Loading map...

IAD destination photo
GSP destination photo

IADGSP

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling terrain of the Appalachian range, particularly striking during sunset or clear autumn days.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Shenandoah National Park

Stunning views of the Skyline Drive and the long, linear ridges of the Shenandoah valley shortly after departure.

🌲

Appalachian Ridges

Continuous sightings of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests with their dense canopy and deep, jagged valleys.

🌊

Smith Mountain Lake

The sprawling, zig-zagging shoreline of this major reservoir is a prominent blue landmark visible near the Roanoke area.

🏔️

Blue Ridge Parkway

The scenic motorway can often be seen winding like a ribbon through the high ridges of the Virginia and North Carolina mountains.

🏁

Upstate Foothills

Descending into the Greenville-Spartanburg region offers views of the dramatic transition from the mountains to the South Carolina plateau.

Sit on the right for morning flights to avoid the harsh eastern glare and for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Appalachian chain. Look out early in the flight for the Shenandoah River. In mid-to-late October, this side offers an incredible aerial perspective of the changing fall foliage.

Left Side Highlights
6.2
🏙️

Northern Virginia Sprawl

Glimpse the dense suburban landscape of Fairfax and Prince William counties immediately after takeoff from Dulles.

🏛️

Central Virginia Vistas

Wide views of the Piedmont plateau and distant glimpses toward the direction of the Richmond metropolitan area.

🚜

Agricultural Patchwork

The landscape transitions into the distinct patterns of North Carolina's rolling hills and farmland as you cross the border.

🏢

Charlotte Metro Area

During the descent phase, look for the distant skyscrapers of the Charlotte skyline and the surrounding suburban expansion to the east.

The left side is ideal for avoiding direct afternoon sun when flying south. It offers better views of the sprawling urban development of the East Coast corridor and typically features smoother lighting for photography as you avoid the high-contrast shadows of the mountain peaks.

Top Activities in Greenville
Route Information

Distance: 618 km (384 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 2 min

Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Arrival: GSP (34.895698547399995, -82.2189025879)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.