Melendi — Google review
Wow! Such an amazing experience staying and rafting with my family! We were able to take our 5 and 6 year old kids on the Nolichucky river and Bobby was an incredible guide. Able to give us a taste of adventure without being too scary for the kids. Cannot wait to come back and go again! The Loft cabin was such a perfect and refreshing place to crash after a day of hiking, rafting, and playing in the river. Highly recommend.
Amber Featherston — Google review
Had the best time rafting down the river with USA Rafting! Will was a great guide and got along great with our group! Absolutely loved all the corny jokes he told and how much history he knew of the River. 10/10 would recommend USA rafting! Hope to come back soon!
Brooklyn Newman — Google review
This is my second opportunity to stay here, and I love all the changes (additions) that have been made to include Red Banks, the bar, disc golf and more. Matt Moses and his team are amazing, friendly, and create that “family” vibe. You won’t be disappointed with a stay here, even if you just enjoy the outdoors and sound of the River.
Shawn Schwantes — Google review
Stayed in cabin for the weekend. Clean and comfortable. Bar/grill was awesome so we didn't have to leave the resort for food, staff was extra nice. The music (both live and recorded) was great. The overall atmosphere of the resort was so relaxing and of course beautiful being next to the river. We hope to do it again in the future.
High-banked, quarter-mile race track hosts major auto races, amateur driving schools & daily tours.
The race was fantastic. The track employees were very nice and very helpful. Loved the Easter celebration. Will definitely keep coming back.
Matthew Thompson — Google review
Great place to visit even on the off-season. There was coffee and corvettes morning. Got to meet someone who works for the track. This person gave us an amazing morning by letting us drive on the track and signing our names on the wall. Great day!
Tawnya Kellar-Lewis — Google review
First time here was a great experience loved the The beginning with the music, troops, flying overhead and the fireworks. Very professional racetrack and drivers. Would return but not buying concessions was expecting at least the works on a hotdog for $7 was a plain wiener. Overall beautiful place!
Explore With Who — Google review
We went to the Bristol Dirt Race on Easter. It was our first time. A friend got us tickets and we had a blast. It was awesome for the night race and meet some pretty awesome people while there.
Lotte — Google review
Excellent tour for a really cheap price! We got to go in the owners suite, drive down Thunder Valley and take a lap around the racetrack. Awesome experience!
Shana Durdin — Google review
100% recommend! It's such a fun family and kid oriented place! And you do not have to worry about walking they have people in golf carts riding around that will take you anywhere. Everyone is so extremely helpful and friendly! Absolutely love bristol ❤️
Daisay Bierer — Google review
We have been going to the Bristol night Race for the last 15 years couldn't ask for a better place. Absolutely, love Bristol the track. The town Tennessee altogether is amazing.
wolfe man — Google review
Awesome track for a first-time race goer [me]. Great food, drinks, vendors, souvenirs, and staff. No bad seat in the house. Everything is relatively easy to get to. Bus service leaving leaves a lil to be desired in efficiency. I'm not sure there's a better solution at the moment, but it took 2 hrs just to get back to the vehicle, and a third hour to get on the road. Overall, great experience! Can't wait to return!!
James Puckett — Google review
We went to a race and honestly I didn’t know anything about racing. I did however learn some things and really enjoyed myself. You could see pretty clearly and I feel the seating was better than NFL seating if you enjoy it.
The only thing that was bad was that I didn’t know that you would have a lot of uphill walking to do just to get to this speedway. Even leaving left you with a lot of walking uphill. This wouldn’t be an issue if you are in great physical shape or didn’t have small children, however I did have children and was mid pregnancy. I watched a older gentleman also struggle with his cane as well.
The race itself was great though.
Chelsea Goode — Google review
Really nice track. Easy flow of parking and it’s easy to navigate around the premises. Concessions are pretty fantastic and I was amazed at how clean the bathrooms were. It’s a racetrack. A nice racetrack. Stop by for any event. Recommend it!!!!!!
Matt Anderson — Google review
One of the greatest tracks ever.
Keep the dirt at a dirt track though. There are so many great dirt tracks they could go to!
If you haven't been you need to even if you don't care for racing, just the experience and the atmosphere is worth it!
Hope to see ya next year!!
Darrell Andes — Google review
Speedway in lights is fantastic! We went yearly when my son was little and now that I have a grandson we plan on making it a yearly tradition again. We all thoroughly enjoy the light show and the Christmas village. Santa was a big hit as well!
Mary Collins — Google review
The speedway of lights was great but there are a lot of lights that have sections missing or lights not working. Child had a blast and as always got apple cider from Santa’s village
Kimberly Pierce — Google review
Oh, yeah! It’s Bristol Baby! What a great time with a bunch of people that are all just enjoying a friendly & exciting atmosphere. I expected things to be much pricier; but compared to other sports & live entertainment events the options here were respectably priced. Oh yeah, and they still let you bring your own cooler with food and beverages too!
B.D. Olsen — Google review
I always love coming here for the September race. It is always a party and the people are so very friendly. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. I would recommend staying at the Earhart campgrounds, it's right next to the track and the facilities are well maintained
Shaun Bates — Google review
Nice place to stop on your way through Bristol. Gate was open so we walked around the track at our leisure and got to see where Nascar history has happened. A must if you're a fan or not, check it out!
Michael Catizone (Powerlifter300) — Google review
Nice friendly experience for a truck race. Sadly hardly any vendors open for food, no signs saying who’s open. The persons employed at gates had no clue about the layout of gates ect. We needed up in the wrong place a d walked way down only to find it blocked with a gate dividing the sections. It would have been better if all employees had to walk the entire place twice and they would know real quick which tickets need entrance to which gates.
Gaga Traywick — Google review
Came for the speedway in lights. It was pretty awesome. The lights were beautiful, and being on the track was pretty cool. The Christmas village was nice to have a bite to eat and do some local shopping. It was worth the money. I came on a Monday night it was perfect, barely any traffic.
madeline martinez — Google review
This track knows how to do an event well. You do not need a ticket for the race to enter their "Fan Zone" so you can enjoy all of the events outside the venue. Inside, there are plenty of concessions, so you do not have to wait in lines for an ungodly amount of time. I thought the prices were reasonable for food considering the situation. The seating was great. Because it is such a small track, you can see everything. Overall, I was impressed by the whole experience.
Mark Sandheinrich — Google review
All I can say is Wow! We had a blast at the Food City 500. The facility and its employees run like a well-oiled machine
It was perfect!
Darlene Kemp — Google review
Went for the spring race and loved it! Highly recommend renting the Racing Electronics headsets online before you go. No bad seats in the house!
David Suits — Google review
First time ever at Bristol Motor Speedway...!!! Grew up watching NASCAR.....but we're not here for that today. Got an amazing opportunity to run with the VCTS ( vores compact touring series ). Even though it's a bit chilly this weekend, hope to have a great time watching some racing and pray to God everything goes well!!!
Facility with 125 skiable acres, rentals & classes for all levels, plus terrain & snow-tubing parks.
We took our kids here last year to try skiing for the first time since it's pretty close to home for us. The area is neat so we decided to do it again this year. Both times we've had an excellent experience! The girls (9&5) have taken a few lessons from the instructors--the first time as an introduction and this time to work on certain techniques. The instructors have all been so kind and patient and communicative about what skills the girls need to work on. They are now really competent and comfortable on the slopes which is super fun to see.
We find the prices are pretty reasonable (which is not to say cheap) for lift tickets and ski and boot rentals. We do go during weekdays only to avoid the crowds but the service has always been prompt and helpful.
I will say that the lodge isn't much to speak of. Not very atmospheric or comfortable--just a place with lots of tables for scarfing a quick meal and warming up before heading back out. And the food is extremely expensive and pretty awful so I'd recommend bringing a lunch or going out for meals if you can. (Bella's is nearby and most excellent!) But who goes there for the lodge anyway?!
Laura Weston — Google review
Pros: I can't speak highly enough of the men working the lifts especially at the bunny slope. I imagine it's a pretty boring job, but they were so attentive to help people get on and off. I saw them left so many kids off the ground. They'd stop the lift immediately if anyone fell on it. I didn't take a class but the instructors were everywhere. They had such kind voices and were very patient. They had so much equipment to rent out. The ticket line was really fast.
Cons: the rental line was so slow. The staff at the rental area was very quick, but maybe there weren't enough staff to serve the amount of patrons. Oh and the parking lot was packed when we arrived at noon for the 12:30-4:00 skiing slot. Overall, I'd return here after investing in my own equipment.
Mackenzie A. Shepard — Google review
While the skiing here is nice and the slopes are good, they lack terrain and number of slopes for the sheer amount of people that do come here during holiday season. They can do better with their ticketing systems, rental equipment system and lodge facilities. Should you come during the busy holiday season, be ready for the lines and the crowds. Rent your gear from a separate shop down the mountain and arrive early for the chance at a parking spot.
Overall, would recommend this spot. But try to come during a day that is not a holiday or at least prepare for the crowds by renting your gear elsewhere and by arriving early for a parking spot.
Adrian Oropeza — Google review
Visited the property for mountain biking in early September. We counted in total 7 other people here attempting to mountain bike, with everyone leaving within a couple hours because of the trail conditions.
If you're a beginner, just forget about it. While the signs do say "there are no easy trails", they should actually read "our trails aren't maintained at all and are virtually impossible." Expect loose rocks and rain ruts around every corner. Go slow, be careful, and don't expect to have an enjoyable ride.
Forget the fact that upon purchasing tickets I was told it didn't go through despite showing proof on my phones bank app, and had to argue and wait for ten minutes while the woman at the desk had to call someone else to get confirmation that it went through.
I've heard good things about Beech nearby, maybe next time we will try there.
Shane Mclaughlin — Google review
We went for a fall festival. It was not what we expected. There were lots of vendors. We had our 3 grandchildren with us. There was a bouncy house area; but there was a $20 charge per child. They were also running the ski lift for $20 a person. They did have a great band playing German music.
It was free to attend; but everything was overpriced. I got a small cup of hot chocolate and it was $7 and bottled water was $4!!!
Velma Holland — Google review
The slopes are great, but I'm going to Bench from now on. It's so much more chill there. Getting a Beech weekday pass today.
Derek — Google review
We had a great day of skiing. The only downside (as expected) was the 2.5 hours wait to complete the rental process (make sure first thing you do is to fill up the check in on a computer screen or they will send you back no exception. The staff has been kind and helpful considering the gigantic amount of people. For sure they need to figure out a better/faster way for the equipment rental. Overall we had a great time.
Matteo Toniolo — Google review
I’ve been to a lot of ski resorts and this place seems to offer decent skiing and good tubing with pleasant staff. However, there are several terribly frustrating things you have to deal with. First, parking is terrible. The parking attendants direct you up the mountain, but 1/4 mile up there was a large digital sign that said “Parking Lot Full” and the attendants on the mountain would just say “sorry”. So now you’re stuck in traffic that doesn’t move with no where to go. Lots of people had the same issue we did with some driving around for over an hour. My wife drove back down the mountain while I stood in line for tubing only to finally find a shuttle and sit in bumper to bumper traffic for another 30 minutes. Also, parking attendants on the mountain told us and several other people (we had a lot of time to chat in line)there wasn’t a shuttle system available, but clearly there was. Not sure if this was an independent system though. Then, you have to book ski lessons and at least tubing in person and by archaic rules (ski lessons must be booked by the afternoon/evening the day before and tubing is booked an hr before) and with unnecessary, inefficient and excessive lines. We had fun tubing in the 1 hr 45 min window they give you, but I waited 5 hrs in 20 degree temps missing the 12 and 2pm tubing times while waiting in line. We will not be coming back unless these things are changed. They need to allow booking online so people can plan a nice trip and not waste their time off standing in ridiculous lines. A simple walk through any of these lines would yield numerous ideas from patrons about how to improve the system.
Andrew Bowe — Google review
One of the best in NC. They work hard to make southern skiing a reality and I became a good skier at this hill. Always have a good time. Friendly crowd, friendly staff, and good runs. If you have to decide, you can’t go wrong with sugar. Crowds can be a bit much on weekends in peak season, but the new lifts are helping with that. Definitely ride the lifts to max capacity to keep things going.
You can get down the entire mountain in under 5 minutes and the lift up is about 8 minutes.
Matthew Jones — Google review
I went for an Oktoberfest and it was a great event and family celebration. There was a hay ride, scenic rides, inflatables, and, of course, a lot of local beer and Bavarian food. The live German music was very entertaining, and the whole vibe of the fest was amazing.
Francisco Cappai — Google review
Bought a lift ticket and paid cash for it. 3 runs into my 4 hour session and I went to reach for my pass to be scanned for a 4th run and the lift sticker had delaminated off of the metal clip. Was told to go to customer service, which was closed, so proceeded to go to the ticket window. Was told I could not get a replacement lift ticket and could not get a refund either because I “paid with cash, and therefore they couldn’t prove my receipt was mine and it could’ve been one I picked up off the ground”. Terrible customer service, money grabbing, prices go up every year even tho nothing changes, and everything is overpriced. Have been going here for years now but each time I go I want to come back less and less.
Bryson Lockee — Google review
Skiing at Sugar Mountain was a great experience. Arrive before 8 AM to get in line for the skis or board rentals. The lines move slowly. The people working there are very friendly and helpful. The website shows which slopes and lifts are open and running. I suggest that you go during the week. Going during Christmas holiday was the only time we could go, tons of people there, but we'd like to return for a ski day during the week.
Jennifer Noel — Google review
We went here the day after beech resort and wish we never wasted our time at beech mountain. We arrived at sugar mountain around 2:30 and the guy helping out with the lines was nice enough to tell us to wait and come back when the open for night skiing to get more for our money. Which we did, and had a great time. It was our first time snowboarding (except our horrible experience at beech). The staff was very helpful and kinda. Unlike beech, this place is very organized with signs everywhere to tell you where to go and what for. We got snowboarding lessons and our instructor was very kind, although it is kind of hard to keep up with the instructor with other people and how fast the instructors move. I would recommend doing a private lesson. Its was a great experience overall.
Toby Duff — Google review
If you plan ahead this is an amazing place. First tip is rent your equipment off site. If not, plan on at least a 2 hour wait for rental equipment. Ski Country across the street offered great service for our rentals. Second tip is get there early. We arrived at 8am and had the place to ourselves for the majority of the morning. Lifts are in great shape. The food is average at best and the lodge could use updating. Overall we had a great time. It was our kids first time skiing and they refused to leave.
Chris Oftedal — Google review
My husband and I drove up to Sugar Mountain to enjoy Oktoberfest - and enjoy it we did!
The mountain views are spectacular. The parking was very well organized and the shuttles were very convenient with little to no wait.
We got there at a great time because we beat the lines to the beer tent and then beat the lines to get our wonderful German foods. It was all just as good as I remembered it being years ago.
The vendors are set up in one of the parking lots now which makes it a lot easier to access. It seemed that there weren't as many vendors this year but I could be wrong. There were enough vendors to do a little browsing and shopping.
Amanda Williams — Google review
We had a great time at this resort. To echo many of the other reviews, you’re at a significant advantage if you arrive early. We arrived just before they opened and were able to purchase lift tickets, a locker and rentals for 4 people under half an hour. The kids’ classes are a must; just need to register in person the afternoon before. Our daughter was assigned to instructor Leslie Menocal who did an absolutely amazing job!
We also went tubing which is across the street from the ski area. Arrive at least one hour before the session time to ensure you obtain tickets before the session fills up. Tubing times are 10, 12, 2, and 4 to our knowledge. We arrived half an hour before one session and unfortunately it sold out with the group that was just ahead of us so we had to wait for the next session.
Andrew Arias — Google review
Do your research!!!! The owner doesn't care about his customers!!!! We went there in March and the conditions were actually really nice. However, he wanted to keep the blowers on the entire day blowing freezing cold water on everyone that was there. We went down the slopes one time and we're soaking wet. We had a party of 24 people. Everyone was miserable. I went to the office 45 minutes after I purchased the lift tickets to complain and they said sorry no refunds we need to keep it on. There was icicles hanging off of everybody in the lobby area and everyone was leaving early.. supposedly he had a big event the weekend after and wanted there to be more snow for that weekend. I guess he didn't care about his customers the weekend we were there!!! I will never be back!!
Kevin Burke — Google review
Staff was rude when i called asking for prices at the ski shop. They sounded more interested with flirting with each other then helping us. When we went skiing and snowboarding ski instructor Zach was Awesome!!!! The mountain was nice as well. Drinks were average in price at the bar. Bar staff were very helpful as well.
Yanny — Google review
We went there for the mountain biking, and it was great. The lifts were a easy and gave us a chance to relax. Its about a ten minute ride on the main one. The trails were a little more intense than expected. The green trails where in the blue range, and the blue trails were like dark blue. There is no food on site, so plan ahead and bring a sandwich. They allow picnicking which is nice.
Drew DeGraff — Google review
Went New Years Eve 2023 and arrived around 1030am. It was packed. Wanted to go tubing with our toddler but the line was about 200ft long. They can only take 120 people per time slot. If you want to go tubing on a busy weekend you're gonna have to stand in line for probably two hours or more. No complaints about the facility otherwise.
Vince Amell — Google review
First time here and loved snowboarding the slopes! The lift personnel were very nice and very conscientious when putting people on and getting them off the lifts. The lift approaches were nicely leveled for easy access. The green was a good length and gentle enough for new riders. The Blue slope added some good speed and had plenty of room to cruise down.
Tom Sexton — Google review
Review is for skiing and tubing. We did not stay at the hotel.
We visited very late in the season but we're impressed with how well they were able to keep the slopes and tubing track going. Though slushy, it was still fun. The slopes were consistently well groomed. The lifts were all in great shape. Lunch was what you expected. Some of our group enrolled in ski school and benefitted from the instruction and practice areas.
At the tubing run, the staff was great. Despite the warm weather and small numbers of visitors, they were diligent and alert. When a small child tripped on the magic carpet they shut that sucker down and was helping the little girl in a flash.
It was a great trip for our family and friends and I hope we will come back.
elizabeth white — Google review
My girlfriend and I had an awesome time on the slopes over the weekend. We were blessed with a great day full of fresh powdery snow. We enjoyed tubing as well as skiing. The only problem was that so many people came to the resort for the great snow causing overwhelming crowds and lines that had us standing for 3 hours. A common conversation was how it compared to Disney land lines. The longest line was for the rentals. Once we got everything we needed to hit the slopes we only had 1 hour to ski until they closed the slopes down for maintenance. This was a bit of a bummer. The staff moved at a snails pace, but once we got outside it was great. All the staff working the lifts and the outdoor areas were great. We went upstairs to the bar to try and get a drink after we came back in, it was just too crowded. We had one drink and left.
Alex Blake — Google review
Went snow skiing here. It was clean and efficient. The runs were well maintained and they were safety conscious. It was icy when we got there but totally melted by 11am. My daughter loved "skiing in summer". We are used to skiing in Tahoe so it was weird not to have snow on neighboring hills but it was a good first experience of skiing in the southeast.
Heidi Slaton — Google review
We always go at the busiest time of year: the week between Christmas and New Years. In order to make it work we always rent our ski gear at a third party rental place, the night before we plan to ski. This saves an enormous amount of time. Don’t go looking for great customer service, there won’t be any at Sugar Mountain. Go somewhere like Alpine ski rentals to get all your questions answered… yes even the ones about the ski slopes themselves and the ticketing/rental process at sugar. I wouldn’t bother with the ski school either, it’s not worth the effort it takes to actually get into a class during their busy season. They really aren’t that super helpful and everything they teach you can learn in a YouTube video. Watch the videos with your kids before you go and then find a spot to practice practice practice when you get there. You will have so much more fun and make great memories if you do that, and forgo the ski school. Just my two cents. :)
Lynn Wilson — Google review
Get here early, or else you won't be able to find parking. It gets busy very quickly.
I found it difficult to get up and down to the different slopes. The incline was rough in ski boots and it was easy to slip on ice.
I also recommend renting your gear elsewhere. It is pricey there at the gate. The lodge could have been nicer, for those not skiing or even those wanting a break. Pack snacks and drinks. The prices are astonishing.
