Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Rides in the Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley’s beauty stuns from any vantage point, but nothing tops the view from the clouds. Floating over treetops, farms, ponds, and winding roads—through misty morning fog or golden afternoon light—hot air ballooning takes the scenery to new heights. Several tours offer unforgettable airborne adventures:

Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons, Front Royal: Soar above the valley in any season—from vibrant, foliage-filled autumns to lush springs—and toast the experience at journey’s end. RideAir.com

Valley Ballooning, Edinburg: Spend 30–60 minutes drifting over vineyards, mountain ridges, and wildlife for a truly magical experience. ValleyBallooning.net

Star Ballooning, Bridgewater: Fly with up to five friends or enjoy a romantic ride with a celebratory toast—perfect for proposals. Tethered rides are available to take in the sights from one spot. StarBallooning.com


This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.

Hope Cartwright
Hope Cartwright is associate editor of Virginia Living. A native of Traverse City, Michigan, she is a recent graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
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