One of my absolute favorite things to do when I am out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. I have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions that I have found in the state of Virginia.
It will be a constant work in progress as I will add new oddities and attractions every time I find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here
Biedler Covered Bridge
Location: Rockingham County Off I-81
City: Rockingham County
Region of State Located: North/West
The Biedler Farm Covered Bridge (also known as the Biedler-Whissen Bridge) is a rare and private piece of Shenandoah Valley history. Located near Mount Crawford, it spans a small creek on a working farm, serving as a functional link to the past for the families who have preserved it for generations.
Short and Sturdy: At only about 40 feet long, it’s one of the smaller surviving covered bridges in the state, but its compact size only adds to its charm as a “hidden” landmark.
Burr Arch Architecture: Built around 1896, it features the classic Burr arch-truss design—a combination of an arch and a multiple kingpost truss that provides incredible structural stability.
A Weathered Sentinel: Unlike the brightly painted “tourist” bridges, the Biedler bridge wears its natural, weathered wood with pride. Its unpainted, silver-grey exterior gives it an authentic, rustic character that looks fantastic in black-and-white photography.
Unique Tin Roof: The bridge is topped with a standing-seam metal roof, a practical Virginia touch designed to protect the heavy timber skeleton from the humid Mid-Atlantic elements.
This bridge is on private property which I didn’t realize until afterwards.
Historic Meems Bottom Covered Bridge
Location: Rt 720
City: Mt Jackson
Region of State Located: North/West
Google Maps Pin
Spanning the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near Mount Jackson, the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge is a massive, 204-foot structural masterpiece. Built in 1894, it is the longest covered bridge in Virginia and one of the most iconic landmarks in the entire state.
Photographer’s Perspective: Because it is located on a public road with plenty of space to pull off, you can get those dramatic “tunnel-vision” shots through the interior or head down to the riverbank for a side-profile view that captures the scale of the arches.
Burr Arch Engineering: Like the Biedler bridge, this one utilizes the classic Burr arch-truss system. You can see the massive, hand-hewn yellow pine arches that provide the strength to support modern vehicle traffic today.
Burnt and Rebuilt: In 1976, the bridge was tragically set on fire by vandals. However, because it is such a beloved local treasure, the original timbers were salvaged, reinforced with steel beams, and the bridge was meticulously restored to its 19th-century appearance.
The “Stone-Cold” Foundation: The bridge sits on massive stone abutments that were quarried from nearby hills. These original 1890s stones still provide the solid footing for the thousands of cars that cross it every year.
James River Visitor Center
Location: Milepost 63.7 Blue Ridge Parkway
City: Monroe
Region of State Located: South/Central
Google Maps Pin
Located at Milepost 63.6, the James River Visitor Center is a must-stop oasis on the Blue Ridge Parkway, marking the lowest elevation point of the entire 469-mile scenic drive. Situated where the Parkway crosses the historic James River, this site offers a perfect blend of modern convenience and rugged Appalachian beauty.
A Traveler’s Hub: With ample parking, clean restrooms, and a visitor center filled with exhibits on the river’s history and the parkway’s construction, it serves as the perfect “reset” point for drivers heading north toward the Shenandoah.
The Iconic Footbridge: A highlight for any visitor is the pedestrian walkway that safely carries you under the massive parkway bridge. This vantage point offers stunning, unobstructed views of the wide, rushing James River and the historic Kanawha Canal locks below.
The Trail of Trees: This loop trail provides a diverse look at the local flora. While the full circuit is a “medium-hard” unpaved trek with some challenging inclines and declines, it rewards hikers with a deep immersion into the forest canopy.
The “Short Cut” Overlook: For those wanting the view without the full hike, a shorter leg of the trail leads directly to a spectacular overlook of the river. It’s a much more manageable walk that still delivers a high-impact visual of the water carving through the mountains.
Footbridge and Trail Video