Jennifer Weathers — Google review
I’d give tubing negative stars if I could. Complete scam. You pay more dollars than you travel feet. It’s not set up for you to see the hill before paying for it. I figured for the money they charge you’d at least have a little fun. 2 of us paid $72 for 2 hours. We went down one time (went maybe 20 feet), completely unhappy. Immediately went to get a refund because it was so pathetic, and the refund policy is nonexistent. Spent the next hour advocating for a refund and the best they could tell us was to fill out a paper customer complaint for the owner to see and make his decision, no promises. Completely unacceptable. I’m not holding my breath for a refund in the good graces of the owner. Just save your money. Bring a pool tube and find a small hill somewhere.
Ryan Nissen — Google review
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1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604, USA
Tall peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a mile-high swinging bridge, museum & picnic areas.
The park is beautiful, of course, but you might guess that it could be difficult for those who don’t like heights. It is not so bad, though, if you have someone else drive (and don’t look). Just choose the areas of the park that you’d like to see carefully, and you can have a great experience with amazing photos.
Heather Johnson — Google review
While most state parks in NC are free, this one is not. Not only is it not free, it costs $22/person for adults. This seems incredibly expensive to me.
The hours aren't great either. Most of the year they don't open until 9am. In the summer they open at 8am. As someone who likes to start early to beat the crowds, this isn't ideal.
We went on a weekday morning last fall and it was a zoo. The mile high swinging bridge is cool, but also attracts most of the crowds. The crowds die off on most of the other trails.
I'd recommend avoiding the main part of the park and hiking the Profile Trail to Calloway Peak. It starts at a different location and you don't have to pay. It's also much less crowded.
Jacqueline Telljohann — Google review
Trails were fun and exciting, they also accommodate for all skill levels of hiking. The mile high bridge was a thrilling experience and provided fantastic photo opportunities. They hall small animal exhibit with bears, bald eagles, cougars, otters, and elk. Good gift shop as well with interesting souvenirs. Definitely recommend to anyone in North Carolina.
Forloop — Google review
Great adventure to Grandfather Mountain State Park. This park has a suspension bridge between two peaks on the top of the mountain which is a 1 mile up. The views were breathtaking!
Grandfather Mountain also has an animal habitat, with some great informative presentations by the animal handlers.
John Lindstrand — Google review
First time visiting Grandfather Mountain. The sights were breathtaking. You’re given a CD to listen to as your driving, an informative tour. Once you reach the building at the top, there’s 3 floors. A gift shop on the first, a museum on the second, and on the third is a door leading out to the skybridge. If you walk out on the rocks to the ledge, it’s at your own risks so do be careful.
Kayla Hiers — Google review
This is located in the Boone Area in North Carolina ! Such a beautiful place , there is a entrance fee for each person, I believe it’s about 25$ a person . We went on the weekend during the summer time , we had such a great time . There are several places you can visit as you drive up to the bride and the hiking trails . We went into the museum it was pretty awesome , and the small zoo exhibit they have . The bridge was absolutely beautiful there was a crowd of people , very hard to take good pictures bc of the crowds . But over all the view is amazing , breath taken well worth it . Now they have several trails and you do have to sign a small waiver , before starting it. Some trails are risky and dangerous. I would not take children in these trails bc there are some parts of the mountain that are dangerous around certain edges. Definitely have hiker shoes and have water bc the trails are long .
Nancy Rodriguez — Google review
Some absolutely lovely views! The only negative thing about it is that it wasn't cheap to get in. Otherwise, it was incredible and had a very fun hiking trail.
Samuel Uberbacher — Google review
Love this place , there’s some hiking area , I enjoy the scenic drive and the views are breathtaking. Autumn is the best time to go .
Mayelin Rojas — Google review
It is really pretty but it isn't worth it if you are on a budget. It cost 24 dollars per adult and if you go with your family it will be outrageously expensive for what you get to see. But when you get to see it it's absolutely gorgeous, probably one of the best views you can get when it isn't cloudy. They have a lot of trails to walk. The swinging bridge is the most pretty part. It has to be the best attraction in Boone and blowing rock (if your willing to spend a pretty penny of course) but if you are time and money then have at it.
Luke Duncan — Google review
This is a bucket list place! The mile high bridge is so awesome. The views aew amazing.
It was foggy the day I was there.
We were the only people there on a Monday morning around 9am. That was a big plus too!
Jody R — Google review
I absolutely love Grandfather Mountain. I’m regretting life choices since I don’t live closer to it. The weather is beautiful, the visitors center is excellent, and the mile high bridge is amazing!
Conrad Bates — Google review
Great time. Views are amazing. Very windy up there. The dwarf trees show the effects of the wind.
Vic Mueller — Google review
Amazing views and trails. You can make this a hour trip or an all day event. Wear you best hiking shoes and bring some cash for the restaurant and stores
Jeremy Bustillos — Google review
Wow! Breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of Grandfather make the trip (and the cost--$53 for 2 Senior tickets) worth the visit to Boone, NC. Crossing the bridge and climbing the rocks is safe, but one should wear non-skid shoes. Be aware that it can be much colder with the gusty winds at the top of the mountain. Nice gift shop and a full floor dedicated to the history, images and conservation of the mountain. Well done to the non-profit organization that runs the place.
Ken Hulme — Google review
Beautiful place. There is a lot to do here. There is Mile high swinging bridge, Numerous trails, zoo and a museum. We bought the tickets online. There is the curve where forest gump ran, you cannot miss the ‘forest gump ran this curve’ sign. In the zoo we got to touch a snake. Saw bears, cougars and bald eagles. You can easily spend a day here. Kids would enjoy here too.
Apk Ma — Google review
Fantastic experience!
The trails are well marked and offer a good day hike challenge.
The suspension bridge offers amazing views, but McCrae Peak was the main attraction for us. The trail was only 3 miles but was a good challenge and had a really fun stair ladder and rope section to get there.
David Bach — Google review
Went with my family and had a blast. The view is amazing and they have a small discovery center for the kids. Its the perfect place to have a picnic lunch up on the mountain. The fresh smell of the flowers cascades everywhere. Drive with your windows down and enjoy the fresh scent and wonderful breeze.
Cara Rodriguez — Google review
Visiting the NC mountains (near Banner Elk) should include a trip to Grandfather Mountain to walk across the mile high swinging bridge. Breathtaking views of the mountains along with many hiking trails (some trails warn you to be experienced hikers).
There are several animal habitats to view, but on this day they were sleeping. Rangers do give informative talks scheduled throughout the day.
There is a cafe and restrooms along with several exhibits to view. Be sure to look through the view master devices across from the cafe to see awesome 3D photos of the mountain.
I recommend you arrive early to avoid the crowds. Buying tickets on line is recommended because they can turn you away if they are at capacity. Adult tickets range from $22 to $28 and kids start at $10. To get the AAA discount you have to buy on line. Prices vary during peak season.
Cathie Bales — Google review
Went couple of days after Christmas 2023 and it was awesome! They have a Zoo and Bridge, trails so much to do and we spent hours there.
Janet — Google review
Oh, the views!!
Amazing views from what feels like the top of the world. Beautiful nature center and museum. Lots of trails to hike. Beautiful little spots to stop and picnic all the way up the mountain. Plan on spending the whole day ( there is so much to do and see) but, get there here early the bridge and summit get very busy and crowded, not a great way to enjoy it.
SeanHiggins thegoodlifeinc — Google review
Amazing experience. I went there just for exploring overlook places, however, I noticed it worth spending all day with family there. They have picnic area, restrooms, a lot of overlook areas. I went there on a Friday afternoon. There were a lot of people, but I heard during weekends it's way more crowded.
Allan Matias — Google review
It's been a while since I've been in these parts of NC. Grandfather Mountain always impresses. Not much of a view today, but still beautiful. Lots of trails, hiking, history, and fun to be had.
Timothy Macking — Google review
My first visit to Grandfather Mountain left me utterly captivated by its awe-inspiring beauty. The sights were truly breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the North Carolina mountains near Banner Elk that is simply unparalleled.
Upon arrival, we opted to forgo the CD tour, as we didn't have a CD player in the car, and instead decided to read up on Wikipedia later, which added depth to the stunning scenery. The journey to the top was an adventure in itself, culminating in a magnificent building with three floors of exploration. The first floor housed a charming gift shop, while the second floor boasted a fascinating museum. However, it was the third floor that truly stole the show, with a door leading out to the skybridge—a marvel of engineering that offers a thrilling experience.
Venturing onto the rocks to the ledge, while exhilarating, came with its own risks, reminding visitors to tread carefully and respect the mountain's majesty.
A visit to Grandfather Mountain is incomplete without a stroll across the mile-high swinging bridge, providing unparalleled views and a sense of exhilaration that is unmatched. The mountain also offers a myriad of hiking trails, with some reserved for experienced hikers.
The animal habitats, though quiet during my visit, are a testament to the diverse wildlife that calls this mountain home. The informative talks given by the rangers throughout the day provide valuable insights into the local fauna.
The facilities at Grandfather Mountain are top-notch, with a cafe, restrooms, and several exhibits to explore.
I highly recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season. Purchasing tickets online is a wise choice, as the mountain may reach capacity and turn away visitors. Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for seniors and AAA members.
The views from Grandfather Mountain are truly remarkable, offering a glimpse of nature's grandeur from what feels like the top of the world. The nature center and museum are beautifully curated, offering a deeper understanding of the mountain's rich history and ecosystem.
For those seeking adventure, the mountain offers a multitude of hiking trails and picturesque picnic spots along the way. Plan to spend the whole day exploring, but be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds that can detract from the experience.
In conclusion, Grandfather Mountain is a place of wonder and beauty, with a magical touch that is sure to leave a lasting impression. It is a destination that deserves to be savored and explored at leisure, offering a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A resident company with many famous alumni produces major plays in repertory at this state theater.
An amazing venue. A beautiful place to see a show. I believe the theatre has been around since 1933 but this was my first time there. Everyone was pleasant and the show that we attended was fantastic. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Michael Bruce — Google review
Cast was very well prepared! The barter is beautiful especially during the Christmas season! We saw "It's A Wonderful Life."
Jennifer Nunley — Google review
We went to watch to kill a mockingbird on Sept 3rd and it was incredible! The actors and actresses were amazing and very talented. They captured all the characters’ emotions so well. I will definitely be coming back sometime soon. Thank you so much Barter theatre for such a wonderful experience!
Brooke W — Google review
The Barter Theater is the cultural and artistic gem of southwest Virginia. My wife and I have attended numerous plays and performances here for many years and have never been disappointed. Every show or play we attend always leaves me feeling like it was time well spent and I grew from the experience. Get your tickets and take in one of the plays. You will be glad you did.
Dan Birchfield — Google review
We were wanting to come see this play and almost missed our chance. Luckily we snagged a couple tickets for the last showing of the 9 to 5 musical. Wow, just WOW!!! It started with a laugh, and ended with a standing ovation. What a phenomenal job by the cast and crew! It's been a while since I have laughed out loud so much. The only downside I can think of, there are no more showings!! We look forward to coming back real soon!!
Tom ?The Captain? Thompson — Google review
"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." - Shakespeare's Macbeth
This was our first visit to the Barter Theatre, but certainly not our last! The employees were kind and helpful, even leading us right to our seats.
From the moment the actors took the stage, we were captivated. The lights, the dramactics, and the unique seating of the Smith Theater transported us to Scotland .
We appreciated the "lightning plot" the actors shared at the beginning. It made it much easier to follow what was happening. A favorite among our group was the battle scene towards the end.
Barter Theatre shares a resource student study guide that suggests 9th grade and up.
Bravo, Barter Theatre, Bravo!
Foothills Family — Google review
Fantastic little theater. Acting was first rate. Sets were beautiful and seamlessly changed. Don't think there is a bad seat in the place, though they are very close together. We saw Miracle on 34th Street and it was fantastic.
Marlene S — Google review
Enjoyed Miracle on 34th St. It put us all in the holiday mood. Staff was very friendly, helpful, the show was fantastic, the facilities were clean and ticket prices were fair. We sat on the balcony and still felt so incredibly close. ❤️
Mary Day — Google review
So thankful to see plays in person again! Super thankful for the safety precautions and vaccination/negative test requirement. Frankenstein was a 10/10 performance.
Tiff C — Google review
There's not a bad seat in the house. The plays are always top notch. If you ever get a chance to go there, take it. The history is really fascinating. This is a very professional venue.
JEFF MCNEESE — Google review
I saw the production of Footloose. It was an awesome show! I had a wonderful time. The barter is a great place to go. The atmosphere is nice and the attendants are very nice and helpful. If you haven't ever been, you need to go.
Nicole Shrader — Google review
This is one of my favorite places. The plays are amazing every time. I buy a subscription each year so I never miss out on any. Last year I had to see some of the plays twice- they were that good. The Barter is high quality theater at a reasonable price. The actors are truly fantastic and the staff are accommodating and friendly. I highly recommend this treasure in lovely Abingdon.
donnalyn brashear-taylor — Google review
Went for a family visit to Abingdon and was lucky enough to go see Footloose at the Barter. It Was a wonderful experience!! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we won the award for who traveled the farthest to be there award. I loved being here and seeing the theatre.
Savannah Carpenter — Google review
The Barter Theater was a wonderful experience. Nestled in the heart of Abingdon within walking distance of the Martha Washington Inn and plenty of amazing restaurants and shops, this theater is in the perfect location. It's a gorgeous, spacious theater that is updated and well-kept, but without losing its small-town charm. We saw the musical Footloose in the Summer of 2023 and it was an experience I won't easily forget. The cast was outstanding. I've seen Broadway performances less captivating! There was nothing small-time about the talent here. All of the singing, dancing, music, lighting, costumes, and stage decor was absolutely mesmerizing. The tickets were incredibly reasonably priced for how well put together this show was. There are ample bathrooms inside the theater, and a concession stand serving small snacks and drinks inside. The only caveat is that you'll have to wait outside for a while before you are seated for the performance and there aren't too many places to sit, but if the weather is nice this gives you time to explore the lovely parks/scenery nearby.
Katelin Johnson — Google review
As You Like It was beyond wonderful, so fun, laughed out loud. I really can’t say enough nor do I have the words to adequately express what it was like!! You should definitely go see for yourself!!
Suzie Zenker — Google review
Barter Theatre and Abington were wonderful. We always enjoy our time in this lovely town attended a play.
Phillip Ardoin — Google review
Excellent. Over the years going to the Barter Theater have never had a bad show or experience. We saw It's A Wonderful Life. Very well done. Fast paced not a dead moment all the actors and actresses we great. The volunteers who work and help out are really great. Highly recommend going especially if you've never been. A true gem of Southwest Virginia.
Blowing Rock is a charming village in western North Carolina, located on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. It is named after a majestic formation called The Blowing Rock that offers breathtaking views of peaks, forests and the Johns River Gorge. Visitors can explore regional artwork at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum or visit the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which features a preserved country estate with a 1901 mansion.
7% as popular as Gatlinburg
1 hour off the main route, 31% of way to Washington DC
Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly park that offers train rides, amusement park attractions, live shows, and a petting zoo. Visitors can ride on the chair lift and enjoy various activities such as visiting Santa's gingerbread house or making s'mores at the station. During Christmas time, the train is adorned with magical lights that make for an enchanting experience. One downside to visiting during this time is the limited food options available on site with only one restaurant serving hot dogs or pizza.
We came here for a school field trip for the letter land characters and they did such a fantastic job! Even with all the schools there, it was organized and the lines moved pretty good. We will be back with friends and family!
Kathryn ragno — Google review
Fun way to spend the day. Enjoyed all the rides and park was well maintained. Train was very neat and the shows that we caught were really fun (clogger show & magic show). Our kids loved feeding the animals too! It was only $0.50 for a cone full of food.
Crystal Muir — Google review
Great place to take your kids to get some energy out. You will get yours out to though because it's on the side of a mountain. Not much walking but lots of hills. Rides for adults too but mainly children. My kids love the petting zoo as well. You can bring your on snacks and drinks. We now have season passes.
Elisha Shepherd — Google review
We visited Tweetsie for the first times since childhood. It was fun but overpriced. $60 per adult! Light shows were okay, train ride was fun, stores were nice, and lots of photo opportunities. It was a group activity, otherwise I probably wouldn’t go since I don’t have children. Dress warm for winter rides. Train cars are open air.
Kendra Yang — Google review
This is a cute family park with a lot of fairground type rides. We watched two of the shows and they were good. The train ride was fun. They also have a small animal park. Overall there isn't a ton to do here and it is definitely geared towards families and younger kids. We only stayed for three hours. For two adults we paid $132, which I thought was very steep and not worth the value.
Will Gausman — Google review
Tweetsie is a fantastic place for the little ones. It was like walking into a Hallmark movie. My only complaint about a Tweetsie Christmas was the food choices. Only one restaurant on-site was open with very limited choices on site (hot dog or pizza only). I wish that was known up front. Tweetsie normally has multiple choices related to food. I would have given five stars if not for that. This is a great stop if you can experience it for Christmas. Santa’s gingerbread house and the s’more station was fun. The train was magical with all the lights.
matthew hood — Google review
This is a super fun place and a highly recommended. Both my almost 9 and my twelve-year-old enjoyed it. We stayed for hours and it was wonderful to spend that much time as a family without any whining or bickering. The only reason I took a star off is because after spending $200 to get in, a large soda was gonna cost you $8. They also advertised gem mining and gold panning but there were costs for that as well.
Still, I recommend it. Just bring water bottles and snacks. You can also get your hand stamped if you want to head to the car for a picnic.
Melissa Cole — Google review
We had a fabulous day at Tweetsie Railroad! We arrived around 10:30 to a minimal crowd and bought our tickets at the gate. With no wait times, we were able to return to rides with no problem. The park is super clean and the staff is so friendly! Thank you for a great day Tweetsie!♥️🚂🚃🚃🚃♥️
Susan Grogan — Google review
Affordable family fun!! My whole family had such a wonderful day. The shows are entertaining and fun. Most of the people working there were happy and smiling except for a few but we all have bad days.
Overall I would highly recommend going. Rides had small lines and we didn't have to wait long except for the cheese mine ride. But compared to other theme park wait lines. They were very very quick and we were riding rides in less than 10 minutes at a time!!! 😲
Donalda Feith — Google review
Just created a new Christmas family tradition! Tweetsie Railroad is a great way to cap a winter weekend in Boone! We loved the train and the ride through the lights... but were very surprised and excited by all the other activities to do during our visit! There are fun rides, shops, a carroling show, and plenty of visits to do, like gingerbread men and of course Santa! Fun experience, we look forward to many trips for years to come!
Jason Hall — Google review
What a fun experience for the whole family. We have been here in the past and loved it. The train ride is fun and the lights are beautiful. We loved the smores over the fire, and the blizzard was awesome. The park was clean and all the staff were super friendly. If in the area you too should make this a Christmas tradition.
Dane Whitehead — Google review
That was a fun experience, especially the steam train.. And the staff were friendly and very helpful. We lost our keys and noticed it after leaving, they have already closed down when we arrived but the staff that just got down to the parking lot and saw us searching straight away asked if we we were looking for some keys as someone found them and straight away offered to go back up to get it for us. Saved us the trouble of driving 2 hours back and forth the next day and the stress of not being able to enter the house. And she didn't even accept our small gift and said they were very happy to be of help. Wish we got her name. Anyways, if you're reading this "THANK YOU SO MUCH" again.
Experience wise. Definitely a great visit, especially for kids.
Francis Jr — Google review
Came here in August 2021. Went here as a kid and was excited to return as an adult to bring my kids. It was a great time, but I was disappointed about the train ride and the shootout that they used to do on board. The show now isn't bad but it's not as good as it was 20+ years ago. Still definitely worth the trip and they kids will love it.
Justin Pierce — Google review
We go every year, and we love it every year. This place is a special tradition for us. We like the food available, we like the train ride, and we love the chair lift. From shows and shopping, to rides and arcade.. There's something for everyone. Our kids love the kid rides and feeding all the little goats. Usually Thomas the train is there when we visit, which is an extra bonus for the kids.
Josh Alexander — Google review
We have season passes and we love to go the tweetsie railroad whenever we want to get out of the house I recommend taking a cooler of drinks and snacks because the food and drinks at the tweetsie restaurants are pretty over priced I also recommend getting a season passes if you have time to go a couple times because going like 4 times is a much as the price of the pass. The wait on a weekday is literally like 1 minute and on the weekends maybe 3. The wait for each ride is very short and they have added 4 new rides this year so that a plus. Overall a wonderful amusement park.
