Scenic 3-Day Southern Road Trip from Fallston, MD to Taos, NM Exploring Iconic Earth Formations

Day 1: Appalachian Mountains Exploration

Fallston, MD to Blue Ridge Mountains, VA on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mid-Atlantic Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local flavors to fuel your day before a long drive.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

Take a scenic southwesterly route toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for their stunning vistas and geological formations.
Free, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Peaks of Otter Lodge

Relax and enjoy lunch at the lodge situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering mountain views and local cuisine.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Hike at Sharp Top Mountain

Explore one of the highest peaks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, famous for its rocky summit and panoramic views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive towards Bristol, TN for overnight stay

Travel through the scenic mountain roads to Bristol, an ideal resting point.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Holston's Kitchen in Bristol, TN

Enjoy Southern comfort food with farm-fresh ingredients to end your day.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ozarks National Scenic Drive

Bristol, TN to Buffalo National River, AR on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop, Bristol TN

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and classic breakfast dishes.
USD12, 0h40m

8:15am

Drive to Buffalo National River, AR

Head west toward Arkansas, aiming to visit one of the nation's first national rivers featuring unique limestone bluffs and bluffs formations.
Free, 7h30m

3:45pm

Visit Buffalo National River Visitor Center and Take Short Hike

Explore the river's geology and biodiversity with a short hike along the river bluffs.
USD10 parking, 2h

6:00pm

Check-In at Local Lodge in Harrison, AR

Rest at a nearby lodge offering comfortable accommodations close to nature.
USD90, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Big Spring Cafe, Harrison AR

Savor homestyle American cuisine in a cozy setting perfect after a day outdoors.
USD25, 1h
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Day 3: Canyons and Gorge Scenic Finale

Harrison, AR to Taos, NM on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Lodge

Grab a quick but nutritious breakfast before a long drive westward to New Mexico.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive toward Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX

Travel through Oklahoma and Texas to visit the second largest canyon in the US known for its vibrant red rock formations.
USD30 entrance fee, 8h

3:30pm

Explore Palo Duro Canyon

Take a scenic drive and short walks to admire the vast canyon and its geological layers.
Free after entry, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos, NM

Final leg to Taos, stopping at this stunning bridge that spans a deep volcanic gorge.
Free, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Love Apple, Taos NM

Enjoy innovative farm-to-table cuisine in a charming rustic setting to celebrate the end of your journey.
USD40, 1h30m
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