Virginia State Route 53 is a road that goes from VA-20 just south of Charlottesville to US 15 in Palmyra. It also provides access to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and James Monroe's Highland, as well as connecting Charlottesville to Lake Monticello and Palmyra.
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The Route Path:
VA-53 starts at VA-20 just south of I-64 and the Charlottesville city limits. The route immediately starts to slowly head up the southern part of the Southwest Mountains. It also curves around the Northern end of Carter’s Mountain. Just east of the gap VA-53 goes through, the route has a small interchange with a road that leads directly to Monticello.
VA-53 continues down the mountain and starts going through some farmland. Shortly after, the route meets the end of SR-732, Milton Road, where VA-53 takes a sharp right. Just after, the route intersects the James Monroe Parkway, numbered as SR-795.
VA-53 continues through rural areas, before entering Fluvanna County. Shortly after, the route reaches a roundabout with SR-618, VA-53 turns right at this roundabout, as it goes past Lake Monticello and its suburban community. After going by Lake Monticello, the route goes through more rural areas.
VA-53 goes through fields until it reaches its eastern end at a roundabout with US 15, in the southern part of the CDP of Palmyra.
My Experiences:
I have been on VA-53 multiple times. I finally got the route clinched on my April 22, 2024 Trip to Palmyra, previously, I have only been as far east as SR-1015 in Lake Monticello.