Chandler Foust — Google review
Pleasantly surprised. I hadn't been here in years and decided to take my 7 and 5 year old. We LOVED IT!! Tweetsie was perfect. Nostalgic old western/mountain theme park nestled on the side of a mountain. The offers some breath taking views as well. We will visit again soon.
Duane Willis — Google review
Had a great time there for my granddaughter's 5th birthday. Fun rides, great deer park/petting zoo and some fun shows to watch while you take a break.
Joel Rubin — Google review
Nice place with the kids. We went after Christmas and it was raining but the train ride was full despite of the weather (it's covered). The tickets are expensive and the train ride is great. That said the other rides are not amazing and not really worth the price. The food is just snacks and expensive (as expected). The smores are $6 and honestly should be free given the cost of the tickets.
Overall it's good to do it once. If you have some flexibility, check the weather before booking and don't go when it rains. You can also arrive early and get tickets at the door. Would recommend not getting food there if you can avoid it and go to nearby restaurants instead.
Julien Jomier — Google review
This was our first time here and it was a GREAT experience! We bought tickets for the Haunted Ghost Train and enjoyed it. A couple of things you may need to know, the attraction is on a hill and there is lots of incline walking, wear good shoes. The train ride is fun, but to enjoy the actors in the forest, you will need to be on the middle to rear train cars. If you are in the first car or second, you will have a hard time seeing and will have to turn around backwards in your seat and look out the right side FYI. The ticket cost is all inclusive and includes the train, haunted attractions and carnival rides. A great family putting to say the least!
Todd H. — Google review
This was our first time ever coming here to see the Christmas lights, and we are glad we did. We came on a Sunday & got tickets for the train ride at 7:30pm. It was a bit cold and a bit rainy, but thankfully, it did not pour while we were there. A few sprinkles, and we were fine. The train ride itself is about 25 minutes, and you basically ride along singing to your favorite Christmas songs and looking at all the wonderful Christmas light displays! It is a little "town," so once you're done with the train or even before, you can head to their cafe, gift shops, and many photo Op locations. They have lots of light displays to see and a stores section where you buy smores and go to any of their two campfires they have set. They have a few rides more catered to little kids, which is included in your admission tickets. You also get to see Santa! It was not busy at all when we went mainly bc it was on a Sunday night and rainy, but it was a plus for us! I will probably be back in the summertime to see how the experience differs. They do have free parking on site. This was about 2 hrs from me, and if I wouldn't have a long ride home on a Sunday before school started again, we would have def. Stayed longer to enjoy it much more, but overall, it was not a bad experience. It definitely felt like you were transported into a small Christmas hallmark movie village.
Jennifer — Google review
Heads up for the Halloween attractions. They do NOT explicitly state when a place has live actors, and those places are rough. Being 35, I thought I would be fine in the enchanted forest advertised for people 8 and up. Nope. Got halfway through, got to the live actors, and needed to leave. The actors would not let up, even after my SO fell down, and we stated multiple times that we "do not consent" and were asking to just be let through. Maybe it’s my PTSD talking, but going to an attraction advertised as "from your funniest nightmares" and having a panic attack isn't fun. It honestly ruined our night. We sent an email asking them to state, either on signs or on the website, when an attraction has live actors in the future, but they never responded.
The rides were fun, and the train was the highlight. The atmosphere was neat. But it's expensive - $60 per adult. Adequate signs would have saved the night.
Isaac Stross — Google review
My 9 yr old was overwhelmed with excitement! I must say I was too. I recommend a 5pm or 6pm train ride so you can see everything before or after the train ride. There was so much to see!!! We went in December and had a WONDERFUL time!!! Make sure your phone is fully charged because you will take a lot of photos! Tickets are a bit pricey.
Shannon — Google review
This is my first year as a season pass holder and my experience both days of opening weekend were great. Park staff are very friendly and helpful.
Curtis Kularski — Google review
Better than I remember!! We recently visited Tweetsie Railroad with our 3 grandchildren. It was much improved since our visits 20+ years ago with our children.
Everything was clean, staff was impeccably dressed in themed attire, they were helpful and polite. Definitely a great experience for our family. Kids under 3 were free, so that was very nice.
Definitely a 5 🌟 experience. Will definitely go again and highly recommend!
Simon Shaw — Google review
It was definitely a nostalgia thing for my husband. I had never been and this was our child's first time as well. The train ride was fun but a little underwhelming. I think our ride was cut short by an accident with an actor so don't know if there was supposed to be more to it but it was not quite as exciting as I thought it would be, even keeping in mind it's for families. The mini train was almost more exciting if a little psychedelic towards the end. Mordecai has...so much back story to his mining operations. The rides were ok; for the little kid rides there was not really any lines so that was pleasant. Arcade had a few machines not working or ate coins and then the ticket eater didn't work so that was a bit of a mess. Overall, hit or miss and point to maybe some infrastructure related investments that might be good. There is nostalgic and then there is old and janky and we're treading a fine line here I think. Especially since it was not inexpensive compared to other things on top of what spent at the arcade, food, and the gift shop.
Jennifer May — Google review
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(1089)
300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Popular, multi-use trail with over 30 mi. of dense forests, picturesque waterways & quaint towns.
5.0
(1283)
Virginia, USA
14
Harvest Grill
$$$$affordable
American restaurant
Upscale bistro at Shelton Vineyards offering diverse seasonal American fare paired with house wines.
The meals was delicious. The wine very smooth.love this place ,I will come back next time
DeCui Li — Google review
We already enjoy eating here. The food is wonderful and the service is always excellent. Tonight, we were taken care of by Sam, he was friendly and knowledgeable and very attentive to our wants and needs. The food was fabulous but the service… that was superb. Thank you Sam! Good luck in school!!!!
Todd Reece — Google review
Came for anniversary before our tasting. Food was incredible, as was the service. My husband had a pasta special and I had a twist on the Caesar salad with blackened chicken. Everything tasted great! Not a single complaint. We sat outside and the weather was gorgeous. The dessert we got was a pound cake with chocolate sauce and port soaked cherries. It was heavenly. We will definitely be back!
Ashley Rivera — Google review
Had Easter brunch here. Everything tastes so good. The tomato basil soup was the best I've ever had.
Tiffany T — Google review
Solid lunch at Shelton Vineyards. Attended a company function here and would absolutely return. Try the collard green / pulled pork egg rolls or house made pimento cheese.
Uhland Michael — Google review
Very nice restaurant. Staff is very friendly and helpful!!! My server, Adrienne, was amazing!!!! The butternut squash ravioli with pancetta croutons, sage brown butter and apple butter on top of wilted kale was absolutely delicious!!!!!!! The views on the patio are beautiful!
Tracy Berthelson — Google review
Murder Mystery Dinner was a true disappointment.
The food was terrible. I have never been to a restaurant that was this bad. The only thing that was good was the rolls. Don’t Go
Mason Coffey — Google review
Enjoyed a Friday, 12 o’clock lunch on the patio. Very good food, great service, and tranquil ambiance. Flatbread lunch special was really good.
Permanent Detour — Google review
The atmosphere is beautiful, but the service and food was way below par. When we ordered the sampler appetizer, the waitress brought it out missing the Deviled Eggs, so when we pointed that out, the waitress said "oh I knew something didn't look right". My wife then ordered the Teriyaki Chicken sandwich special, thinking it was a chicken breast. Instead the sandwich had deli meat that looked like it was from a grocery store. I ordered the Fried Chicken sandwich, but was served the same Teriyaki sandwich instead. When we asked the waitress, she blamed it on the computer system. Not wanting to wait another :20 minutes for the sandwich, I just ate what I had and it just wasn't good. The waitress did comp a free desert for our troubles, but we paid our $84 bill and wound up leaving and driving to a McDonald's because we were still hungry.
Mark Parker — Google review
Had dinner on Friday evening. Made reservations for the patio area but were unable to be seated there because a car group ‘reserved the entire patio.’ Kim was a great server and we enjoyed the melon crudo, pork ribeye and shrimp! We love it here with the scenic vines and rolling countryside. Delicious wine, too.
Margie Fetscher — Google review
Presentation and flavors were top notch. Spinach was perfect but the chicken in my main dish was dry and they overcooked the beans. Mind you I ate everything because the flavors were very well done.
Gregory Venditto — Google review
Lovely place to have dinner. Pork ribeye was delicious cheese plate appetizer was pleasant crab cakes we're good.
Guy Disbrowe — Google review
The atmosphere is good but the food menu is very limited for vegetarian. Tried mushroom stuffed raviolis, the sauce was watery and taste was pungent.
Ordered nachos but most of it was undercooked. Would not recommend for food.
Anjali Mutha — Google review
We visited Shelton Vineyards on Friday Nov 17. We ate at the restaurant. Amanda was our server. It was an exceptional experience! The ambience was warm and inviting. The food and wine were delicious. The service was superb. Amanda was courteous, pleasant and extremely attentive to our needs. Amanda made sure that we were very satisfied. She went above and beyond to take care of us during our time at the restaurant. We'll definitely be back and would love to have Amanda as our server again.
Dee Skinner — Google review
Cool spot with beautiful old style decor. The service was fantastic!! We had Kim as our server and she did the best job taking care of us!
The charcuterie was too notch, as well as the bread with the butter and jam plate. I think we would have all been happy with that.
We all got a different meal so we could try everything. One filet mignon, one carbonara, one pork loin and one beef tips. I had the filet. It was good. The sides were a bit lacking in flavor but did taste fresh. The pork loin was the winner at the whole table. It had great taste and the accompaniments went well with it. The other two dishes were pretty boring.
The music was great but it ended at 7:30. On Valentine's day! We couldn't believe it. So most of our dinner was quiet. It felt odd. Not sure why it ended that quickly but it was disappointing.
Overall it was a fun experience that gave us the opportunity to dress up and have a good time. Not the best food in the world though.
Julie Stevens — Google review
Had a really nice tour of the winery, a wine sampling and finished it off with an excellent dinner at the grille the food was amazing. Great atmosphere and ambiance. The server we had was very attentive and helpful. Also was able to bring our own bottle of wine we purchased at the winery and had that with dinner which was much more affordable than buying a bottle at the restaurant!
Museum with an extensive collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia plus an audio tour & a gift shop.
We decided to make the trip here and we were not disappointed. Lots to see and read. Touch screen interactive video clips and information is new. We saw , read and heard things we never knew. Beautiful tribute to a beloved actor. His life is well documented. We recommend you plan a day or two and come here. Beautiful town with wonder people.
Jody M. — Google review
It's a nice museum if you're old enough to remember Andy Griffith and most notably his namesake show. We enjoyed our visit a great deal. The building is small but the exhibits were nice and the clothing and other materials from the show put a smile on our face as we remembered a time far far away.
Larry Loveday — Google review
Such a wonderful museum. I visited with my Mother-in-law, Sister-in-law, and a great family friend. All 4 of us love and or grew up watching and still all these years later watch the Andy Griffith show. This museum was cherry on top of our visit to Mt Airy. We definitely recommend everyone who loves the show to visit the museum.
Jessica Smiley-Powell — Google review
Took a day trip to Mount Airy & we just had to visit the Andy Griffith Museum. As children we loved his show so this was a must for my husband and myself.
We made a day of it and went out to eat & enjoyed downtown Mount Airy.
JOSEPHINE LOCAL GUIDE — Google review
My wife gave me a special birthday present by taking me here. I am a huge fan of The Andy Griffith Show and I enjoyed seeing all of the memorabilia and actual props from the show. You will definitely learn a lot of things about Andy Griffith that you maybe have never known. This is a must visit place!!
Martin Silva — Google review
If you love the Andy Griffith Show like I do and if you're ever in Mt. Airy, NC, the city of Mt. Airy and the Andy Griffith Museum is a must place to stop and check out!
The museum is a place both for learning about and celebrating Andy Griffith, who was born in Mount Airy in 1926. Home of the single largest collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to Andy Griffith, the museum features hundreds of items from Andy’s life and his career in theater, film, and music. Highlights of the collection include actual props, wardrobe, and other artifacts from The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock that were donated by Cindi and Andy Griffith, members of the casts and crews, and other individuals and organizations.
A must see if in the area.
Ron Lamberth — Google review
As a lover of Matlock, I found great enjoyment out of the museum. It is a wonderful tribute to the life and career of Andy Griffith, and I enjoyed seeing all of the pieces! My husband's favorite show is the Andy Griffith Show and it was so fun to see him so excited when going through it.
Taylor Long — Google review
I think it was 8 dollars to get In per person which isn't too bad. I expected the museum to be bigger honestly but you did learn quite a bit about his life. Giving it 4 stars because it's kinda confusing on how to get there from the parking lot. Also the sidewalks are slippery even without rain so be careful.
Janice Marfiz — Google review
Loved the museum. Even saw posters of movies Andy starred in that I didn’t know about. Beautiful grounds. Well organized museum. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful. Plenty of parking.
RobertsMom NC — Google review
So many memories and such a great collection. I loved the handwritten notes from Andy with items he donated.
Michelle Gates — Google review
The Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy NC is a sweet little museum. This was a great visit with interactive monitors (Which my wife loved) and lots of keepsakes from the cast of the Andy Griffith Show. In addition it has some nice memorabilia from Andy Griffith's singing days and some of his other movies. There's more to see downstairs too. The museum doesn't take that long to visit, unless your wife likes to press every button on the AV displays like mine does, but it's just about right. Then, when you're done, take a visit down on main street for more souvenirs, visit Floyd's Barber Shop, and grab a Barnie Burger at Barney's Cafe. ...oh...oh... loved the coffee at "Page's Books and Coffee Shop". Really flavorful and not bitter. Sweet staff too! I really hope you found this review helpful! 😊
Michael Hagen — Google review
Great experience. It was fun to see all the old show props and learn more about Andy. A little small but fun. My teenage daughters both enjoyed it. The man working there was super friendly and really seemed to enjoy his job. It's nice to see someone who enjoys his job and kind.
Melanie Wylie — Google review
Love this whole area Mt. Airy NC. I have loved Andy Griffith since I was a child and to be in his hometown was amazing. I highly recommend eating lunch at Snappy great food and great service.
Angela Crumm — Google review
I enjoyed this museum. Should have been a little bigger. Great price of about $8 per person. Loved what I saw but the layout could have been a little better. Good walkways for handicapped individuals. Love Andy so I loved seeing this museum devoted to him. Also went to the gas station and the jail. Great experience that I would do again.
Dee Tee — Google review
If you love Andy Griffith and want to see some of his childhood photos and memorabilia from his TV show, movies, and records there are many things on exhibit. Compared to some other museums I've been to, I wouldn't say this is interactive. There's one touch sensitive digital screen but even though it wasn't crowded when we were there, someone was always using it so we never got a chance to. I'd say that it's worth it to see, but a lot could be done to make it better-- Hologram images, clips from his TV show playing showing the actors wearing the clothing that's displayed rather than still photos, an interactive exhibit where people could choose to play songs from his records, a replica of the police station with the jail, etc. so people could sit at the desk, try out Otis's cell.
Bibi Belford — Google review
The Andy Griffith Museum is a small, but extremely well done museum dedicated to the life of Andy Griffith. It includes many artifacts from his childhood through his adult career. Some are more esoteric like a year book from when he was a music/drama teacher in the local high school. There are lots of things from his movies, Matlock, The Andy Griffith show, and his musical career.
It is a relatively small space but one of the better organized and presented displays we have visited. It was under $10 a person when we visited. There was a steady stream of people for a Tuesday afternoon but it wasn’t crowded.
There is a second exhibit area down the stairs in another building (The Surry Arts Council) which focuses more on the town and other characters including the career of Betty Lynn who played Thelma Lou on the show.
Jim Davenport — Google review
Great place to visit if you like an old fashioned place dripping with southern hospitality and it’s just a bonus that Andy Griffith grew up there and modeled it after Mayberry!! I thought everyone was so nice in this town! I wish the rest of America would take a page out of the book of this town. Thank you and I love you ❤️ Mt. Airy
Frank Jason Folde — Google review
It's a small museum but well done and informative about all Andy Griffith and some of the other characters from the show. It's also clean and modern.
Glory Talbott — Google review
Small, cute museum. Took us about 20 mins to complete once we got in (the line took 20 mins). It was a bit underwhelming due to its size, but we did enjoy all the Andy Griffith memorabilia, including his UNC-related items. I learned some things I didn't know about his time at my alma mater. And it was cool seeing the outfits from both The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock.
Jennifer Hollar — Google review
The best site to see in Mt Airy if you are a fan of the show. First of all, don't miss the statue of Andy and Opie out front. Then, take your time as you visit the museum dedicated to the show. Colorful murals as well.
Mabry Mill, a renowned tourist spot located in the south of Roanoke, is a restored gristmill and sawmill showcasing historic exhibits and interpretive demonstrations. The area around Mabry Mill presents an ideal photo opportunity for visitors. In addition to this, tourists can head north from the mill to explore the scenic beauty of Peaks of Otter and Bedford town nearby.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation is a former freight depot that showcases a variety of planes, trains, and cars. Visitors can take an interactive walk along the David R. & Susan S. Goode Railwalk, which tells the story of the railroad industry in the region. Inside, there are exhibits featuring model trains and an impressive car collection. Outside, visitors can climb aboard real trains and planes.
Our family really liked exploring all the transportation vehicles in the rail yard. The other big hit was the model train exhibit of Roanoke. A great little museum. Definitely worth a couple hours if you're in Roanoke.
Monica Faucette — Google review
This is a great way to kill a couple hours or more if weather prevents you from doing more outdoor activities. The museum has a nice mixture of different types of transportation on display, but not a lot of each. They have real planes, trains, and automobiles on display here just not a lot. What they do have is very interesting and unique. The model ships and boats are exceptional and displayed well for everyone to see. There’s a simulation plane that you climb in the cabin, sit, and look around.
The rail yard is really impressive with 3 locomotives that you can go out and look at if you choose. The automobile inventory, thought limited, is still impressive and worth checking out.
Derik Austin Matthews — Google review
Really amazing place with many interactive displays. Fun for all ages, but not a lot of kids running wild. Not too crowded.
Stan Arnold — Google review
Very exciting visit today in the Virginia Museum of Transportation here in Roanoke. A really fascinating journey back in time to learn about the history of railways. 🚂⏳️ Beside restored locomotives and railroad cars, there are also some old airplanes and vintage cars. 🛻🚙🛩 So much to see here, that the time I had (around 1,5 hrs) was far not enough. Therefore I recommend to plan more time to be able to see and experience everything in all details. I did really enjoy the visit. 💯👍🏻
Krzysiek Olecha — Google review
This was our first visit and very enjoyable. We were brought here by friends that live in the area and had a great day. There is plenty to see and spend the day checking it all out. Great car collection, model trains, real trains outside, air planes, and much more. $10 entrance fee, $8 60 and over. Well worth the visit and you can spend a lot of time if you look closely at every display.
Philip Keithley — Google review
Really fun museum. It seems to be geared more towards kids, but I enjoyed seeing the old cars and trains anyway.
Really liked the few trains that they had built up a little entrance so you could go inside of them. The caboose was a really neat example of that.
Ticket price is a little high for what it is, but then it can't be cheap to run such a museum.
Russ D (Rusty) — Google review
Nice museum with various steam & diesel locomotives, and rolling stock. 611 steam locomotive was there when I visited last Sunday. It has been restored and is often out on excursion trips. Luck to get to see it - up close too.
It was obvious that the museum could use a stronger endowment/benefactor but seem to do well with whatever they have.
Railroads are not only focus of the museum. Have a nice automobile collection and several static educational exhibits. They also have an O-gauge model railroad children (and old men like me) would enjoy.
It's worth a visit and a great place to take grandkids. Good for rail enthusiasts as well, whether young or old.
Dale Gaff — Google review
The entry fee for 1 adult is $12.66, and you can add a donation. There's So Much to See! Trains, Planes, Cars! In addition, learn about the history of each mode of transportation, and important figures in each one. Very friendly and helpful people assisted us.
Marilee Housden — Google review
Toddler’s dream! Kids wonderland. Stroller accessible (except for second level but don’t think much is up there). Family restroom with changing table (bathroom needs to be cleaned though). Awesome to spend hours indoors here on a freezing winter day. Cars, trains, buses, planes, and more! Outside you can even watch real trains go by. Gift shop is fun. Highly recommend!
Savannah Frasier — Google review
So much fun. My 6 yr old grandson loved everything. Price is not bad. You can climb in a few things.
