5 Backroad Destinations Worth a Visit Anytime of Year
Natural Bridge State Park, Cherohala Skyway, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and Vogel State Park
No matter what time of year you venture out, picturesque southeastern backroads will transport you to these evergreen destinations, featured in our Spring 2024 issue. Bonus information included!
Natural Bridge State Park
6477 South Lee Highway
Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578
Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, Natural Bridge State Park is designated a Virginia Historical Landmark and National Historical Landmark. This 215-foot limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek opens up to the James River valley’s forested lands and rolling meadows. Visitors can access 6 miles of hiking trails that lead to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls, where a 30-foot cascade awaits.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Natural Bridge is estimated to be 500 million years old.Â
The landmark has been managed as a Virginia State Park since 2016.
The bridge was privately owned for 250 years. In 1774, Thomas Jefferson purchased it and its 157 surrounding acres from King George III of England for 20 shillings.
The park’s Buck Hill Trail, which is nearly 2 miles, and Blue Ridge Trail, which is 3 mile, both offer expansive views of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Natural Bridge State Park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park because it offers unencumbered views of the night sky.
Cherohala Skyway
Cherohala Skyway Visitors Center
225 Cherohala Skyway
Tellico Plains, Tennessee 37385
Take in sweeping mountain views as you travel this 43-mile National Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee and Robbinsville, North Carolina. Discover scenic overlooks, challenging hiking trails, and mesmerizing waterfalls along the way. The Cherohala Skyway navigates 5,400-foot mountains, as well as the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests—for which it is named.Â
BONUS INFORMATION:
The Cherohala Skyway was named by the Discovery Channel as one of its Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North AmericaÂ
In 1962, Congress made the first allocation for the new highway. It was completed in fall 1996 after 34 years of planning and construction.
The skyway was North Carolina’s most expensive scenic highway, carrying a price tag of $100,000,000.
There are no facilities and only a couple of restrooms throughout the 43-mile skyway, so make sure your car is fueled up before you begin the drive.
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park
Fort Sumter
340 Concord Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Fort Moultrie
1214 Middle Street
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie are both located in Charleston Harbor, just 7 miles apart—close enough for the federal government to encircle them within one national park. Fort Moultrie—originally known as Fort Sullivan—was constructed in 1776 during the American Revolution. Construction began on Fort Sumter in 1829 due to Charleston Harbor’s vulnerability to attack. Both present memorable lessons in American history and are open year-round, closing only for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.Â
BONUS INFORMATION:
Fort Moultrie is one of the oldest standing forts along the East Coast.
Fort Moultrie originally served as a Revolutionary War defense before being used as a secondary Confederate stronghold during the Civil War.
Fort Moultrie survived its attack by British soldiers on June 28, 1776, even though it was primarily made with local Palmetto logs.
The attack on Fort Sumter marked the official beginning of the American Civil War.
The attack on Fort Sumter ended in a Confederate victory when Union Major Robert Anderson surrendered the fort to Brig. Gen. P.G.T Beauregard’s Confederate forces.
Upon the loss, Major Anderson and his men were authorized to strike their colors, fire a 100-gun salute, and board a ship bound for New York. They were greeted as heroes upon their arrival in New York.
Vogel State Park
405 Vogel State Park Road
Blairsville, Georgia 30512
Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest parks in Chattahoochee National Forest. It offers hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping. Hikers can choose from the 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Loop or 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail. During warmer months, visitors can swim in the 22-acre lake, which also provides an enchanting backdrop for photos at sunset.Â
BONUS INFORMATION:
Vogel State Park was established in 1931 and is Georgia’s second oldest state park.
The park accommodates 90 campsites with electrical hookups.
The park’s 22-acre lake allows non-motorized boats only.Â
Helton Creek Falls is just a few minutes away from Vogel State Park, offering a 0.6-mile family-friendly hike to two waterfalls.
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