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IAD destination photo
HSV destination photo

IADHSV

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the parallel ridges of the Appalachian Mountains and the lush wilderness of the Shenandoah and Monongahela regions.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌳

Shenandoah National Park

Direct views of the winding Skyline Drive and the dense forest canopy of the central Appalachians.

⛰️

Ridge-and-Valley Province

Spectacular views of the unique 'corrugated' landscape featuring long, even mountain ridges and narrow valleys.

🌲

Monongahela National Forest

Rugged terrain and high-altitude plateaus of West Virginia visible to the west of the flight path.

🚀

Redstone Arsenal

On final approach, look for the massive campus of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the Army's missile facilities.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun begins to set, casting long shadows that accentuate the dramatic Appalachian topography. In autumn, the fall foliage across the West Virginia highlands is particularly vibrant from this vantage point.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🏛️

Northern Virginia Suburbs

Aerial views of the historic Manassas battlefields and the dense suburbs surrounding the nation's capital.

🏔️

Blue Ridge Mountains

The eastern front of the Appalachian range, often characterized by a distinct blue haze.

🏙️

Roanoke Valley

A clear view of the city of Roanoke nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains.

🌊

Guntersville Lake

Large reservoir on the Tennessee River visible during the descent into the Huntsville area.

Sit on the left side during morning flights to see the sunrise illuminate the valleys below. During the descent into HSV, this side provides better views of the sprawling Tennessee River as it winds through northern Alabama.

Top Activities in Huntsville
Route Information

Distance: 957 km (595 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min

Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Arrival: HSV (34.637199401855, -86.775100708008)

Route Type: Domestic

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