Tana White — Google review
Great place to learn and marvel about trains, cars, and planes. The folks there are so kind and knowledgeable. The gift shop is cute and provides a sense of nostalgia...with the wooden train sets and water ring toss games. We will definitely be back!
Seriah Brown — Google review
I've been to this museum with friends from out of town a few times, and I always enjoy it. There's loads of stuff to learn about, trains and planes to climb in, and of course the train yard outside is lots of fun. If you're at all interested in planes, trains, and automobiles, this is the spot!
Maggie Riley — Google review
Such a cool place. They have a little bit of everything here. Some of the old cars they have I never knew they existed. So worth the time and money to go here.
Howard Hottinger — Google review
Free parking right out front. Entry was $12.
We spent about 2-3 hours here. The exhibits are a little tired in places (Some must be 15 years old!) But very interesting nonetheless.
Definite highlights are railyard and the model trains!
Tom Fenton — Google review
What an excellent museum! It’s professionally set up with trains, cars, planes, buses, fire trucks, and memorabilia. We really enjoyed our time here. The huge 611 steam engine was my favorite. Well worth the entrance fee.
Tom Browning — Google review
Third visit here in the last ten years, this visit was on par with my first. Plenty of things to see between the cars on display inside and the trains on display out in the yard. Really enjoyed the circus train displays on the upper level.
Brady Harper — Google review
We like this place! It's easy to do and fun for all ages. We even joined last year but refuse to join this year because at this museum they make you pay for special events, like their trick or treating etc. So we will visit when guests come. They are constantly adding things, and the history they have collected is very impressive. It was great that the 611 was back, but we unfortunately missed it by a day! It is doing trips elsewhere. All in all, I would recommend visiting this museum, but the membership is NOT worth it. And some displayed were closed when we went. However, I think they may have just been painting. My company loved it!
Stacy DeBenedictis — Google review
Informative and beautiful museum! Lots of rich history and cool cars and trains! It is about $15 per person, but they offer student and military discounts! Go Hokies!
Litzy A — Google review
It was a very nice place to go we enjoyed all of the exhibits the automotive collection was great. I really liked the 1934 dodge brothers school bus It was very interesting. They have a lot of model trains. The restored locomotives were very nice. They even have an airplane exhibit.
Andy Nolan — Google review
This is a nice museum however it is overpriced for what you get. At the St. Louis transport museum you can climb in the locomotives. Not here. If it were more hands on would be a five star as they have some awesome stuff. UPDATE Also this has now gone down to a 2 star review. An employee threw something at my drone while I was simply trying to document some of the work going on the 611. I live right behind the museum and had clear line of sight with my drone and was fully following the FAA rules. It is also a federal crime to attempt to destroy or hurt an aircraft which a drone is. If I was in charge of the 611, I would be proud to have people try to photograph and video tape it. Not try to destroy their camera.
elevaTOURS (dieselducy) — Google review
Great stop on our roadtrip.
I’ve never been sort of a train fanatic but this was very informative.
Little did I know we had electric cars 120 years ago. Now I do.
Penny machine available.
The Mill Mountain Star is a prominent and iconic landmark overlooking the city of Roanoke, Virginia. This neon-lit star stands at an impressive 100 feet and is a regional cultural symbol that attracts many visitors to the area. Perched on top of Mill Mountain, this location offers magnificent views of the city and surrounding natural landscape. It provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, walking or simply taking in the beautiful scenery.
The view here is incredible! It is a great place to get a quick bit of exercise (especially if you’re like me, and enjoy shorter hikes)! Thankfully the area is kept clean of trash and green with vibrant, beautiful nature aspects! I highly recommend a trip here if you’re visiting the area or simply have never been before. Whether it’s simply for the walk, photogenic properties, or to enjoy the surroundings this is a must-see location for residents and visitors alike!
Ky Miller — Google review
The star is one of the best and oldest attractions in the area, drawing visitors who are locals as well as tourists/visitors to our city. You can't beat the view of the valley, and the overlooks are perfect for capturing those gorgeous views. The playground has picnic tables next to it for a perfect spot to enjoy lunch while the kids have their own little adventures climbing, sliding, and making their way through the tunnel.
The star and overlooks are free, as well as parking, making it an excellent choice for a weekend afternoon family outing or picnic.
Krystal Nichole — Google review
I've driven by the Star on many drives through Roanoke...and finally made a trip with a friend recently; worth it! I would like to see it after dark, but seein the urban sprawl of the city, mixed with the mountain views was spectacular during the day.
There is no cost to drive up to the overlook, and not much of a walk to the monument. Park area is clean and well maintained, with historical and informational signage.
Definitely a great place to spend the day...there are other attractions nearby, including but not limited to the zoo, the discovery center, and hiking trails.
C4Explore — Google review
The Mill Mountain Star is a historical landmark in Roanoke. The view of the valley is spectacular. It has two overlooks, and walking trails. It's also in the same vicinity of the zoo (didn't visit due to time constraints), but we did take a little walk along one of the paved trails. I'd say that it's a 'must visit' spot if you are visiting the Roanoke area. (and it's free!)
ron skyberg — Google review
If you are an outdoor person and/or have a dog, this is a great place to go. The view is outstanding and the air feels crisp and clean. There are trails and paths to walk. Some of the trails are difficult (rocks and grade), but the paths are paved and easy to walk. From the parking lot to the star is an easy path. Worth the short drive up there.
JP Aus — Google review
Panoramic views of the Roanoke Valley from several overlooks. Also a zoo, small park and Discovery Center - all in the shadow of the world's largest man-made star. Only the zoo has an admission fee.
G.E. Stone — Google review
We've been walking here in the evenings for a little exercise. Nice paved paths by star and zoo. Interesting trails through woods, rocky in places but well worn paths.
L Finch — Google review
Our family enjoyed the view! The mountain biking was fun. When I walked our dog on the trail below the Star, we were greeted with so much broken glass. I thought it would be okay once I got into the forest area, but there was broken glass along the entire trail. I had to carry out dog. Bummer!
Monica Faucette — Google review
The view from Mill Mountain was great even though the weather was not so great! Even with limited visibility and rain on our heels we were still able take in a pretty nice view from the vantage point at the base of the star.
From what I could see the trails were nice(at the beginning at least)wish the weather was nicer so we could have meandered about for awhile.
The restrooms…well…for guys I hope you don’t have IBS or another sensitive tummy issue. Ladies I would just hold it seriously! It’s not worth it!
Derik Austin Matthews — Google review
Magnificent place! It's a beautiful area to stop and relax and take in the breath taking view of Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I HIGHLY recommend a stop here!
Kim W. — Google review
What a beautiful stop this was. It's located on the Blue Ridge Mountain Road. The breath taking view looked over Roanoke. I bet it's beautiful at night! I hear the star lights up, too. They have a trail you can hike with your four-legged friends. They even offer a little dispenser of doggie poop bags. The dogwood trees were in bloom. The surrounding foliage is lush and green.
Bathrooms are also provided. The main road takes you for a scenic drive.
Cheryl Clark — Google review
This landmark is impressive and the views are amazing. At night it is very grand to see the star fully illuminated. Access is restricted after 11pm.
There is a pavilion to picnic under as well as a playground for children in the park. A beautiful garden is well maintained and a free discovery center holds information about the local geography and animals.
There is also a small zoo on Mill Mountain which can be visited for a fee. There is a miniature train you can purchase tickets to ride on and see the perimeter of the zoo. With the train tickets and entry for 4 adults and 2 children the cost was less than $100. The zoo closes prior to the park closing, so check hours ahead of time.
Mike Wilhelmsen — Google review
Beautiful, beautiful view of the city and just looking at all the mountains. Must visit if you're in Roanoke! Came to visit a friend, and she took me to see!! So grateful for the memorable opportunity she gave me as well as thinking of taking me! Thanks Olivia!!! :)
Nate Danzinger — Google review
Great thing to see up close after seeing it from below. The Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, is the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. It is just a short walk to the front side of the star. There is a nice platform that overlooks Roanoke for great viewing of the city below, but also with enough room to turn around and get a picture of the giant star. It was cold and starting to get dark, there were only 2-3 cars at any point. There looked to be nice restrooms but didn't go check them out.
Lindsay Varga — Google review
A marvelous view! A wonderful spot to go anytime of the day but I recommend going at night. I took my daughter and we had an absolutely amazing time! Very easy to get to. Not a far walk at all to the lookout. The lookout itself is outstanding! The star is truly a marvel. I highly recommend this for a family outing. I will be back here again and again!
Rate N'Review — Google review
Was on a work trip and went there when it was dark, the star light was light as well, we all had a flocking good time and walked away happier than when we had arrived. Besides my teams fowl language, it was kid appropriate.
Dusty Kirk — Google review
This will always be one of my favorite places in the valley! We can see it from a window in our house which is a really sweet bonus! The views are breathtaking and it's always clean no matter how many guests are on the platform. A favorite for us is to visit in December and see all the pockets of lights!
Cara Taylor — Google review
The Mill Star is usually all white except for patriotic holidays. GPS brings you to the bottom of the site. You need to keep driving until you see the entrance to the park. The view of the city from the lookout is amazing.
Deborah Esposito — Google review
I visited the Mill Mountain Star on an early morning will in town for a sporting event. Walked around the trails and walking paths. Then stopped at the star and the overlook of the city. Great view. Very easy to get to from the parking area as well.
The Luray Caverns, located in Virginia, are one of the most well-known and largest caverns on the East Coast of the United States. These vast underground tunnels have been forming for millions of years and showcase stunning natural wonders such as colossal stone formations, crystal clear pools, glistening draperies, and soaring stone columns. Visitors can tour the caverns and marvel at 140-ft. natural columns, colorful stalactites, and brick walkways.
This cavern is truly one of the.most spectacular natural wonders I have seen in my life. The history of how this cave was found by accident about 150 years ago is amazing. The tour of the cavern was well planned and thought out and responsibly preserved. The tour takes about an hour to walk and a very good camera is highly recommended.
I suggest visiting during the off peak season so that you feel rushed through the cave.
There is a small Cafe, a gift shop and a few other shops.
I highly recommend this park to those who enjoy nature and for those who want to experience a once in a lifetime thrill.
Pictures do not do this cave justice.
It must seen in person to appreciate the beauty and amazement of this place.
Jaime Brownell — Google review
I heard from someone working at the front royal visitor's center that Luray caverns was the best in the area. It was a good 45 minute drive but it definitely did not disappoint! It was beautiful!!
We went on a Monday evening and it was empty. They took our photos at the entrance and ended up being really cute souvenirs.
The caverns themselves were really big. We took our time and read through all 19 stops on the tour (they had self guided tours with a brochure) I liked that we were able to go at our own pace and be able to take photos/ videos without other people photo bombing. There were pretty little lakes and huge formations. Great trip!
Laura Saatsoglou — Google review
A must see! Superbly arranged, roomy for those who may suffer from claustrophobia. Nearly all paths are brick layer and the path is very easy going. There is no climbing or such. Tour is self guided and takes about an hour. Plenty of parking. There is a very nice antique car collection, which is included on the $30.00 entry fee. Highly recommended!
Peter Papagiannakis — Google review
It's no doubt a neat trip for visiting a cave but the company is letting it slide. In the past ten years, the price has gone up and the tours are no longer guided. We visited today and it was a near free-for-all in the cave. A lot of people were touching the rock formations and leaving trash in the cavern. At this rate, considering how delicate the caves are, I wouldn't be surprised if it were eventually closed off to the public.
Nicholas H — Google review
The off season is the best time to visit. Absolutely no lines, many times we were the only ones in an area. The staff was knowledgeable and very friendly. Off season lol. The caves are incredible and stunning. The fun thing is they actually have a pretty cool car selection which we all enjoyed. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
Steve Thomas — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous and worth the trip from Baltimore (and the ticket price). We got permission to go backward through the caverns and it was nice because it made it less crowded. I do imagine that they’ll not allow it anymore, though, because I could tell a few of them were slightly annoyed by it. Don’t ask about it and definitely don’t reference this post.
Tyler Stewart — Google review
The most beautiful and largest cave in the East coast you must see! It would take about an hour to walk through the cave but we really enjoyed every moment of it! Although it was crowded, it’s still plenty rooms and opportunities for you to taking pictures! Great place!
Kaylie Craig — Google review
Great way to easily experience the caverns! The self-guided tour is great, it allows you to stop and enjoy the quiet and beauty of each area. There are useful details about the formations in a guide pamphlet which is super helpful to understand everything. Added on the maze to the experience, it was so fun and worth the extra price. The whole experience was a lot of fun for all ages.
Elizabeth Hadden — Google review
Visited on a Thursday afternoon and it was decently crowded. My family of 3 was able to walk through the caverns in about an hour and it was spectacular. It is self-guided but you can pay for a guided tour. You are given a pamphlet with information as you walk through the caverns. Although it is definitely a tourist-y spot, I highly recommend checking this incredible place out as it is one of the great wonders of the east coast!
Brianna Ridenour — Google review
I have visited caves all around the world- Japan, Europe, Korea etc. This was by FAR the most breathtaking experience. The caverns were other-worldly. You MUST visit if you are close by! If you have kids, the caverns are pretty stroller (small stroller) friendly. Also, the crowds here aren’t bad at all, you have plenty of space to enjoy the trail.
Eleanore B. — Google review
We enjoyed this very much. We stayed up at big meadows campground during a very misty week so this was a nice break. The path is all one level, no steps. The only improvement I would like is the ability to get the headphones again or a guided tour. The pamphlet was helpful but we like to interact with tour guides make sure you check for discounts
Deanna Lewis — Google review
It was an amazing experience. It was my first time in a cavern, so it was incredible to me. The mirror caves were absolutely beautiful. It was a rainy day, so we got to see the water filtering inside the cave. The guides were very helpful. We got to hear the organ in the cathedral.
Ana Cruz — Google review
Having heard that these were the best caverns to visit in Virginia, I was eager to see them.
On arrival the place was really busy, but we had not trouble parking in the parking lot.
Entry was reasonably priced and after walking through the gift shop we headed to the caverns.
Before you enter you have to have your photo taken so they can try and sell it to you on your way out.
The caves are amazing to look at, and there are plenty of opportunities to take photos. The caverns are well lit but I do feel that missed a trick by not using coloured lighting.
My only gripe would be the crowds. Lots of people just stopping and not letting people past. This caused a back log many times.
About halfway round there are only so many rock formations you can look at before they all start to look alike.
The route took about 1hr. Once out you walk back through the gift shop.
There are other attractions available included in the price, but we were too hot and tired to experience them.
Andy Murfet — Google review
Really cool caverns with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formations. There was also a very small underground lake that reflected the stalactites like a mirror. The temperature is cool (light jacket should be fine), can be slightly drippy if raining outside. Takes about 1 hr average to stroll leisurely and enjoy the view. The restroom is only available at the main building so make sure you empty your bladder before heading into the cavern. There are also other attractions in the complex such as the toy station, museum, etc. Parking was relatively easy, also free. All in all, certainly worth the ticket price.
Mario Christianto — Google review
Stunning- Nature’s magic at play. Great for families, kids or even a romantic get away. Lots to do other than just the Caverns. Plan ahead if you want to explore more than just the caverns and do other things like the Garden Maze , shopping etc.
Definately bring your camera. The caves have a beautiful ‘Mirror lake’. Magical!!!
Muhnoo Sophia Jain — Google review
Went at the end of our spring break and it was really fun! It’s about 60-90 min to walk all the way through, depending on how long you stop for photos or listen to the organ. Many amazing sights and some parts of the caves are 7 million years old! Very interesting history and would recommend grabbing info pamphlet before you go through so you can follow along what each item is (they’re numbered). Tickets also include free admission to the toy museum and train/car museum next door. Really neat to see more historic items.
Lydia Kennedy — Google review
This place was really great. I checked previous pictures and had thought I would find something a bit different, for example: the wishing well; I thought it was bigger than what actually is (small) also, thought there was more water in it, but nope. I still enjoyed the place and had a great time. I went on Sunday and it was full of people, making it hard to take some pics but not a big deal either. No steps inside, it took a bit more than 1hr but did not feel it, I didn’t get tired either. I was ready to use a sweater inside but no need in my case. Restrooms are 8/10. Whenever you enter or exit you have to go through the shop they have, I didn’t like it because it was crowded inside the shop. Staff was friendly. Entry was 32USD per person.
Elena N — Google review
Beautiful. Pictures can not do it justice. My girlfriend and I made a detour on our trip home from PA to NC to see this place. We were amazed. I have hundreds of pictures/videos and they all look amazing. Put it on your bucket list. Must see.
Joshua Chapman — Google review
We had the best time here. I took my father and my grandson (who is 4) and my dad loved the ramp that was added from the last time he was here many years ago and my grandson practically skipped the entire time being in awe of everything to see.
We lucked out and didn't realize the anniversary of the caverns being discovered was the same weekend we chose to go and they had lit hundreds of candles which only added to the ambiance.
It was also nice and cool given the 90+ it was outside.
A Natachia TNT — Google review
Amazing experience, very beautiful cave and rock formations. The tours are self guided. However when your walking through, their will be families stopping and taking pictures, which holds up others that want to go bye. My experience there was an allot of kids running around, which annoyed others. But didn’t annoy me. I had a great time. Would definitely go back.
Morii — Google review
the caverns were amazing to see, easy to walk, we were there when they first opened mid weekday in winter and it was not crowded. It took about an hour and half total with a leisurely stroll. Kids really enjoyed seeing the different formations. There is a very large parking lot and was mostly empty when we went. By the time we got done the lot was about1/4 full.
James Hawthorne — Google review
Absolutely beautiful!! We really enjoyed the self guided tour. It's definitely worth the trip!! We visited from Michigan over New Years weekend. It wasn't terribly busy. We spent a few hours there between the caves, village, and museums. The ticket price is worth it for sure. You get to see and learn a lot. Our only issue was with people themselves. For some reason, people just can't seem to listen and follow rules, especially in the caves. It was sad to see so many people being disrespectful and touching the formations :(
Ashley Borgert — Google review
I was here in 2019 and now in 2024. I'm very excited. This is the best place. It’s safe to walk here and not be afraid that you will slip and fall, like in another cave that we were not far from this one. There is a very large cave here and there is something to see all the time. I regretted that we went to another cave because this cave is the best, the most beautiful, the most. I really liked it, thank you to the people who work there for your work. It's so good here that you don't want to leave. Photos can't convey how beautiful it is there.
Marina Komarova — Google review
Cool place to walk around if you enjoy caves. Did have an experience with one of the workers as we walked up on a private tour and we weren’t aware of it and just stood there being polite letting him finish talking only for him to rudely say anyone not part of the tour move along. I just think there was a better way to say it as we had no clue that’s what it was.
Victoria — Google review
Decided to head out to the caverns with the family. We have been to several caverns all over the world and this one was really good. The tour was good, the path was wheelchair friendly, the formations were amazing. The cavern organ performances were a bit of a let down. The car museum was okay but it was included in the price of the ticket. The biggest shock was the price at $34 a person. This is quite expensive. The cavern tour took us about 2 hours. There was plenty of parking.
Johnathon Edwards — Google review
What an experience!
This place is truly out of this world. The tickets included the Luray Caverns Self-Guided Tour, the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction. There's also garden maze, rope adventure park and gem sluice for additional price.
I wish we had more time to explore, so we hope to be back soon.
Lyudmila Kennedy — Google review
It's a very nice vacation destination to see the beauty of another side of the world. Luray caverns is very good experience, and nice to see the under earth beauty. The mirror image beauty is awesome. Nice maintenance inside caverns. Enjoyed the trip and Skyline drive as well.
Manikandan Narayanan — Google review
It was my revisit after 28 years. Back then it was not as nice as now. Cavern was renovated during 2017 ~ 2019 and it looks much nicer and corridor was nicely renovated. My kids loved the cavern and it is must visit place when you have kids. It takes little less than 1 and half hours to complete the tour and loved it. Ticket price is $34 for adult and $17 for kids(6-12), Free for under age 6
Anthodites (white spiky rock formations) mark these caverns offering 1-hour tours & a mini-train.
These are fairly "young" caverns geologically speaking, so the formations are not as extensive as some of the older caverns in the area. Our tour guide was very well informed and provided a great narrative during the tour. We enjoyed our tour as there were only 4 others with us some we could take our time and examine the caverns in some detail. The guide answered all our questions without hesitation. A very enjoyable and informative experience.
