City Escape

City Escape: Bedford, Virginia

Jeremiah Knupp

4 min read

Located at the mid-point between Roanoke and Lynchburg on US 460, the town of Bedford has a place in U.S. history that is disproportionate to its size. On June 6, 1944, 19 members of its local National Guard unit lost their lives while landing on Omaha Beach.

It was a tremendous blow for a town whose population was just over 3,000 at the time. As a monument to their sacrifice, the National D-Day Memorial was established in Bedford, opening in 2001.

The population of Bedford has barely doubled in the eight decades since World War II, meaning the area has maintained its small-town appeal. Within its limits, there are plenty of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, along with unique local dining options.

The areas surrounding the town are an outdoor paradise, from the 20,000-acre Smith Mountain Lake to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a motorcycling paradise, as well.

As an ideal City Escape from Bedford, head west. This route takes you through the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains, the western Alleghenies, and the Shenandoah Valley that lies in between.

Along the way, you’ll visit the streams, rivers, hot springs, waterfalls, and lakes of the region. The timelessness of their waters stands in stark contrast to Bedford’s monument to the temporary.

Heading out of town on SR 43, you’ll quickly find yourself in the mountains and making your way onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll follow this famous motorcycling route for 22 miles, before leaving the Parkway to cross the James River to Natural Bridge. The rock formation, carved out by the meandering creek below, is now a state park and a perfect first stop.

Skirting by historical Lexington, you’ll join SR 39, which takes you along the Maury River and through the Goshen Pass. Just on the other side of the pass, BG’s 2 is a local favorite for food and fuel.

After lunch, SR 39 leads into the Allegheny Mountains, its paved curves bordered by waterfalls and scenic overlooks. The road tees into US 220 just north of Warm Springs. Home to a historical spa that has drawn visitors to its 98-degree water for over two centuries, it’s an ideal stop to soak road-weary muscles.

US 220 follows a valley of open farm fields into the city of Covington. A series of small, paved roads wind through the mountains as you head back east.

The Roaring Run Day Use Area is the final stop for the day. You can stretch your legs on the hiking trail to the waterfalls and take in the historical iron furnace.

Re-joining SR 43, it’s 35 miles back to Bedford. The ride’s not over yet, though, as you’ll cross the Shenandoah Valley and head back into the mountains, with SR 43 joining the Blue Ridge Parkway for a few more miles of its curves before turning off for the last 11 miles back into town.

Points of Interest

Natural Bridge State Park

A National Historic Landmark, the famous stone arch of Natural Bridge State Park rises 215 feet above Cedar Creek. A staircase with 137 steps (or a bus ride) will take you to the trail that passes under the arch and continues for another mile. Although the arch is the main attraction, the park is beautiful all around. Admission is $9.

Warm Springs Pools

First opened in 1761, the famous 19th-century octagonal wooden bath house was recently reopened after a multi-million-dollar restoration. Take a break halfway through your ride to bask in the warmth of the mineral waters that are naturally a consistent 98 degrees. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, a 50-minute soak costs $30. Reservations are required. Find it at 11 Bath St, Warm Springs, VA, (540) 839-3860.

Roaring Run Falls and Furnace Hiking Trail

This 1.5-mile loop trail takes you to the site of a historical iron ore furnace in the Jefferson National Forest and has the 30-foot tall Roaring Run waterfall at its halfway point. The path to the falls follows the stream and is an easy hike even in all your gear—a perfect chance to stretch saddle-stiff legs.

Facts & Information

Length

Approximately 192 miles

Overview

After witnessing the sobering National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA, it’s time to clear your head and shift your focus from the temporal to the enduring. Head west and follow the perpetual path of the waters into the mountains.

This City Escape passes through both the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains, the western Alleghenies, and the Shenandoah Valley that lies in between. Along the way, you’ll never stray far from water, whether that means majestic waterfalls, quiet streams, hot springs, or tranquil lakes. The pavement varies from straight sections through open farm fields to twisty mountain bends where you are greeted, in many spots, with the code words for a great motorcycling experience—“Not Recommended for Tractor Trailers.”

Lunch Stop

BG’s 2, located about nine miles down the road from the original, serves American diner fare with a daily special. It’s also a convenient gas stop along this route. Find it at 1152 Virginia Ave, Goshen, VA, (540) 997-5215. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Recommended Lodging: The Inn at Warm Springs

Located at the halfway point of the route, an overnight stay at the Inn at Warm Springs allows more time to indulge in the Warm Springs Pools. Located within walking distance of the hot springs, the main buildings of the inn were once a 19th-century county courthouse and jail.

Rooms are available in adjacent buildings. Each is uniquely decorated, with the historical charm of the original wood, brick, and stone. Food and beverages are available on-site at the Tavern at the Inn, which offers everything from traditional American to classic European cuisine. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning in the Coffee Shop, which is open for a caffeine fix throughout the day.

If you’d like to spoil yourself even more, the Omni Homestead Resort just down the road (and the current owner of the Warm Springs Pools) is another option. The resort has pampered its guests for more than 250 years and continues to do so with its full amenities, swimming pools, and more.

Best Time to Travel

This City Escape is an ideal spring, summer, and fall ride. Plan for cool mornings and evenings in the spring and fall.

On weekends and during the autumn leaf-change season, expect to encounter increased traffic throughout the route. During the winter months, the mountainous sections can be hazardous. Check the Blue Ridge Parkway’s website, as inclement weather or construction can close parts of it throughout the year.