10 Easy Road Trips From Danville, VA: Fun Things To Do Just Outside the County
Looking for fun, easy road trips from
Danville, Virginia that get you out of town for a few hours, but not too far from home? You’re in the right place.
All of these ideas take you
out of Danville and out of Danville City, into nearby
Pittsylvania County, VA and
Caswell County, NC. They’re perfect for a Saturday drive, a quick day trip, or a relaxed weekend adventure.
1. Explore History and Horses at Chatham, VA (Pittsylvania County)
If you enjoy small Southern towns with real character,
Chatham, Virginia is a great first stop. It’s about 25–30 minutes northwest of Danville, and it feels like stepping back in time in the best way.
Stroll along the historic district and you’ll find:
- Beautiful old homes and tree-lined streets
- Classic churches and a traditional courthouse square
- Views of Hargrave Military Academy, which gives the town a unique atmosphere
Grab a coffee, wander around, and just soak in the slower pace. If you’re into photography, the old buildings and brick sidewalks are great for photos.
On the way, watch for rolling pastureland and horse farms. The drive itself is half the fun.
2. Get Outdoors at Smith Mountain Lake (Pittsylvania County side)
Want water, views, and fresh air? Head up toward the
Pittsylvania County side of
Smith Mountain Lake, roughly 1.5 hours from Danville, depending on where you access it.
Here you can:
- Rent a boat or jet ski during warmer months
- Swim and relax along the shore
- Enjoy fishing for bass and catfish
- Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot with lake views
If you’re from Danville, this makes a great “mini beach day” without having to drive all the way to the coast. The mix of mountains and water is hard to beat.
3. Taste Wine With a View at a Pittsylvania County Winery
Pittsylvania County has a growing number of
wineries and vineyards tucked into its countryside. The drives out to them are calm and scenic, with long stretches of country roads and wide-open skies.
At many local wineries, you can:
- Try a tasting flight of Virginia wines
- Sit on a porch or deck overlooking vineyards
- Listen to live music on select weekends
- Bring snacks or a picnic blanket and just relax
Even if you’re not a wine expert, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends or a partner. Just remember to plan a safe ride home if you’re tasting.
4. Step Into Tobacco Road History in Yanceyville, NC (Caswell County)
Just across the state line, you’ll find
Yanceyville, North Carolina, the county seat of
Caswell County. It’s about a 25–30 minute drive from Danville and has a very different feel from the city.
Highlights often include:
- A historic courthouse area with classic Southern architecture
- Old tobacco warehouses and farm buildings that hint at the region’s past
- Small local shops and diners where you can grab a simple, satisfying meal
If you enjoy learning how communities were built on farming and tobacco, Yanceyville gives you a peek into that world. It’s a laid-back kind of road trip where you don’t need a strict schedule—just wander.
5. Go Paddling on a Caswell County Lake or River
If you’re into kayaks, canoes, or just the sound of water, Caswell County offers calm spots for paddling and fishing. Many of these are smaller lakes and gentle stretches of river that feel peaceful, especially on a quiet morning.
Typical ways to enjoy the water:
- Bring a kayak or canoe and explore at your own pace
- Fish from shore for bass, bream, or catfish
- Walk short trails along the water’s edge
One nice thing about these smaller bodies of water is that they’re usually less crowded than big lakes. It’s a good choice if you’re craving nature but don’t want a long hike or a big crowd.
6. Hunt for Antiques and Treasures on Country Back Roads
Both
Pittsylvania County and
Caswell County are dotted with
antique shops, thrift stores, and roadside markets. If you like hunting for old signs, furniture, or vintage dishes, set aside a full day for a “treasure trail.”
Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Pick a small town as your starting point—maybe Chatham or Yanceyville.
- Drive the back roads and watch for antique or thrift signs.
- Stop wherever something catches your eye and talk with the shop owners.
You never know what you’ll find. Maybe a piece of local history for your living room, or a quirky décor item that sparks conversation at home.
7. Take a Scenic Farm and Barn Photo Drive
Do you love snapping photos for Instagram or just your own memories? The rural areas around Danville are full of
old barns, country churches, and rolling farmland.
Plan a simple loop:
- Head out into Pittsylvania County in one direction.
- Cross over into Caswell County in another.
- Pull over safely whenever you spot a great view.
You might catch:
- Cows grazing in a field with a bright blue sky overhead
- Rusty red barns that look straight out of a postcard
- Sunset over a long, dusty country road
It’s amazing how refreshing a “no-destination” drive can be. Sometimes the best road trip near Danville is simply about slowing down and looking around.
8. Enjoy Small-Town Eats at Local Diners and Barbecue Joints
Let’s be honest—sometimes the
food is the real reason for a road trip. Both Caswell and Pittsylvania counties have classic
Southern diners, barbecue spots, and mom-and-pop grills tucked into small towns and crossroads.
On your drive, keep an eye out for:
- Hand-painted signs for barbecue or “BBQ”
- Parking lots full of local trucks (always a good sign)
- Diners with daily specials written on a whiteboard
Think:
- Pulled pork with tangy sauce
- Homemade biscuits and gravy
- Pies that taste like your grandmother made them
Ask your server what the locals order. That’s usually the best thing on the menu.
9. Follow the Fall Foliage and Country Churches
In the fall, the back roads around Danville in both nearby counties turn into a patchwork of reds, oranges, and golds. It’s the perfect time for a quiet
leaf-peeping drive.
An easy idea:
- Wait for a sunny afternoon in October or early November.
- Head out with no plan, just making turns whenever the trees look pretty.
- Stop at old churches on hilltops—many have views of the countryside.
Even if you’ve lived in southern Virginia or northern North Carolina for years, you might be surprised how different it feels when you get off the main highways and creep along the back roads at 35 miles an hour.
10. Plan a Simple “Two-State” Day Trip Loop
Want a fun twist? Plan a single-day loop that lets you say you visited
two states, two counties, and multiple small towns—all from Danville.
For example:
- Start in Danville and drive into Pittsylvania County.
- Stop in Chatham or another small town for a stroll.
- Cut over into Caswell County and roll into Yanceyville.
- Finish with a calm drive back toward Danville as the sun goes down.
Along the way, mix in:
- A stop at a local diner
- A short walk at a lake or river access point
- One or two antique or thrift store visits
By the time you get home, you’ll feel like you took a much longer vacation, even though you were never more than a couple of hours from Danville.
Tips for Easy Road Trips From Danville
To make your out-of-county trips smoother:
- Fill up the tank before you leave town—gas stations can be spaced out on back roads.
- Bring cash for small markets, mom-and-pop shops, and roadside stands.
- Download maps in case cell service gets spotty in rural areas.
- Pack a small cooler with water and snacks, especially in summer.
A little planning goes a long way, but leave some room for surprises—that’s often where the best memories come from.
Share Your Favorite Danville-Area Road Trips
Have you taken a fun
day trip from Danville into
Pittsylvania County or
Caswell County? Maybe you found the perfect barbecue spot, a quiet lake, or a beautiful old church out on a country road.
- What’s your favorite out-of-county drive?
- Any hidden gems you think people should know about?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below. Your ideas can help fellow travelers plan their next escape from Danville.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or on social media. The more people explore these small towns around Danville, the more we support the local businesses and communities that make this corner of Virginia and North Carolina so special.
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