James Gabriel — Google review
As one descends into the caverns, the grandeur of the stalactites and stalagmites is truly breathtaking. The intricate patterns, delicate formations, and vibrant colors combine to create a surreal and magical environment. The play of light and shadow further enhances the visual spectacle, adding depth and dimension to the already stunning surroundings.
The rich history and ancient nature of the caverns add to their allure. Exploring the depths of the caverns feels like stepping back in time, unraveling the mysteries of the Earth's past. The sense of timelessness and the sheer magnitude of the underground chambers evoke a sense of wonder and reverence.
In addition to the natural beauty, Skyline Caverns also prides itself on its excellent service and attention to detail. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the caverns, providing fascinating insights into the geological formations and the history of the site. Their expertise and passion for the caves enhance the overall experience, making it both educational and engaging.
Faris Al Orfali — Google review
A Groupon coupon put this on our radar and we are so glad it did! The caverns were great. Our guide was informative and lots of fun stories to share. We enjoyed seeing the signature wall from the Civil War soldiers and hearing about the dance parties down in the large cavern. The guide was especially good with the little fella' nervous about the lights being turned off. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. A great way to reinforce geology school lessons or simply enjoy a unique date:
Heather Staley — Google review
This place was slightly cool but the tour length was unecessary. It took an hour when it could have realistically been done in twenty minutes. The place itself is cool, I really enjoyed the beetle and the gem stuff but was mentioning the colored lights really necessary? I also like the fish down in the cave I guess but it’s kind of unecessary. It’s nice to visit if you have time to spend but if you have places to go this is not the place there are other caverns that are more worthwhile.
Account Guide — Google review
I loved visiting this location on the rainy day that I was in Front Royal. It was about an hour tour but the group can linger if you need more time. A great summer activity as it is much colder underground. Home to some incredibly rare sea urchin-like formations only going found in a few locations in the world. The tour guide was funny, informative, helpful, and kind. The gift shop has really cute dishes and rocks and really nice items that were reasonably priced. I’d come again just to see the colored lights in the caves again.
Alice Barret — Google review
We had a great time visiting the Skyline Caverns. Our tour guide was very funny and informative about the caverns. Whenever we had a question, she had the answer for it. The caverns are very beautiful and lots to see!
Da Hun — Google review
Had a great time visiting the Skyline Caverns. Tour guide was very funny and informative about the caverns. They did a great job with lights. If you are in the area, you should make a stop, it was worth visiting
Ritu Pandey — Google review
So incredibly amazing! Guided tour. Our guide was wonderful. Open 7 days a week 930-4(?). We got there at 1030 on a Sunday and it was not crowded at all. Our group was maybe 16 people. It's a walking tour and about 1 and 1/8th mile long, 200 ft underground. WEAR A LIGHT JACKET. 54°F. There are 61 stairs to come back aboveground. Not stroller friendly. It was about an hour start to finish but it didn't seem that long. We learned so much. It was perfect for my 7 year old, but maybe a little too much for my 4yo. Wear shoes with good traction. The mirror maze is a MUST! And the train ride was cute. Do them all, you won't regret it. Massive gift shop. I can't believe I've only ever been to the other caverns before - this was super impressive and my favorite !
Jennifer Ransbotham — Google review
Location location location. That's what this place has in its favor sitting only about a mile from the North entrance of Skyline Drive.
It's a nice 1 hour long tour of the cave. It's roughly mid 50s temperature in there so be sure to pack a sweatshirt. I felt that $25 per adult was maybe a little steep but still within reason for a nice touristy cave system.
Daniel Miller — Google review
The tour is guided and takes about 1 hour.
We learn a lot with all information from the guide.
Not sure about our guide guy name, but I believe that his name was Tristan (sorry if I spelled his name wrong, my English is not good), but our guide was excellent.
It is a beautiful cavern.
Caize Queiroz — Google review
If you're in the area, this cavern is a great place to check out. The formations are beautiful and the tour was very nice. The rainbow colored lights create some cool effects and have the added bonus of cutting down on moss growth. Wear shoes with some tread as the path can be a bit slippery.
Caleb Mayes — Google review
I visited the Skyline Caverns at the end of October with two friends of mine and we all absolutely loved it! The cavern felt natural and untouched, as they’ve preserved it well. There are also LED lights throughout the cave which made it look otherworldly. We had Andrew as our tour guide and he made the experience great while also being very informative. I’ve been to the Luray Cavern two times and although it is very pretty to look at and more convenient that it is not guided, it was not very informative and felt too commercialized. The tour took approx an hour, would definitely recommend a visit here!
Kaylin O'Neill — Google review
Had a very good cavern tour here with a knowledgeable and humorous tour guide. I also liked that we had periodic tour pauses to allow for taking photos. The cavern itself is pretty interesting, as it houses unique crystals and formations.
Linda Dean — Google review
Felt a bit pricy but had a great time visiting the Skyline Caverns. Tour guide was very funny and informative about the caverns. They did a great job with lights. If you are in the area, you should make a stop, it was worth visiting. Heard that Luray Caverns is larger than this.
Ravi Shankar Srinivas — Google review
No food here. But what a great experience. Becket was a wonderful guide with a wealth of knowledge. Cool gift shop and saw cave flowers. Only created in a vacuum.
Leah Kapurch — Google review
Our tour guide was funny, well informed, and patient. We had plenty of time to explore the caverns and never felt rushed. We were worried that it was going to be too kitschy, but instead were impressed with how little the modern improvements were visible in the caverns. Definitely worth the trip.
Elyse Vaughan — Google review
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10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester is a historic site that showcases 18th-century art, regional history and a collection of miniature houses. It offers a diverse range of rotating art exhibits as well as permanent displays that delve into the rich history of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy scenic grounds with beautiful gardens and walking trails dotted with various art installations.
A beautiful and valuable gem in Winchester. The MSV does an outstanding job at providing the community with art and a healthy place to share with friends and family. Art shows change constantly and there's also permanent displays that talk about the rich history of our area. The grounds are beautiful, especially with the new walking trail that we are so fortunate to have. Throughout it, you can find different art installations as well, while you walk, run, or bike, even with your dog(s)! The gardens are amazing to see, and they open in April for to spring/summer. The museum also offers many classes for children and adults. Highly recommend!
Diana Patterson — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous! Peaceful and serene garden walks of varying kinds. The old Civil War Era home was near to see, as were all of the miniature houses that the original owners loved as a hobby. Pop up stores inside the grounds with snacks and gifts, as well a a main gift shop within the museum. Walking trails around the museum and a Boulder playground at the top of the property. We went for the Origami in the Garden exhibit which runs into the fall. A must see! All of this close to downtown Winchester and Hospital.
Jessica Siegert — Google review
Highly recommend taking the drive to Winchester. Be sure you don't miss one of the Lego creations inside the museum. Be sure to pick up the scavenger hunt (green) worksheet for added fun. My kids also liked the miniatures room inside the museum and there were animal bells and sheet music (written in animal symbols) that were very engaging (no pic, sorry). Start your day on the pedestrian mall in Old Own Winchester (a couple of local coffee shops along the way). Pack lunch and a sunscreen to enjoy on the picnic tables. The gift shops had some unique and inexpensive souvenirs as well as ice cream treats! You can also pack bikes for the many surrounding trails. Closed on Mondays. Recommend buying tickets ahead. I even learned that if you are unable to come the day for your tickets, you can use another day. Enjoy!
Jennifer Whitson — Google review
Interesting exhibits come to this country museum. Does an excellent job to really draw different walks to art bringing in families and blending pop culture. Also good place to walk and enjoy outdoors. Currently showing fun Marvel Alex Ross exhibit. Would love to see more modern folk art as part of permanent collection. Doesn’t take long so if day tripping there’s interesting eats nearby and Blandy Experimental Farm UVa state arboretum not too far away.
Kim Pop (kimpopusa) — Google review
This is a great place to walk your dogs, but tick season has begun. I found a deer tick crawling my one of my pups. Don't forget to treat your dog with tick prevention meds and check your pup for ticks after the walk. Very dogfriendly and the main trail around the property is paved with tiny gravel. One part of the park, behind the museum, is through trees and has a section on the left that captures photographs of the Appalachian trail. When about half way through the trail, the trail goes through open space with different memorials like trees forming a circle of large stones forming a circle. There is also where the large sculptures are. The walk was 2.32 miles but it went by pretty fast. I stopped in the museum to use the restroom and the lady working there was very nice, courtesy and helpful. I browsed the gift shop, and got some honey made by the monks to support them and I love honey. The museum looked very nice.
Tilly Lo — Google review
Loved it! The gardens are beautiful, reminds me of Hillwood (DC) gardens, more English/French garden style, and like a very small botanic garden. The tulips and narcissus were in bloom mid-April. I expect the roses will be in bloom in the summer.
The museum is nice too, well designed and laid out. It has basically 4 exhibits on one floor, so it is small, but worth visiting. Really like the miniatures and if you’re a fan of Andrew Wyeth, one of his students has a whole exhibit and the influence is obvious. Very nice.
It would be a great place to take out of town guests and I expect I’ll be visiting each year. It’s the nicest museum I’ve seen in this far western VA/MD/Panhandle WV area. Mostly because it’s new, so much stuff out here is so old.
There is a discount if tickets are purchased online, veterans free, and free Wednesdays. Also have a makerspace for kids and adults for a fee. Trails (not the gardens) are free.
Rebekah Vacca — Google review
Really nice small museum with a historic house and very large, spectacular gardens on the grounds near the new building. The museum space is surprisingly small, so I assume the new building is also a warehouse for the collection. On display were antique furniture and clocks, some art work, historical artifacts, and large house models. The portrait of Washington alone is worth the trip. Large Lego statues are on display currently.
D Hunt — Google review
This place was another trip to remember. We rolled through Virginia after dropping a client off and the experience was amazing, learned a ton about the history of Winchester and the state of Virginia, some very good food, and great people.
Primo Partnerz — Google review
On my way to Virginia I decided to stop in Winchester to check out the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Unfortunately we were there on a Monday. I should have done a little better research before I went…The museum is actually closed on Mondays. However, the stop was not a total loss. The walking trails were open, and we were able to stroll trough the grounds to see the flowering trees and spring blooms. It’s a beautiful walk that is open to the community.
CJ — Google review
Loved it! The grounds are beautiful! Went for the origami exhibit (very pleased with it). Check out the bamboo forest! Toured the house which has a very interesting history. Walked up to the museum and thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits. Highly recommend stopping by and checking this gem out. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable.
Stephanie Thomas — Google review
Staff was so friendly and helpful. Wonderful for kids of all ages! We went to see the lego exhibit but had a great time looking at everything. Would highly recommend and will be returning.
Jess Honaker — Google review
Took my granddaughter to see the Lego exhibits today and it was wonderful! The weather was perfect and the exhibits were magnificent. We were there for an hour and a half to two hours and had a great time. Great way to spend a day off school for sure.
Peggy Shorts — Google review
We've lived in the area for about 15 years and can't believe we've never been here! What a great museum. Some of the permanent exhibit is a little dry for kids but the outdoor gardens are huge and well maintained and worth a visit on their own ..... especially with the Lego sculptures (which just finished up). We'll be back for the Marvel exhibit and to explore the trails on a cooler day.
Matthew Braverman — Google review
I cannot say enough about this place! I took the grandsons to experience the "Lego" exhibit. The boys are ages 16 and 9 and both had a blast! The artist is so talented and made beautiful sculptures out of these popular building blocks. We visited the Asian garden and went into the bamboo garden. Both were tranquil and peaceful. I was shocked when the 9 year old asked to see the exhibits inside. I think he may now be a lover of museums.
Lo Cast — Google review
Entry was free on Wednesday, the museum has a wing that changes every time I've gone. The garden wasn't completely in bloom when I was there but the bamboo garden was nice
Curt Nuber — Google review
Beautiful museum and grounds. The gardens, house and outdoor area were very nice and full of information about the previous owners of the property. The museum itself was laid out quite comfortably to walk through. Our family had a great time here.
Chelsey A — Google review
Our office went to see the Garden of Lights. It was beautiful. Walk at your own pace. They have a snack bar with hot cocoa, cider, and mulled wine. Treats for the kids. Find all the gnomes hidden inside and receive a prize at the end.
Unfussy rooms & suites, some with racetrack views, plus free breakfast & casino shuttle service.
Very nice comfortable hotel in the grounds of the Hollywood Casino & the race track. Large parking area, AAA Rate, lower then their best rate. If one plays at the casino and you have points in "My Cash" section of your Players Account you may apply to the room rate. Standard Rooms might remind you of a Hampton inn or Double Tree. Comfy.
Ben Zapata — Google review
I would give it five stars except for the smoking. Even in the high-end restaurant you smell smoke while you are trying to eat. Most of our sense of taste comes through aroma. No point in paying big bucks for a fancy hunk of meat, craft beer or wine if you can’t taste it anyway. Everything else about the place was great, especially Sara Evans!
BcOneSeven — Google review
Your shuttle drive, on March 21 Thursday at about 10:30 am or so was so excellent and thoughtful, I believe his name was Larson. If not look who drove this morning. What a honest and kind man he was wish more people were like him , Marie Henry
Marie Henry — Google review
First live horse race ever. The ticket seller explained what to do and we won our very first race. Beautiful facility and fabulous horses. Definitely would do again.
Mike Nolan — Google review
This was a nicer hotel than we thought it would be. The friendliness of the staff and the people staying here was outstanding! Track view rooms are nice, even more in the morning for horse workouts.
Lisa Harman — Google review
- clean, well-supplied, and very conveniently located
- extremely comfortable beds, pillows, and sheets.
- adjustable heating and cooling
- mini fridge
- hair dryer
- tv and phone
- desk and rolling chair for work
- lounge chair for reading or relaxing
- iron and ironing board, luggage support stand, closet with hangers, safe
- plugs at each bed side for wall-charging
- alarm clock with usb plug for charging phone
- coffee maker and ice bucket
- large drawers for clothes
- lots of lighting lamp options
- enormous picture window for letting in lots of natural light and warmth
- full-body mirror to prepare for business trips, interviews, or other outings.
Jasmine Rain — Google review
Lots to do a great place to have a good time. Good food helpful staff
Ted Kidwell — Google review
The rooms are a bit dated for a casino hotel and only has a continental breakfast. It only has one elevator which is a pain during busy hours. No pool. Would be nice if tv's were on a swivel so you could watch while in a chair in the corner of room. Nice to have shuttle to the casino but if you plan on staying past 2am you need to take your own vehicle.
todd grossman — Google review
Am hoping they put a hot-tub or pool in the hotel soon. With all the money the casino is raking in, with very little payouts you would think they would have built a waterpark by now. Rooms seem clean, and love the seasonal bar indoors. Having the bus service to take you back and forth to the casino is enjoyable. Located very close to many eateries that are in walking distance. Morning breakfast is very nice. Great view of the race track from some upper floor rooms facing it with a balcony. Handicap accessibility is top notch. lastly a great carport that makes loading and unloading alot nicer when you don't have to worry about getting soaked in the rain.
James Row — Google review
Nice spacious and clean rooms. Free shuttle to the casino. Free breakfast of Danishes, muffins, breads, cereal, hard-boiled eggs. Juices, coffee and tea, fresh fruit. Friendly and helpful employees. Reasonable prices.
Michele Grove — Google review
4/9 I asked night shift why the side door was locked and he told me that its so he can watch suspicous people like me come in and keep a eye on me.Completely unprovoked.He looks suspicious flirting with the male employees who work at the hotel.You got hotel staff just hanging over the desk like Pamela Anderson worked there.After he said that I tried fighting a guy in the parking lot and everyone else that had his attitude.Ask and you shall recieve.when I came back from sheets he was watching me out the blinds like a sex offender.the guy who checked me in before that was looking at me like I was wierd but he was polite and respectful,actually very pleasent.there was a pill left that house keeping should have seen.turns out to be a antibiotic for a dog.But I'm sure those aren't good for children to consume.I am contacting the owner.
Sean Bullock — Google review
I’m here now and when checking in yesterday my check in time was at 4 my room wasn’t ready till almost 5 .then we get in our room the blanket was dirty so we asked them to come change it they acted like that was a problem then they changed it and it was still dirty and then for the casino make the kind of money they bring in the breakfast was nothing but pastries, oatmeal or cereal. The only nice customer service we got is when we first checked in . Would not recommend staying here unless you have free nights you are better off somewhere else.
Stephanie1 McKnight — Google review
Customer service is important, possibly the most important part of any business outside of product delivery And representation, And I’m leaving this review to mention that Heather at The Inn at Charles Town Is wonderful at her job. Heather is clearly invested in making sure customers expectations are met and any issues resolved. I did not have a pleasant experience at this hotel, but how a business recovers and retains a customer is so very important. Heather was quick to hear my concerns and happy to meet with a wonderful resolution, which is why I’m leaving a positive review. All of these stars belong solely to Heather. All businesses should have managers pleasant to deal with and understanding as she is.
C M — Google review
This could have had more stars if they had at least one restaurant within the hotel that you can eat at but the hotel and casino are separate. You need to take a trolly over and all the places to eat are in the casino. It was freezing and about to snow I was not going on the trolly just to eat. Also, my friend had her daughter so she couldn't even go over there.
maria pagan — Google review
First off, I love that they have smoking rooms. That’s extremely rare these days. But service is pretty much non-existent. We stayed 2 nights and generally hotels don’t clean your room when you stay more than one night, but they do usually bring you more towels and take out your trash. There was no maid service at all. One of our pillows had what appeared to be a blood stain on it. But there was no hair or anything so I think they were clean. I didn’t see a schedule for the shuttle so we didn’t even use it. Usually they have pamphlets or something in rooms to explain services and rules and stuff. They just have the fire escape plan on your door and the checkout time. The bed was very comfy and the room was ok. We stayed on Sunday and Monday nights so the rate was less. I definitely don’t think these rooms are worth $300/ night even if there is celebrity entertainment on weekends. Overall, it wasn’t bad. I don’t think they put much into making the rooms very fancy because most people are at the casino the majority of time. The breakfast wasn’t that appealing to me. For one, the hard boiled eggs were warm. They should make them the night before and refrigerate. Who eats warm boiled eggs? Not me. I just had juice and a mini muffin. That muffin was ultra moist and tasty though. Oh and the in-room coffee pots are not environmentally friendly at all. Usually coffee pots have a tray you put the filtered pod into, but this one doesn’t have a tray. Each pod per cup has its own plastic tray. That’s a lot of plastic waste.
I’m Me — Google review
Very clean and spacious! Good beds. Free breakfast. All the staff we encountered were very friendly and professional. I would stay here again! 👍
Family-friendly destination with hiking trails & museums, plus living history presentations.
Enjoyed it. Wonderful using the bus to shuttle. Never had to wait around 5 minutes for the shuttle, but was never full. Definitely worth it. Beautiful town, thankful for the preservations.
**Bring insect repellent if you plan on walking near the water**
Matt B. — Google review
Definitely a gem in WV. Free shuttle from visitor center to lower town to see many historic shops, beautiful river views, and old rail trails. Easy walking. Plan to spend half day enjoying the historic park.
Susan Ding — Google review
Literally the BEST National Park System owned site I've ever been to! I unfortunately wasn't able to hike on any of the trails, but the small houses and businesses along the road were extremely interesting! I remember visiting a small church nearing the top of the hill that was beautiful. There was a candy shop I went into and the woman working the desk told me all about the history of candies like Turkish delight. The restaurants were also very good. The Rabbit Hole is a great choice to go to. I'll definitely go back some day when I can hike up the trails.
Ethan Holsopple — Google review
Harpers Ferry is always a great stop with plenty to do. We have made short and long trips depending on what we want to see, and there is always something new to learn about.
When we come in the winter or early in the day we park in town by the train station for easy access. Today the lord were all full so we parked at the visitor center and took the bus in, and our was really very convenient.
There are so many walking and hiking trails in the area, and with the C&O canal and the Appalachian Trail passing by you can really go anywhere from here. There are plenty of trails easy for all ages, and more challenging trails like Maryland Heights to give you a good hike with great views. For an easy walk I love to walk across the bridge to the C&O, especially if I can catch a train passing through!
There are very fun shops in town as well, where you can learn about history, like the history of candy, and take souvenirs home with you.
Sara Carper — Google review
Really nice beautiful scenery and just so nice. Free bus down to the town. Military got in for free. So much history in Harpers Ferry. Full off lovely colonial houses and lovely little shops.
