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Next Monday, Nov. 1, the Rappahannock County Board of
Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a proposal to declare U.S. Route 522 in our county as a Virginia Byway. On behalf of the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection, I would like to express our organization’s strong endorsement of the proposal to designate Route 522 as a Virginia Scenic Byway.
This highway is one of the most scenic in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and indeed, one of the most lovely drives I have experienced anywhere in the United States. The vistas from high points on the drive from Culpeper to Sperryville are truly spectacular.
The serene pastoral views set against a backdrop of lush, wooded mountains are worthy subjects for the best landscape artists. The countryside in unspoiled, the drive is winding and leisurely (or should be, except for drivers who seem bent on getting past this scenery as rapidly as possible) and the experience is altogether satisfying.
Much the same can be said of that portion of the highway heading north from Massies’ Comer through Flint Hill to Chester Gap. These two highway sections are among Rappahannock County’s most pleasant drives. The designation as a Scenic Byway would give these roads the recognition they deserve.
The proposed designation also would be in keeping with the spirit of the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which encourages actions that protect agriculture and promote tourism. By attracting more tourists to these scenic drives, the designation would benefit the county’s tourist-dependent businesses.
The designation of the highway as a Virginia Byway does not impose any limitations or regulations on land use. Property owners along the route would not come under any new restriction on how they use their land.
There are no prospective “losers” if the board approves the proposal. This is a win/ win proposition for Rappahannock County and its people and tourist-related businesses. It is good for the environment, good for tourism, and imposes no cost on
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