VA-56 Nelson Scenic Loop (Tye River Grade)

VA-56 cuts east from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Steele's Tavern down into Nelson County, following the Tye River through a steep mountain gap to the Piedmont below. Combined with VA-151 and VA-664, it forms the 50-mile Nelson Scenic Loop — a route that connects Crabtree Falls (Virginia's tallest waterfall cascade), Raven's Roost overlook, and a concentration of cideries, breweries, and farm markets. The descent from the ridge offers long sweepers and tight river-grade turns.