Sarah Burton — Google review
What a beautiful, incredible space. It really feels like stepping back in time. We went on a rainy Saturday in March and there wasn't too much trouble getting parking but I can imagine the parking fills up in the warmer weather. Definitely recommend parking in the NPS lot and taking the shuttle. The shuttle is very convenient and comes like every 10 minutes.
The town itself offers all kinds of engagement from history to architecture to natural beauty. One can easily spend all day here exploring the town, trails and museum exhibits. There are a few stores; we really enjoyed the historic candy shop where you can buy candy that was popular in different historic eras. Don't forget to stop by the park store. There is a very good selection of books, Park swag, and more. Don't forget to get your passport stamps! Can't wait to return in the warmer months.
Ian Michael Rogers — Google review
We loved the park so beautiful and lots of trials to go on and the town of Harpers ferry was small bonus with cute shops, history and small pubs to catch a quick bite at. It's crowded on the weekends so be prepared to park at the park and shuttle bus down. But don't worry there's lots of busses coming all the time. This is a great day trip or couple day trip to explore the area and other small towns around. West Virginia is a beautiful state especially if you love the outdoors, nature and laid back living.
Cyndi Woytach — Google review
Lots of history here. You can go to the National Park visitor center and then ride the bus into town. This is a good option as parking is scarce and metered. Entry to the park is $20 per family and is good for 3 days, or you can use your National Park pass. We rode our bikes which is another option. Once in town, there's lots to see. The lower town has many historic buildings, and many have been turned into small museums. There is a railroad trestle you can walk across and see a tunnel entrance. When you're in Harper's Ferry, where the Shenandoah and Patomac rivers meet is also where WV, VA, and MD all come together. There are many places to grab lunch, drinks, and ice cream. Some of the buildings are undergoing renovations. We spend about 4 hours there.
William — Google review
Went on a field trip here today with my kids' school. It was definitely beautiful. The shuttle bus downtown was awesome. I love that they play a recorded guide while on the shuttle. Everything was very clean, and you can tell the community cares. It's very interesting to see the history of this place!
Amber Williams — Google review
This is a perfect place to visit for the fall season. The drive itself was a treat. I recommend parking at the Harpers Ferry National Park and pay the fee of 20 bucks (I wish I have known this beforehand), and from there they have a bus every 5 mins to take you to the downtown and self tour the area.
LJ Aranda — Google review
I brought my 16 year old son here for his first time, as he'd just read about the story of John Brown in his history class, & he was enamored. It was a wonderful experience. So much to see, & Harpers Ferry is the most charming little town! I'd been here 9 years ago, & I was so happy to bring him to see everything that I so much enjoyed, as well as discover how the exhibits had changed. Great experience, & perfect for a weekend family road trip!
Michaela Herrick — Google review
Had a blast here. Hiking up Maryland Heights was an absolute treat, and the views of Harpers Ferry from the top were breathtaking. The hike itself was really enjoyable, perfect for a day out in nature. It was pretty packed and I couldn’t find parking at the train station, so I had to park further away. Fortunately, the park offers a free shuttle between the parking area and the town.
Pablo Landsmanas — Google review
I did not realize you had to pay to visit Harpers Ferry. I didn’t know it was part of the National Park Service. Which was my bad for not doing my research. Thankfully I went on a day that wasn’t very busy. The shuttles to and from the drop offs were timely. I was alone when I visited and would definitely come back with my husband and/or friends. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes there is lots to see.
Ivy — Google review
Very well organized. Drive to the public parking and take the bus back.
Walk through town. It's very interesting history is worthwhile. R. E. Lee arrested John Brown near the current fire station. From the point you see three states, West Virginia, Virginia across the Shenandoah to the right and Maryland across the Potomac to the left. Walk across the bridge and see the city from Maryland Point, a 1 hour hike round trip since part of the trail is closed.
Manassas National Battlefield Park, also known as Bull Run, is a historical site where significant battles between the Confederates and Union occurred during the Civil War. It was won by the Confederacy in 1861 and 1862. The park features fields marking these victories and a statue of Thomas Stonewall Jackson. There are ranger tours available at the Robinson farm which provide intriguing information about the area's history.
I went there February 19 2022. The wind was blowing about 25 mph and temperatures of 40 degrees. The ranger tour of the Robinson farm was intriguing. The statue of Thomas Stonewall Jackson was very impressive. This place has the best information video I have ever seen at a national park. They have a good junior ranger program but no longer have a Bark Ranger for dogs. I wish it had been a little warmer
Moving on with Old Man River Old man river — Google review
This was such a great way to learn about history. We did the tour guide with the Park Ranger and it was great. She lead us through what happened. The tour was about 45 minutes long. It is a great place to bring children. Since it is outdoors our boys could explore. The museum was very well done. There is also an interactive map that gives a layout of the battle.
Janie Bowerbank — Google review
Loved it! I am NOT a Civil War buff but I did enjoy the visit. They have a great film that is shown hourly. We also downloaded the audio and video clips from the park’s app. That helped to explain what we were seeing as we toured the battlefield.
Jeffrey Hyde — Google review
I had an enjoyable experience exploring the battlefield on a Monday in early March. I took the walking tour with the ranger, I don’t remember his name but he was very knowledgeable and a great story teller. There was plenty of parking. Restrooms in the visitors center. I watched the movie after the walking tour. I drove to the stone bridge and the unfinished railroad sites because I was running out of time. You could definitely spend an entire day here.
Miss Val — Google review
This was a visit that brought a lot of history to life. To have been at the Battlefield Park at the end of September 2023, with the heavy clouds, was really a rich experience. I also purchased a two books from the book store, one of which is slave narratives.
Jennyfer Ambe — Google review
I've come here multiple times to hike- it never fails to amuse me. Full of rich history everywhere. There are 2 places to park: one that is placed in the middle and there is the main parking. I like that the huge chunk of the area is preserved. You'll always find something new. There are various trails to choose from.
Litzy Aguilar — Google review
Fascinating testament to the stupidity of war. Many young men died on this field because some adults wanted to own people.
Having said that, the artifacts on display give one a better understanding of the battles.
Ricardo Munoz — Google review
Beautiful and underrated. Great museum in the visitors center with a fantastic presentation on the battle complete with lights. Miles of open land and places to walk.
Serena Rice — Google review
Manassas Battlefield Park is beautiful maintained. The Visitor Center is excellent. Highly recommend the movie prior to touring the Battlefield. Very clean restrooms. The gift shop has an excellent variety of books. Recommend doing the driving tour if this is your first visit. Recommend a visit to Mathew Hill to see the two naval 12 pound howitzers that was used during the battle.
Sharon Mcfarland — Google review
Really beautiful place, especially considering the history here. It's amazing that something so brutal and bloody could happen at such a beautiful place.
I'm a fan of history, from all periods and places. This place has a very informative museum; as well as buildings from the period, period cannons, a cemetery, and several monuments dedicated to the battle.
This place is kept up really well, and because it's spread out over so many acres you don't have to worry about it being too crowded. I hope it's around for many years to come so that it can teach people about its' history.
Beverly Patrick — Google review
The battlefield was beautiful! The park rangers and the staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. My only con was that the driving tour was not as easy for me to follow as it is in Gettysburg. But I would definitely recommend and return.
Carissa — Google review
It was ok. Probably the most interesting part was the museum at the visitor center. There is one semi-trail walk, all in the sun, that goes around a field. One confederate statue, some cool cannons and a wooden house. Around 40 parking spots.
Vlad Gorshkov — Google review
We took the grand kids to explore the battlefield. The guided tour was terrific. The ranger was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the battle, especially the context (our tour covered the 1st Battle of Bull Run). The visitor center has a great museum and the movie about the battles was extremely well done. I would caution that the scenes are very graphic and parents may want to discuss the movie before/after if your kids are 14 and younger.
Dan Noble — Google review
We walked the 5.2 mile First Battle of Manassas Trail Loop. On the AllTrails app, it suggests the average walk time is 2 hours. Allot more time to stop and read the informative signs at the waypoints. It makes the trip more robust when you can understand what things are and the battles that were fought in the very place you are standing. The trail is well maintained, there are shortcuts along the way if you choose not to do the full loop, the bridge crossing Bull Run is out so we crossed through the water on rocks, and about half is in the woods (shaded) while the rest is out in the open. Be aware: the small parking lot was almost full when we arrived.
Heather Burrell — Google review
Interesting, historically accurate and moving. Gazing upon the area you can feel the spirit, the camaraderie and the dedication of the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting for freedom.
Cheyanne Gentry — Google review
This is a nice simple park to spend time at. There's a lot of history associated with it and they play a movie in the visitor center. The staff is friendly and there's a big parking lot. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but if you're in the area, it's certainly worth a visit. Would recommend!
Arnav Agarwal — Google review
museum with movie at every hour
animated map of the battleground inside
free guided 45 min tour.
Ask for starting time ( today 2pm )
Karlpeter Schroeder — Google review
Took the kids and got there early, did the educational film (45 min) in the visitor center, stamped passports etc and did the first Manassas loop. Took us about 2 hours (with kids) to do 4.5 miles so not bad. So much to see along the way, and the stone house was open so we got a nice little break to look around, talk to the rangers, and get their ranger pins.
Historic site of the famous 1862 Civil War battle features tours, interpretive programs & park land.
21,000 dead in America's deadliest one day battle. The visitor center is under construction so you have to go to the temporary site. It does have a good movie though.. as I drove and stopped at the 10 tour stops I walked in the sunken road or as it's called BLOODY LANE. When there climb the tower and get a good look at the battlefield. The go to Burnside's bridge to look at history over a peaceful stream.
Moving on with Old Man River Old man river — Google review
Fantastically preserved battlefield. I stopped on a Sunday, got my passport stamp and decided to do a self guided tour following the easy to locate signs along the roads throughout the park. The visitor center was under construction but the temporary one was just as good. I spent nearly two hours at the park but needed much more time. At least a day to see everything and probably longer to actually walk the many trails they have. I will be making my way back again as soon as I can to this wonderful park.
Nick S — Google review
Beautiful area with lots of sad history. At the time of my visit the visitor center was still being built. They do have a temporary with a small selection of souvenirs and some rangers on duty. They were friendly able to square me away with a military park pass.
The auto tour is easy to follow and takes you past all the monuments. Each stop has lots of placards with battle and Army unit information.
Added bonus: today I learned that Antietam is the birthplace of the Red Cross. See the added photosphere.
Definitely a place worth checking out.
Matthew Bailey — Google review
Wicked piece of history for everyone to visit and enjoy. A must see for any American who wants to learn about history or any history buffs. It's also beautiful nature fields now too. So many historical sites to visit and plaques to read and learn more about American history. Hours of endless fields to walk around and cannons and buildings to explore and read about. Free to visit and for everyone to enjoy :)
Dane Martel — Google review
We have a National Parks Pass so decided to try this park out (normally $20 a car). The permanent visitor center is under construction so they have a temporary center that is about what you would expect (ex. the "theater" showing the movie is now a TV and folding chairs) - IMO the only real reason to stop until the new one is ready is to visit the gift shop or bathroom....and apparently to voluntarily pay your park fee? I stopped in to show my card and get the map, but I never showed anything to anyone anywhere and never saw any park personnel outside the visitor center. That said, it was the first Monday in March and maybe saw a total of 10 people in my whole visit, which was lovely in and of itself. So, IDK, I guess a certain type of person loves these battlefield sites, and it isn't really me. I definitely appreciate the preservation of the park and having the undeveloped land. They have a handful of decorative cannons thrown about and LOTS of plaques about General XYZ attacked this direction at 7AM type stuff, but other than that, not sure what a tourist does here (particularly if you have kids to be entertained, god help you). I suppose this is for war buffs and people super familiar with the battle details. Of course, the cemetery is a deserving memorial to the incredible number of lives lost. The land is pretty in this area with rolling hills and distant mountains, so I took a lot of the hiking trails (which were marginally marked, didn't match the trail path on the map, and most of which just walk through open fields) and still had done everything in 4-hours. Overall I am happy we have the NPS and while this park isn't one of my favorites for revisiting purposes, I am sure there are others who enjoy it.
Jason Zahn — Google review
A must visit for American History enthusiasts! Definitely worth the $10 price of admission. There are many monuments dedicated to troops from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, etc. and just a handful of Confederate monuments. Antietam reminds me of a smaller Gettysburg which is a good thing because the landscape isn’t overwhelmed with too many monuments and memorials. The visitor center was in a temporary building as the new visitor center will be up in the fall of 2022. They have a Junior Ranger program for the kids. I’d recommend at least two days here but a lot can be covered with the driving tour. The battlefields are very well maintained. Make sure to visit Burnside Bridge and the Observation Tower!
TPS — Google review
Went on a Friday, rangers and staff were so helpful and friendly. Pointed out many different things to see. Self guided auto tour was very easy to follow. Temporary visitors center is adequate, but the new center looks like it will be wonderful! The stops along the tour are very well maintained. Whole tour gives the scope of the bloody battle that took place here. Loved going up the observation tower to look out over everything. Well worth the $10 per person/$20 per car admission, plus it's good for 3 days!
Mark Smith — Google review
I've been visiting this historical landmark since I was a child, and now I take my kids here for a history lesson. It's such a beautiful, but haunting place, full of educational resources, landscapes, beautiful statues, and memorials for the fallen soldiers. It's definitely one stop you shouldn't miss. The 4th of July was always a great time, with the free fireworks show and orchestra. I'll always be back.
Tara White (Nurse Terra) — Google review
This is a favorite hike for my children and I. Many different trails for different skill levels, including paved roads to cruise through the park or for handicap accessibility. Plenty of parking. Yours available. Recently remodeled visitor center. Lots of historic sites to see and things to learn.
Ashley Gilles — Google review
Great place of history. So surreal of a place. To imagine that so many died for what they believed. It's hard to believe that so many men fought and died in such a small area.
Mark Amidon — Google review
Excellent. To be able to walk the fields as they were for the most part is awesome. Being here puts a lot more perspective on the actual battle as far as the terrain. I had no idea it was so hilly and wide open.
The ranger staff was great. They helped me figure out the accompanying videos online for some of the stops.
brian schroeder — Google review
We arrived and stopped at the temporary visitor center. There is construction at the real visitor center but the temporary one was laid out very well with a gift shop, maps, displays , a movie presentation , and friendly informative park rangers. & rest rooms. We started the auto tour and listened to the app ( qr code can be scanned in visitor center) at each tour stop. We started at the Dunkin Church. You can go in and look around. We continued to the rest of the tour stops. This is a very interesting tour and the videos for each stop really gave a lot of info. Excellent views and scenery. It took us about 1 1/2 hours to see all the stops and listen to the videos. Great preservation of history. ( entry fee was $20 for one car and was worth it).
Tammi Christopher Joseph — Google review
There is a tempo visitor center at the moment (6/22/23) while they remodel the original building. Enjoyed the starting video and we spent a little over two hours on the driving tour. Loved the view from the tower that was built.
Eileen Anderson — Google review
This park was great. We were there yesterday and it was the first day the new park office was open. It was really well done and a very nice building. We enjoyed the exhibits and the movie, and the park was not busy at all. Then, we came back in the evening to walk the paths, take pictures and see the park. During that part of the trip, we saw 2 other cars the entire time. It was a very nice visit and we would definitely come back.
steineld 818 — Google review
Really good location for a day trip. Lots of historical monuments and placards to give historical relevancy to all the locations on the tour.
Such a beautiful area it's hard to reconcile it with the fact that it used to be such a bloody battlefield.
Louie Huang — Google review
Beautiful free place to go drive around. You can climb a tower and get views all around. Lots of stairs so be prepared!
Victoria — Google review
Fantastic experience! The staff was very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The grounds were well kept. I especially enjoyed hiking the Cornfield and West Woods trails (unpaved). Really gives a sense of what the soldiers faced in terms of terrain during the battle. The gift shop was small, but good. Very good selection of books considering the size of the shop.
Derrick Fiedler — Google review
Great battlefield to visit! Very well preserved and fantastic views and backdrops. The audio tour is great, however cell service is very scare in places so that made preparation from stop to stop slightly challenging.
You do have to pay to visit this battlefield. Its kind of odd and unless you do your homework ahead of time, you wouldn't know that very easily. You have to stop in the visitors center and play the honor system to get a ticket. Not sure how that's regulated since there are several different entrances to the battlefield. Regardless, its worth the admission and it goes to keeping the battlefield in the great condition you see it.
Be prepared to take lots of pictures and spend some time getting from stop to stop around the battlefield. Even though its a lot of steps, it is absolutely worth going to the top of the tower. The view is incredible up there!
I visited in the spring time, but I would have to assume its one of the prettiest places in the country during the fall.
History fan or not, its a place worth seeing for what impact it had on our country!
Kevin Maloy — Google review
Such a neat place with such an important history and not nearly as busy / crowded as Gettysburg. We didn’t have as much time as I would have liked - we spent 2 hrs- could have easily doubled that. The visitors center is quite small, but very interesting. Not to mention the drive to get there is absolutely beautiful.
Amy Larson — Google review
We loved our visit here! Visited on a cold windy day in January, but the whole family found things they enjoyed exploring and learning about (Inc. Clara Barton info, where soldiers came from to serve, the bridge and tree that was there during the fighting)
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a modern facility located near Marine Corps Base Quantico, showcasing the rich history of the military branch. With an impressive glass atrium and over 118,000 square feet of space, visitors can explore exhibits that honor those who have served and sacrificed for their country. The museum also hosts retirement ceremonies for Marines who have dedicated over 24 years to their service.
I loved the life-size displays. They had a multitude of rooms displaying the history of the Marines from the revolutionary War to the present. A couple of theaters gave you a feel for the basic training experience. The water color art and s ulptures were awesome.
Kathleen Coleman — Google review
Beautiful facility all around. Depend on it taking you a couple of hours inside and probably nearly that long outside. The guides within the museum are very helpful and enthusiastic about their jobs. Take the walk and check out the outside monuments as well. You won’t be disappointed. And don’t miss Chesty!
BcOneSeven — Google review
Loved this museum! Didn't realize how big it was from the outside until I went in. Expect to spend several hours there. They have a restaurant and bar inside and a great walking trail outside. Will definitely be back!
A Brooks — Google review
One of the best museums I have visited so far, which was a pleasant surprise. The layout makes sense and will take you through the eras the Marine Corps has served our nation. Each exhibit is chock full of valuable information and amazing artifacts. Children will especially love the tanks, planes, helicopters, and other military vehicles they have on display here. There’s even two more sections that will be opening within the next year, so definitely stop by if you’re in the area or enjoy military memorabilia.
Justin Anderson — Google review
All staff made you feel welcome. It's always spotless throughout the building. Great variety of gifts in the shop. All the displays and exhibits are so amazing. They make you feel like you're there.
Wendy E — Google review
My son retired from the USMC after serving his country for more than 24 years. His retirement ceremony was held at the USMC museum. It was like being in the presence of greatness... looking around the museum and then the way the ceremony is carried out is simply fantastic. You can't help but think of all the men and women that have retired before and the ones to come later. That leads to thoughts of the ones that didn't make it home. There are so many that served but didn't make a career of it... but they are also very important.
Robin R — Google review
Price: Free
Duration: 1-3hours
Parking: ample free parking
An architecturally beautiful building filled with a high quality Museum dedicated to the United States Marine corps. The main lobby is filled with military equipment and realistic military displays. The museum exhibits line the outer rim of the lobby. Highly recommend starting at the beginning here sign and then working your way around the circle so that it flows in chronological order.
If you're interested in the military or have close family that have served in the Marine corps you could likely spend many hours in the museum. If you're just stopping by 1:00 to 3 hours or likely to be sufficient. Highly recommend at least walking through every single exhibit just to see the fantastic displays.
Unfortunately the war on terrorism and the modern day Marine corps exhibit was closed when we visited in November 2022
Lou Fegans — Google review
Amazing! I'm not a Marine, or even military for that matter, although I fully appreciate the sacrifices that have been made. But this museum is a must see for everyone. Extremely well done exhibits done in multiple different ways. Some very powerful with the voices of people who were in the battles. Walk into rooms with recreations of battle voices and sounds with explosions coming from every direction. You can walk through into an amphibious landing vehicle or a troop helicopter. And so much more. The place is huge and very modern. Take the kids, it's really not graphic or scary but drives the message home. And it's free. Don't miss this one!
charlie sliwoski — Google review
Plan to spend the day! So much to see, read, and experience (inside and out), you'll probably still have to plan more visits to take it all in. There is the Tun Tavern and a place for burgers to keep you going! And a gift shop with all things Marine.
