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CMH → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Columbus) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic Appalachian ridge-and-valley province and the Shenandoah Valley, especially during the descent into the Piedmont region.
Columbus Skyline
Aerial views of the Ohio Statehouse and downtown skyscrapers immediately following an eastbound departure.
Monongahela National Forest
Expansive views of the dense, rugged hardwood forests and high ridges of eastern West Virginia.
Shenandoah Valley
The iconic linear ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the fertile, sprawling valley floor to the east.
Piedmont Triad
Views of the Winston-Salem and Greensboro urban corridors during the final stages of the flight.
Choose this side for morning flights to see the sun illuminate the eastern slopes of the Appalachians. During the autumn, the foliage colors in the Monongahela Forest are particularly vibrant from this vantage point. Seats in front of the wing are recommended for unobstructed views of the mountain folds.
Appalachian Plateau
The deep, winding river valleys and plateau topography of southern Ohio and western West Virginia.
New River Gorge Area
Deep canyons and rugged terrain near the New River, featuring some of the oldest geology in the region.
Mount Rogers Highlands
Distant views of Virginia's highest peaks and the unique high-altitude meadows near the state border.
Smith Mountain Lake
A large, jagged reservoir in southern Virginia known for its extensive shoreline and surrounding recreation areas.
Ideal for late afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Appalachian Plateau. Look for the distinctive 'V' shape of the New River Gorge if the flight path tracks slightly west. Seasonal snow cover on the higher Virginia ridges provides excellent contrast in winter months.
Distance: 582 km (362 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 58 min
Departure: CMH (39.998001, -82.891899)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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