800-337-5015 Visit "where America happened," by driving the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway, 180 miles of scenic, cultural and historic treasures related to Native American, African American, Colonial and Revolutionary War history that stretch through the middle of the JTHG National Heritage Area, from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Charlottesville, Virginia. While learning about America's story, enjoy the host of wineries, breweries, historic villages and beautiful scenery that populate the JTHG National Heritage Area. Sites of particular interest include: Gettysburg, Antietam and Monocacy National Military Parks; historic towns of Frederick, MD, Leesburg, VA, Waterford, VA, Middleburg, VA and Charlottesville, VA; and Presidential homes including those of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The www.hallowedground.org website highlights suggested itineraries, upcoming events and information from the many partner organizations that maintain and promote these sites. Free maps are available through the website.
Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway – VA
Local Visitor Information
Discover more ways to experience this byway — photos and local partners.
Explore Resources
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Byway Overview
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway’s Virginia portion forms part of a 180-mile route spanning the JTHG National Heritage Area from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to Charlottesville, Virginia. Encompassing 400 years of American history, the byway is renowned for its dense concentration of Civil War sites while also featuring Native American, African American, Revolutionary War, and 20th-century landmarks. Travelers can explore National Parks, state parks, nine presidential homes—including Monticello—plus historic towns, wineries, breweries, and scenic landscapes. This nationally significant corridor offers a rich journey through history, culture, and natural beauty across the region.
Quick Facts
- Designation
- National Scenic Byway (2009)
- Intrinsic Qualities
- Historic
- Location
- MD, PA, VA
- Total Length
- 109 of 180 total miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Local Byway Partners
The JTHG National Scenic Byway follows Route 15 from Gettysburg, PA, south through Maryland and Virginia, to Routes 20, 231, 22, and 53, ending near Thomas Jefferson's Monticello near Charlottesville, VA. Wayfinding markers direct visitors along the route in Maryland and Virginia.
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Gettysburg National Military Park,
Iconic Civil War Battlefield with trails and musuem.
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C&O Canal National Historic Park
Truly one of America’s most interesting national parks, it is rich in history and offers easy, barrier-free hiking and biking. The towpath is just beyond the train station, and the visitor center for the C&O Canal is adjacent to the Brunswick Railroad Museum.
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Monocacy National Battlefield Park
Civil War battlefield with hiking trails and visitor center.
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Oatlands, National Trust for Historic Preservation property
Preserved 1800s house.
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Aldie & Mt. Zion Historic Church,
HIstoric church and cemetery.
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Brandy Station & Cedar Mountain Battlefields,
Battlefield retaining much of its wartime character.
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Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Home of Thomas Jefferson, America's third president.
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Hiking trails, museums, and living history presentations.
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James Madison's Montpelier
President James Madison;s home.
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A Trip to Monticello
Starting in Point of Rocks at the border of Maryland and Virginia, your trip along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway has officially begun. The first portion of your journey is greeted by the beauty of the Potomac River as you head south along the Byway.
Your first stop can be the Historical Downtown of Leesburg, which has well preserved architecture from over a hundred years ago. After you take your time there and maybe grab a bite to eat, you can continue south along the Byway you will soon pass by Manassas National Battlefield Park. This is the perfect opportunity to take in the significance of this historic battle during the Civil War. You can then continue south from there and stop by even more battlefields, including Brandy Station and Cedar Mountain.
After taking in the history from the Civil War and continuing on the Byway, you can stop by the town of Orange. Here you can stop and eat, shop, or just walk around this quaint little town along the Byway.
The next, and final, big stop that you will make along your journey is historic Monticello. Seeing Thomas Jefferson’s former estate can really give you a sense of how he lived his life here in Virginia. The estate is located right outside of Charlottesville, so you have plenty of opportunity to stop by and eat before you book a hotel and spend the night after your long travels along the Journey through Hallowed Ground Byway.