This museum is an amazing tribute honoring the United States Marine Corps. A must-see.
Kerry Ferguson — Google review
I go every year for the Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10th with some of my brothers. It's definitely the best museum I've ever been to. There is plenty of history and things to read about. Tons of real artifacts, and they use real people to model their mannequins. I'm very proud of this museum. A must-see for everyone.
jasmine Torres — Google review
The exhibits were well done. You can tell the work that was put into it. I thought the combat environments were great especially for others to get a glimpse into the chaos of war. I was thinking that maybe there would be a warning on the glass, for those with PTSD or kids...but I think it's okay without the warning...I mean, this is what Marines do. I am a big fan of art and I wish there was a way that we could buy original works of the combat artists from the gallery. Please continue to have Marine Corps art displayed. I live it. My favorite thing in the entire museum was the sculpture of the Marine Rifleman with different Marine Corps things coming out of its body. Amazing museum. I intend to make a donation to the museum.
Dan B — Google review
Very informative museum with great exhibits. You could spend an hour there briefly understanding the history or you could spend many hours there reading and seeing everything. Some exhibits are more immersive with auditory and visual aids to help you understand the environment or the situation. Highly recommend.
Cinara — Google review
Amazing museum with lots of exhibits on the history of the US Marines. There is a lot to check out. You can watch a movie about the Marines and how they serve us. There is also a lot of tanks and airplanes. I like how each exhibit is organized into sections about a certain war. It is very clean and the I especially like the architecture of the museum. It’s very nice how the admission is free and there is so much to see here. There is a new exhibit opening soon about the Iraq war and I will definitely come back and check it out once it’s open. In my opinion this museum is overlooked and you should definitely go check it out if you are in the DC area!
Kiet TT — Google review
It's amazing even though there were a lot of people it didn't feel crowded walk the grounds it's something to see
Tamara Myers — Google review
Visited with my Family, however they were closed because of water shortage. We met a lovely sheriff with 35 years of service.
We went and try entry on the 6th of August and what a good time we had!
Kinds and the whole family had a great time.
Entry is free and good are good priced.
If you are in the area please visit this, you will not regret it.
William Bastemeyer — Google review
Wonderful museum! My 5 yr old son absolutely loved it and me being a son of a Marine and a history buff I was very pleased with the displays, the layout of the museum and can’t wait for its completion. Plus the outdoor walking paths were peaceful and beautiful and I’m proud to say my father will have a brick honoring him alongside all the other heroes.
Robert Laing — Google review
Excellent museum, the guides were eager to share their knowledge with those in attendance but weren't pushy about it. The displays are layed out in a nice chronological order of the various time periods that have changed the Marines, however, each area is set off from a main corridor so you can go to a specific era if you want.
JD Zakerski — Google review
Purchased a brick for my Dad and presented the certificate to him several years ago. Dad passed in 2018, and this was the first time we had the opportunity to visit. The entire walk to locate his brick was humbling, like being at the National Cemetary in DC. Beautiful grounds and the museum requires more than one day to visit.
Donald Hofstetter — Google review
Such a cool place, we are navy but I think this place is amazing. They have so much information here and a gift shop that has tons of stuff to buy.
A restaurant that was pretty good we had fish and chips and a Greek salad. Everything was pretty good.
Tons of picture explains what stuff is
People there to help with questions it is a double floor establishment, but they have an elevator if you don’t want to climb the stairs or if you can climb the stairs. Love all the history here, we didn’t have time to walk the grounds but those looked amazing as well.
We will come back and walk the grounds on another day.
You must come check this place out and bring the kids.
Lisa piner — Google review
Gem of a museum tucked away off 95. Not busy at all even on a Saturday but a fantastic collection of objects, great history. Well worth a trip.
Matthew Briney — Google review
The museum was a pleasant surprise. It is a lot bigger than it appears, and the exhibits are very informative. The gift shop has excellent choices of memorabilia to remember your visit. There's only one suggestion allow ample time to enjoy your experience.
H Taylor — Google review
Family time at the museum, age levels from 5 to 80, we all enjoyed the many exhibits and story lines, not only of the wars but the history of the armament, uniforms, vehicles, and other equipment used. We watched the film on the history of the Marines, very well done, and Gene Hackman as the narrator was spot on. I'd encourage all to take a couple of hours and visit and learn or relearn about a part of American history.
Dina Poulin — Google review
Beautiful. Bring your tissues. I love the layout of the museum. Very informative everyone there was super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The We Are Marines movie was so incredibly well done. My kids especially liked the interactive part of the museum.
Loren Pacheco Miille — Google review
Our visit to The Mariners' Museum and Park in VA was fantastic! Plenty of parking, spotless restrooms, and captivating exhibits made for a memorable experience. The staff's friendliness and expertise enhanced our journey through maritime history. The park's picturesque surroundings provided a tranquil retreat. Notably, the entrance fee is unbelievably reasonable at just $1.00 – making it an absolute must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking an enjoyable day out. Ohh Yaa! The value for the experience is truly remarkable.
Awesome Nature — Google review
Free admission. Gift shop and restaurant called Tub Tavern inside. Huge museum with so much American history to see and learn about. Displays and artifacts from the founding of the Marine Corps to predent day.Exterior architectural asthetic is beautiful. Very well maintained. Staff was knowledgeable, courteous, and professional.
Heather L — Google review
Truly amazing museum to visit and free admission. Every one working in the museum was very friendly and informative. Very clean with gift shop and eateries.
Corey — Google review
Awesome, Inspiring, Inspirational, proud to be an American. This Nation Landmark exemplifies the dedication, sacrifice, the honor of our men and women who have given themselves the ultimate service to our Nation. Thank you to all that have served and especially to those that have given their lives to protect our freedoms.
Chuck Y — Google review
The museum is well structured. There's a theatre which displays a video of the Marine Corps history. Upon exiting, you begin the first exhibit. Each one takes you thru a specific time line of events that occurred during a war and conflict. The upper level has a display of artwork created by veterans. The outer grounds has multiple interpretive walking trails
Ranger Travels (Rangertravels.com) — Google review
Beautiful and spacious place to go shopping with the family. There are plenty of parking spaces and they even have play areas for kids. I make sure to use all the kids energy on the parks and not in the store 😂
Daniel Morales — Google review
Great collections, good quality materials. Awesome deals and offers. Definitely a day is needed to pack all the stuff.
Nithu Sira — Google review
Open air factory outlets, with many top brands exclusive stores, is a better & safe option these days.
Plenty of parking space and with open air play area for kids.
Food court doesn’t have many options especially for proper lunch or dining but still good enough for fast food, beverages & smoothies.
Ashok Matoria — Google review
The best outlet store in Northern Virginia! I’m a fan of their Salvatore Ferragamo, Marc Jacobs, Burberry & Tory Burch. These are my go to shops that you can’t find it at nearby outlet. They have outdoor area for the kids.
RCS S — Google review
"Leesburg Premium Outlet is a shopper's paradise! The outlet offers a vast selection of top brands at discounted prices. The layout is convenient, and the staff is helpful. With its variety, savings, and enjoyable shopping experience, it's a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"
Nevine Kamel — Google review
So many stores to choose from! Nice play area for kids. Lots of parking
Dana Blanco — Google review
This was a good place to visit. They had a lot of stores and some high-end stores as well. I think it is a little better than Potomac Mills but it is far away from where I live. I may go back one day.
Jason Brown — Google review
Been shopping here for 3 years now. Good collection and always have sale.
Old navy has best discounts and katespade too.
Sri Bandi — Google review
This is a good place for shopping especially during sales like Labor Day or holidays. The offers are good and the stores are well stocked. We have always found what we need and in the colors we prefer. The food court gets a little dirty due to high footfall and so we prefer eating out than in the outlet. Also, parking is huge, mark the place you’ve parked to ensure you can get back - you’ll always find families searching for cars here as there are no numbers on light poles 😝
Kiran Blr — Google review
Good deals! Make sure you check online as you are buying. Some items had a better offer online than at the store. they also have a playground for the kids. The stores open around 10 am but some don't open until 11 am. There is a great Restoration Hardware store at Leesburg Outlet!
Najwa M. — Google review
Visiting Leesburg Outlets on Black Friday was as expected packed with cars seeking parking and long lines. Managed to geta smoothie from the Food Court and also able to get a few items before returning.
RR — Google review
This is one of the biggest outlets malls I have been to. Very easy to find the stores with maps at entrances. Doesn’t go in circles like some of the outlet malls. The entire mall is clean and well taken care of including the bathrooms. Plenty of high quality stores like Under Armour, Nike, Vineyard Vines, etc. There is a battery charging station for your car while you wait. The food court is not the best. Nothing wrong with the choices, it’s the amount of choices. Luckily there are a few fast food restaurants close by if you can’t find something you like.
Andrew Izzo — Google review
This was my first time visiting the Leesburg premium outlet. This is a Simon outlet property very different from the Tangier outlet property in National Harbor. This outlet had more luxury stores. However, I had seen on a previous review that this outlet also had a Gucci store however, there is no Gucci store at this outlet. The only luxury stores this outlet has to offer is Burberry, Marc Jacobs and Restoration Hardware. I visited the Marc Jacobs store, which was primarily handbags and accessories. I was told that the top handle Marc Jacobs tote and straps and perfumes were the only items in the store that did not offer discounts. The Marc Jacobs tote at their stores are the canvas ones not the leather ones. This outlet also offers your customary outlet stores such as Coach, Michael Kors, the Gap, Old Navy, and sports stores, like Nike, Reeboks, and a Ascics. I didn’t like the Nike store only because the women’s section was very very small and didn’t have much variety. The men’s section was probably the largest that I have seen in a Nike outlet and there were plenty of kids items in the store but definitely disappointing that there was not enough Items for women such as T-shirts, more casual clothes or even not enough variety of workout clothes. Even though it wasn’t in the store directory there is a Bath and Body Works store at this outlet. Not all stores at this outlet are “outlet” stores meaning they are not all year around discounted items. Overall, I thought it was a very nice outlet. It was clean. I went on a Thursday afternoon and it wasn’t crowded at all. I found the employees in the stores were very pleasant and I didn’t feel not seen or rushed. I lived in Orlando for eight years and this outlet, though not as big as the outlets in Orlando, I thought were on par with other Simon outlets I visited in Florida. The store that I was the most impressed with was the DKNY store because it had a variety of clothing items such as dresses, casual clothing, shoes and accessories that you just don’t see anywhere not even what you see in big department stores. I felt the discounts were generous. If you are in the military or a veteran, and you have documentation make sure you show it at the stores to get veterans and military discount. It varies store to store on how much the discount is and the stores that offer it will have a decal in the windows. I didn’t go to the food court but there are restaurants close to the outlets. It was quite a drive from Alexandria to Leesburg so I don’t know if I’ll visit again anytime soon. But I enjoyed my time there.
q8storm 27 — Google review
Had a decent time at Leesburg Premium Outlets, despite the rain dampening our plans. ☔🛍️ The outlet stores offered a good variety of brands, and the discounts were attractive. However, the limited number of restrooms was quite inconvenient, and both were out of order for water refills. It would have been more enjoyable if there were more restroom facilities available, especially during inclement weather. Nonetheless, the attentive staff and some indoor areas helped salvage the day. Hoping for better facilities in the future! 🛒🏬 #LeesburgOutlets #ShoppingDay #RainyWeather #LimitedRestrooms #AttentiveStaff #ShoppingSpree #FourStarReview"
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a branch of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum located near Washington-Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, VA, offers a free museum experience that explores the history of human flight through an impressive collection of aircraft and spacecraft exhibits. With three times the size of its DC counterpart, this sprawling center showcases thousands of aviation artifacts from early manned flights to modern engineering advancements.
Wow amazingly big and nice air museum. If you love airplane or study for pilot or you have interest jn aviation, I recommend you go there. If you are not interested in aviation, you will still love it there. Same to me. It's worth my time and you too.
It's perfect for single, couple or families with or without kids. Much fun there.
Free to entry but the parking fee is $10 or less than $15. They have souvenirs..
Kehinde Ogunbayo — Google review
I visited on a Monday afternoon and spent two to three hours enjoying immensely the collection of aircraft in this museum. Admission is free, leaving only the $15 parking fee to pay. The Smithsonian does a great job keeping the place clean and getting people through security in a more than reasonable time. I also viewed my first IMAX film here and found the seating and experience overall to be worth the price of admission.
The museum itself has a wide assortment of commercial and military aircraft to view from a short distance. The placards serve their educational purpose by providing historical context for the time periods in which the aircraft flew and their purpose along with a special fact or two. I was surprised to see examples of enemy aircraft also on display along with stories about how the museum came to own these artifacts of past wars. The Space Shuttle Discovery of course is a well known and deservedly highly visited centerpiece of the museum. The size of the Shuttle is rather awesome up close and lends to photo opportunities from multiple vantage points.
A great place for children and adults to see and learn some aeronautical history to be sure. I could return next year for a refresher on all the exhibits and maybe take a closer look at some of the more subtle supplementary exhibits I did not see this time.
Michael Gracey — Google review
If you’ve ever gone to the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall and thought, is this all there is, then this is the place for you.
This is a true history of flight. Actual flying machines and how they’ve changed since we’ve reached for the skies and beyond. They have some of the earliest flying crafts man has attempted to board, all the way to modern fighting machines, and then out into outer space. The SR-71 blackbird is one of the jewels of this museum. It’s placement directly in front of the space shuttle discovery is one of the most iconic pictures from this museum. To look at how we’ve come from balloon flight to small, agile aircraft to these pieces of modern marvels of machinery and technology really blows the mind. There is so much to offer here. You should plan to spend at least half a day in the building.
If you ever wonder what it’s like to be up in an air traffic control tower, they have a unique viewing area above the museum. Here you can see what it would be like to be in the Air Traffic control for Dulles airport.
The IMAX theaters below are incredible for viewing some of the space programs and the flight simulators will give you an idea of what it would be like to fly some of these aerobatic airplanes.
Come and enjoy one of the best kept secrets of the Smithsonian Museums.
Trent Anderson — Google review
Absolutely Amazing! Hands down the best museum I have ever been to. So many historical and significant aircraft in one place. See the Discovery Space Shuttle, the first supersonic aircraft, the plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, the first and only supersonic airliner, and many many more. Words cannot describe how amazing and life-changing this museum is. There is also an IMAX theatre, a viewing deck for Dulles Airport, and Shake Shack on site. Worth a trip to DC for this museum alone.
Thomas Dong — Google review
Tons to see from the history of aviation and space exploration. Hours will pass by rapidly and just scratch the surface. This is the type of museum that a few visits to would do it justice. Seriously, a tremendous amount of items to look at and learn about. Very well done.
Robb Radley — Google review
The larger air and space museum just outside Dulles airport. It is really wondrous how all these machines were built, and a great display of engineering marvels.
The highlight is obviously the space shuttle and blackbird, but there are plenty of other exhibits including an Air France Concorde.
It wasn't busy when we visited, but the place is so vast I can't imagine it ever being truly busy. The food in the Shake Shack is good, the special milkshake they have is outstanding. You can also visit a special tower to see planes taking off and landing, this is not good for those with vertigo...!
Loved our time here and would thoroughly recommend going at every opportunity.
Parking is $15 dollars but there is no entry fee. Obviously if you have small children there might need gift shop tax to pay...!
James Humbles — Google review
Absolutely amazing museum, has an incredible variety of historically important aircraft, has some incredibly unique and rare aircraft on top of that. Only possible downside is that you can't get very close to many aircraft, but it's understandable to the reasons why that is the case, I highly recommend going! It's also free!
Liam Brooks — Google review
Always a great experience to wander around this amazing museum. It's the newest extension to the exhibits downtown - and more. The complete history of flight is on display. Recommend that you experience the guided tours that happen frequently with very knowledgeable guides. Go up to the observation tower and get a 360 degree view of the beautiful landscape and the flights coming into and out of Dulles. Definitely visit anytime in the area.
Mike Puig (teenado658) — Google review
This has to be one of the best things to do during a layover at any airport in the world - as well as being a fantastic day out in its own right. You can catch the 981/983 bus service from right outside Dulles to the museum. It’s $2 each way - and you need cash. No debit cards. Service runs every 20 mins. The museum is free (though if you drive it’s $15 parking) and you could easily spend 3+ hours there. From Concorde to an F35, the Discovery Space Shuttle and the alien-like SR71 Blackbird. This museum is a must for any aviation or space geek. It is a world class collection.
Ben Matthews — Google review
There are so many incredible things to see here but the thing that steals the show is the space shuttle. Spent about 2 hours walking around each floor, getting a good up close view of everything, reading each description, and taking pictures. The fact that this is free is so cool. If you are hungry there is even a shake shack! Good on the museum for having quality food here. Before you leave make sure to stop by the observation tower to get a good look of the surrounding areas and see airplanes take off and land.
Sleepy Puppy Crypto — Google review
Highly recommended!!! This is one of the most amazing museums we have ever been to. So much history in one place. From the Wright Brothers to the space shuttle. The free tours are very fun and informative. Admission is free. We just had to pay for parking.
Chuck Pool — Google review
Amazing place! A must see if you are in the area. One of a kind airplanes, and meticulously restored! They have a the Discovery Space Shuttle as well as other aircraft. They have examples of aircraft from man’s early flight to outer space. Highly recommend.
Joel S — Google review
One of the best museum experiences I've ever had. The museum is massive with displays from the birth of flight all the way through to our current space explorations with pieces from all over the world. Parking is abundant and free and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and courteous. Highly recommended for those visiting the area to spend a few hours immersed in our fascination with the skies.
Jay Rerrie — Google review
I visited this place about 10 years ago while I was out in the area for work, and it always stuck in my mind to come back. I made it back with my family today.
It was better than I remember it.
The exhibits are top notch. There's simulator rides, and Shake Shack for lunch, a tower you can get great views, and more aviation history then you could dream of.
America's top notch contributions to aviation are here, the Space Shuttle Discovery, and SR 71, the F14, and more. Some of the planes we fought against are also here.
There's also an IMAX theater on site.
Parking is $15 that's your ticket in. What an amazing price. My 6 year old loved it, my wife loved it, I love it.
dennis kim — Google review
This is an absolutely amazing museum which will leave you inspired. Entry is free but parking costs $15 per car. Honestly, I felt the experience made up for the parking fee so it should not deter you.
You can see so many planes, helicopters, and the famous Space Shuttle Discovery. I recommend taking one of the free tours which was very informative. I spent 2-3 hours, but there's a whole day's worth of activities to do.
The observation tower is a must see as it gives a good view of planes landing at Dulles International Airport. I highly recommend this museum!!
Arnav Agarwal — Google review
It’s a very nicely done museum. I do believe for a real aviation junkie Wright Patterson would be better. The fact though they have a shuttle is really nice. The view when you first walk in looking down and seeing the SR-71 and the shuttle is awesome. We have young kids so we went rather quickly, spent about 2 hours there.
Scot Sample — Google review
This place is awesome! So many different aircraft to look at and learn about. They do have tours you can take where the guide will go more into detail about certain exhibits. Highly recommend.
Najwa DeForest — Google review
An extremely fascinating museum with remarkable, one of a kind airplanes, spacecraft and more. Wonderful for any aviation enthusiast, although just about anyone would enjoy walking through here. Far less crowded than the Air & Space downtown, no big crowds when we were there.
Cole Knight — Google review
Without a doubt one of the best air and space museums in the country. They’re always moving things around and adding to the collection so there’s always something new to see. The look into the restoration hanger was incredible as well. Absolutely worth the visit 10 times over.
Brendan Sullivan — Google review
Super cool! I am a pilot and an aviation lover so I was bound to love it, but my brother and his wife who don't have any particular interest in aviation, came with me and they loved it too. It's super fun for families and kids. The museum is free, parking is $10. The fighter Sim was cool and 10 per person.
Seth Tanner — Google review
Loved it! Just spent several hours there and I felt like a kid in a candy store. Such an abundance of incredible aviation and space machinery from the beginning of modern flight. I’d have a hard time choosing a favorite exhibit but was thrilled to see both the SR-71 Blackbird and Space Shuttle Discovery up close and in the flesh. Please visit, you won’t regret it.
Dennis Peery — Google review
Located 30 to 35 min west of the DC metropolitan area, this museum has a lot of both vintage and current air and space planes. I really enjoyed the openness of this hangar as well as the free tours that are offered hourly. We also enjoyed the staff members who had booths located throughout the museum who demonstrated subject matter expertise on certain aspects of STEM. Highly recommended and would come back again soon.
Yuji Eric Yabumoto — Google review
Fantastic museum! Large open space with various different type of aircraft. They even have an SR-71, Concord, and Discovery space shuttle on display.
They also have an IMAX theater. There a Burger Shack on site next to the gift shop.
Entrance is free, however, there is a $15 fee for parking.
The observation tower wasn’t crowded and had great 360 degree views. There are restrooms throughout. There were also different Discovery stations with brief presentations. Staff was very friendly.
Would highly recommend as an inexpensive high quality place to visit in the D.C. area.
Aaron — Google review
This is an great place to visit. The museum is an extension of the Air & Space Museum in DC, but contains different exhibits. The exhibits cover early flight, WWI, WWII, the Cold War, civilian flight, and the Space Program. This is a good place for children, adults, people with a general interest in history, and people with a specific interest in aviation history and military history. The "tower" is a good experience that gives a great view of the Dulles runways and the surrounding countryside. As of July 25, 2023, there is a Shake Shack within the museum. This is a must visit. While entry to the Museum is free, there is a $15 parking fee.
John Maranto — Google review
I can't say enough about this air and space museum. My wife & I enjoyed this museum very much. If you are interested in early flight through to the Discovery shuttle this is the place for you. We spent 1 1/2 days here. The first day we walked around and took lots of pictures. The second day we walked around and took a free tour, which was very informative. We suggest you take the tour at some time during your visit. And make sure you go up into the tower and watch planes arrive and take off from Washington Dulles airport. You can also listen to the Washington Dulles control tower as planes arrive and takeoff. Great place to visit for flight enthusiasts from 9-90.
David Bishop — Google review
This is truly a hidden gem as far as museums in this area are concerned. There's so much to see and so much to learn as you explore all of the exhibits. Lots of neat planes, helicopters, and spacecraft to check out. Very family friendly. Lots of open space to walk freely so you won't get bogged down by crowds except maybe in the gift shop.
Ariel — Google review
This was an amazing place to visit if you enjoy aircraft history. So many memorable aircraft there including the Enola Gay and an SR71 Blackbird. Also there are quite a few experimental aircraft from Germany captured after World War II. Quite exciting to see.
This is part of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum but contains aircraft that wouldn't fit or couldn't be brought into Washington DC proper. It's about a 45 minute drive from where I was staying in Bethesda so check it out.
Randy — Google review
Last Thursday (Christmas week break), my family and I had the opportunity to visit the Air and Space Museum, and it was an experience worth sharing. The museum offers an extensive walk through the annals of American aerial history, showcasing not just the remarkable milestones achieved by the country but also highlighting the power of international collaboration.
Each exhibit was a testament to the advancements in aviation and space exploration, capturing the essence of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. The displays were well-curated and informative, providing a comprehensive overview that was both educational and engaging for all ages.
What stood out the most was the emphasis on the collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries in achieving these aerospace milestones. It was a powerful reminder of how shared knowledge and joint endeavors have propelled us into new frontiers.
The visit was not just a fun outing, but also an enlightening journey that deepened our appreciation for the history and future of air and space exploration. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the skies above and beyond.
Ayush Somani — Google review
This place is unbelievable. The best aviation museum i have ever been to!! So unbelievable i had to go there twice in one week on our vacation. All kinds of historic aircraft and to top it off the discovery shuttle is there also. A major must see!
Bubz 1 — Google review
This is the best air museum I've ever been to. It huge!! Like every thing you ever wanted to see it in this museum. Concorde,Blackbird,707,space shuttle. And it's free. The observation deck is awesome to watch planes land. Amazing museum, wonderful staff, and airplanes are in stunning condition. Had the best day here.
Dominic Cecchetti — Google review
It is located in 7 Hectares area and started in the year 1999. There is good collection and display of different kinds of air crafts well arranged at different levels for better visibility all-round. There is a watch tower in the premises from which landings of flights of Washington DC airport. The collection includes Boeing B-29 which dropped first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, Space shuttle Discovery and Gemini4 capsule and many more. Must visit place. There is ample parking.
Gangadhar Chatla — Google review
This is my favorite museum in the DC area! Admission is free, but parking is $15 (as of May 2024). If you are not familiar with the aircraft on display, there is a one-hour guided tour. One of the tour guides is a former SR-71 pilot. If you prefer an unguided tour, it is rather easy to walk around and learn just by reading the signs in the displays. There is something here for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
Walter Kilar (キラー ウォルター) — Google review
Although it was a very busy weekend, there was enough parking and there was no line. It cost $15 for parking. The museum is very big and has so many amazing airplanes and spaceships. We enjoyed the WW2 section. The airplanes are well kept. Free tour guides were provided. You need a ticket to get up to the tower. The only restaurant inside is Shake Shack and the line was very long during meal time. Better eating outside.
Gemma Bunyakiat Petri — Google review
This place can be physically and metaphorically out of this world. This was the best experience that we had visiting the Smithsonian. Although this is outside of town the parking fee and the drive were well worth it. This place has so many things to see it’s a good half to full day museum. I can’t wait to go back and really take my time. The observation deck is awesome along with all the planes. Don’t miss the IMAX movie either!
Calvin Waters — Google review
If you are interested in aviation, visiting this museum should be high on your list. There are so many aircraft to experience. So much history! There are even several simulators available to get the real feel of handling the stick! I especially like the area where you can see aircraft being restored. Currently, the B-26, Flak-bait, is being worked on.
Rene Taylor — Google review
This place was amazing! Even if you are not into airplanes, it was still fascinating. All the displays are beautifully presented. They even have the space shuttle Discovery there. The ship is HUGE! I had no idea!
If you have an opportunity to go here, make sure you go on tour with one of their docents. So much information! Also, don’t miss a trip to the observation tower with its 360-degree view.
Yvonne Kunz — Google review
The museum is a well curated experience and narrative of aviation over the years, from wars, to space expeditions and commercial airlines. Great place to take kids as there are simulators and adults for the well guided tours.
I had a great experience with my tour guide who was an ex-pilot who helped answer my many questions with a smile on his face.
The museum is free and the parking charge is $15. There is a restaurant and a theatre as well.
I recommend going early as many of the attractions (sitting inside a plane, observatory) close early. The last IMAX show is at 4:30. I also recommend seeing the restoration hangar.
My only complaint is the lack of relevant data on the description boards, not enough use of narrative to thrill the experience. You may need to have a prior interest in aviation unless you're a child, then it's cool.
Aayush Mahale — Google review
This is an amazing place! So much to see. It is easy to get to and free to enter. Only have to pay $15 for parking. It is truly hard to believe how they got so much stuffed into the space provided. Even the souvenir shop is priced well. Definitely a place to stop by and check out.
Scott Green — Google review
I am not an aircraft fanatic but this was very entertaining. I could have spent more time there to look around and actually read.
The signs were not so much information, it was overwhelming. It was great. My 4 year old enjoyed it... Especially when he saw Dusty from Planes. The elevator was a treat too for him - automatically stopped his grumpiness.
Really worth the stop. The crowds were manageable. There's a shake shack inside for food and a gift shop.
Plenty of rest room options as well.
cheryl lemay — Google review
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14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA
Great Falls Park is a park located in Washington, D.C., just 15 miles from the nation's capital. The park has trails and picnic areas, as well as stunning falls and rushing white water. The park offers educational activities and ranger-led programs, making it a great place to enjoy nature.
This place is beautiful! You only need to be a walker to experience its beauty. Lots of paved trails. However, there are pathways you can take that are also clearly marked. Plenty of placards to indicate what happened or what is going on at certain locations. There are the overviews of the falls; personally I liked overview 1 best, as it is the closest to the falls!
Jessica Alva — Google review
A beautiful park, well-maintained featuring its natural attributes splendidly. The observation areas are well situated for everyone, including the physical-challenged people. Many shaded areas for families to picnic or just simply taking a break to take in the views.
We really enjoyed walking, hiking along the river trail. The trail took us right to the edges of many cliffs, showing the spectacular views of the water.
A great area to enjoy nature, just a few steps from the hustle of the city. A must visit in the DC area.
Credible Critic — Google review
Very fun experience and atmosphere ! I was thrilled to see that they do military discount upon entry. Finding parking was a little tough due to the amount of spots they have available. The park itself, including the bathrooms and walkways, were clean. They had a food truck serving different types of foods and drinks. The views of the waterfall is amazing & the hiking trails also has great views. I will definitely be back.
Parker Kelley — Google review
A beautiful set of falls near DC - worth the trip.
Great Falls Park is only about 15 miles north of Washington, DC. This National Park Service location is a very nice park nestled in the heart of nature. It is an 800-acre park that has some great viewing spots for the falls and several trails that follow the river. Their website states, “At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.” Parking has a large lot with over 100 spots. Next to that is a building that was closed for renovation when I visited. There are several overlooks. One of them is fairly easy for most people to navigate but others are very difficult for those with mobility challenges. The walks are also very nice and fairly gradual for some of the path but then follow over rocks where you should be careful of your footing. The park is worth the visit for the views of the falls and walking the peaceful trails on days with lovely weather. Overall, this is a worthwhile visit for people wanting a nice view of the Potomac origins or a relaxing trek through the woods.
Ward Dougherty — Google review
Such a nice area to have a walk. Some parts close to shore need definitely good and tight shoes. You need to buy a day pass ($ 20,-) or an annual ($ 35,-) for parking. Not a secret tip - so better avoid the most popular times. Closed after sunset. Unfortunately the great visitor center never got back to it’s pre Covid offers. At least you can use the restrooms there.
Jan-Sören Wörmer — Google review
Definitely a go-to destination in the area. There are a couple scenic points to see the falls and like many things, you have to see it to get a real feel for just how amazing it is!
There are other trails that extend beyond the falls. One trail follows the river and offers some fun rock scrambling. The trails are relatively flat without much elevation gain. So the difficulty is easier.
There is a lot of outdoor rock climbing all along the river! If you're into that, try it out. I've climbed here many times, but the early bird gets the worm on the weekends (early bird gets first pick on where to climb).
There are two parking lots when you enter the park. Admission is $20 per vehicle or something close to that price. But don't forget you can buy a national parks pass and see other parks year-round!
There is a visitor center, bathrooms, picnic tables, and tons of beautiful nature
Cerenna Redmon — Google review
I love Great Falls park for a good day out in nature. There are so many hikes and trails to choose from and can be for all level of hikers/walkers. Its also a great spot for just a picnic or finding look out points over Potomac. I'm pleasantly surprised at the level of care and maintenance that goes into this large of an area including keeping trails clear. Entry fee to the park is $20/car without a National parks annual pass. Love coming back here.
Triloka Shanbhag — Google review
Wonderful park nestled near the city. We went when its raining and had the best views without the crowd :).
Great trails and serene sounds of the waterfalls. Recommend to take the Annual pass(35$) if you think you are going to visit more than once. Will definitely visit again
Sri Bandi — Google review
Great fall park is a beautiful place. The whole scenic beauty was breath catching. It has strong currents. I love this place. If you are visiting Virgin , definitely recommending to visit this place. But be aware of the black snakes while you are walking in the woods.
Diana Shah — Google review
Pros: There is quite a lot of walking to be done if you’re up for it, though the park in itself is a great place for a picnic, barbecue, or the combination of a date and the former two. The view of the river from the rocky cliff is quite nice and I admit I was stunned by how something so simple could look so frighteningly stunning. There are signs all round the park to help guide you along the right path or back to the visitor center if need be and where there aren’t any signs there are colors on trees to indicate the passable paths. If your up for an adventure, you’re assured of an interesting time discovering the hidden gems of this spectacular marvel of a place.
Cons: the food on sale is slightly a bit too expensive (compared to seven eleven a short drive away), and mobile network is limited in the entire area, it makes communication rather difficult.
Verdict: I highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area
Kingston Obike — Google review
The first time I was invited to visit Great Falls Park I won't lie, I was hesitant, actually a little scared. I wanted to hike in an area where lots of people hike, because we're not experience hikers.
Even though i was hesitant we visited Great Falls Park yesterday. We got there before 9am, which is the best time to visit. There's no long lines to get into the park, and there were plenty of parking around that time.
Seeing the water fall took my breath away, I instantly felt at peace and didn't want to move. As we continue on the hike we climb rocks, something I haven't done since I was a kid growing up in the Caribbean. This Park have picnic areas, benches to sit on, and it's a dog friendly park. While walking I looked at the faces passing us by and they were all happy faces. This is a place I recommend 100% and it will be a place I'll be visiting again.
Kasa tv — Google review
One of the popular parks in VA. $20 for daily pass and $35 for Great Falls annual pass. The annual pass is worth it if you plan on visiting more than once. Very limited mobile connectivity in the area so plan accordingly. A great place to hike, walk, rock-climb, kayak, picnic. Parking available and is only accessible by car. Dog friendly, in case you have any.
Edward Amartey-Tagoe — Google review
absolutely gorgeous hike along some beautiful falls! It took us about 2 hours to slowly hike through the river trail & took multiple breaks on the way to enjoy the scenery. We also went right after it rained so the falls were even more gorgeous!! 10/10 recommend.
heads up that the visitor center is under construction but there was a small concession stand and there are still bathrooms open!
Mechelle Chen — Google review
Great Falls National Park is famous for its namesake waterfalls. They are huge and absolutely stunning. The cost is $20/ car. There are three outlooks with stunning views ideal for photo ops and walking trails popular for dog walking and hiking. The visitor center is closed for renovations, but the restrooms are still available.
Noel Lovell-Moore — Google review
What a beautiful place to go for a walk! you really enjoy the view and the constant noise of the water throughout the trail.
It is a place that I recommend visiting on weekdays, on weekends many people go and you cannot appreciate the true beauty of the Billy Goat trail.
Steffanny Leiva — Google review
Beautiful area with nice hiking trails. Well put together with the scenic overlook board walks and history signs. Trails are very rocky, would recommend sturdy close toed shoes or hiking boots.
Large picnic area that can accommodate the park's popularity. The park was busy, but not crowded.
- photos from October and March
Kathryn Brode — Google review
Rock climbing here is fun, but the rock can feel a bit polished: perhaps due to the proximity to the nearby falls. There are many routes which stay out of the sun during the afternoon if you belay from the bottom (water level permitting). Come with around 20m of static line and the know how to establish top rope anchors on trees: there are no bolts/hangers! Also, expect a fee to access the park unless you have a national park pass in hand.
The background noise of the river and views make for a pleasant day regardless of the slippery and very beta specific climbs!
Max W — Google review
The place has an entry fees of 20 bucks for one time and 80 bucks annual. Would recommend annual if you plan to come multiple times
Fantastic place for nice family or date or personal get-away. There are multiple points to see the fall and below are few pics to get a glimpse
There are also rapids in water for kayaking and possibly some spots for fishing
Durvank Yewle — Google review
Great Falls Park in Virginia is an absolute gem! The natural beauty and scenic vistas here are unparalleled. Whether you're into hiking, picnicking, or just taking in breathtaking views of the Potomac River and cascading waterfalls, this park has it all. The well-maintained trails provide an excellent opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature, and the visitor center offers informative exhibits. It's a fantastic destination for a day trip or a weekend adventure, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a rejuvenating and awe-inspiring outdoor experience.
Md Huzzatul Mursalin — Google review
Great Falls Park is a picturesque gem, offering a breathtaking overlook of the Potomac River and the scenic panorama of Maryland state. The well-maintained trail paths provide an enjoyable exploration of the park's natural beauty. It's not just a place for scenic views; families can relish in the joy of barbecues and outdoor fun. With its combination of stunning landscapes and family-friendly amenities, Great Falls Park stands out as an ideal destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxed, enjoyable day outdoors.
Vinutha Goutham — Google review
Wonderful compact park right outside of dc. The network of hiking trails is impressive, with views of the Potomac and the falls, the ruins of the old canal, and a settlement here. We were here when the leaves were changing, which added to the charm. Trails vary from easy to strenuous. Entry is $20 per car, $35 for an annual pass, which makes sense if you plan to visit more than once. The picnic area is beautiful and impressively large. Parking is tight, and it can get crowded, so plan to come early. There are some concessions at the visitors' center and good bathrooms. Kayaking and climbing are available, so we will have to go back.
Julie Anne Harris — Google review
There’s a Maryland and Virginia side to Great Falls and I prefer the Maryland side. However, I recently decided to revisit the Virginia side. About a 30-minute drive (it’s not accessible via public transit) from D.C., there’s a large parking lot after you pay the $20 entrance fee. (It’s free for National Park pass holders.)
Just a few minutes from the parking lot is the educational center and a path leading to three clearly marked overlooks of the rapids. There are restrooms in the center.
Keep right for the River Trail that takes hikers and rock climbers along the Potomac River with many lookout areas. This part of the trail is not stroller friendly but pretty easy for most. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Austin Graff — Google review
A not to be missed destination. Great view and an even greater stroll next to the river. There are a number of trails which one can explore. Definitely go for all of them.
One car pass costs $20 valid for 7 days.
fahad ali — Google review
The two rangers at the booth were very helpful and friendly. I was lucky to go at a time of day when they could share some details and highlights with me without holding up traffic. I appreciated their personalities and knowledge.
As for the park, what a wonderful time to go. I felt like I had the place to myself and was able to stroll down the mostly level trails, climb some rocks, and enjoy some beautiful history as well as nature. It was a very peaceful walk and with 15 miles of trails, it was quiet and perfect to walk with a jacket on this time of year. I'd take the less people, cooler weather experience any day. Go check this place out and hopefully the visitors center will be up and running again to offer even more excitement. Some of the signs are getting hard to read and would benefit from some updating soon but I was able to read most of it. The first overlook also has a nice ramp down to it in good condition for wheelchairs and strollers to make the trek.
Austin B — Google review
Great place to hike! Love to see the gorge, many spots for great views. Some paths are challenging while others are flat so something for everyone. Visitor center is currently closed for construction but it was nice when we visited a couple years ago.
jennifer G — Google review
I reside near the Great Falls Visitors Center on the Virginia side, and it's a fantastic destination to explore year-round. The riverside trail offers breathtaking views, and the falls themselves are truly rejuvenating. I frequently enjoy spending time there.
Rabin Pantha — Google review
Went for a barbecue with 50 or so people (ages 17-29). We had a lot of fun. There were things for everyone, including great rock walls to climb, beautiful scenery, peaceful hikes, and great sitting areas. They also have a junior ranger program.
Fire and Ice Festival 2023 in downtown Frederick. Daytime pictures only of ice sculptures. There were fire pits with smore stations and ice carving demonstrations. The evening provided more exciting fire baton shows and colorfully lit ice sculptures to enjoy, if you could brave the cold. Well worth the journey. An amazing artistic experience for the whole family.
Stephanie Willim-Ostmann — Google review
Really love this location. Im always here photographing engagement and proposals. Lots to do. So much scenery. Lots of places to eat and take great photographs. ig@jsasuphotography
J. Sasu Photography — Google review
Frederick has a scenic downtown which is entirely walk-able, and my pictures will show the typical sights. Enjoy being there...lots of shops and places to eat.
Tom Milliner — Google review
Been there for the fire in ice carnival. Colorful and neatly organized. Lots of entertainment on the street and crowd bustling. Nice little carnival kinda fun.
Venkat Srini — Google review
Awesome events, always a good time!! Great to see all the activities planned for Frederick!!
Thomas Price — Google review
Clean downtown. Feels safe to wander.
dammitmitchell — Google review
I used to live in downtown Frederick. Great little town! I visit at least twice a month to see mom and to pick up my packages which I can't have delivered to Baltimore due to the increase in porch pirates. I moved to Baltimore City for work but I'll be leaving very soon again for work.
Frederick was also where I sold two of my paintings.
Frederick is a wonderful place to live when you want the convenience of urban living but not necessarily the dirty, crime ridden parts of real urban living.
Sonya Schwarz — Google review
one of my most favorite places! I travel a lot and I'm always looking to find something like this to visit in other cities. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of places like this, we are very lucky to have it here in Maryland. By day you can take your children and find something to do and buy night you can have adult fun in the bars and restaurants.