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SFB destination photo
ROA destination photo

SFBROA

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a front-row seat to the rising Appalachian chain and the rolling foothills of the Carolinas, ending with a stunning mountain approach into the Roanoke Valley.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🐊

Lake George

View Florida's second-largest lake and the winding St. Johns River shortly after takeoff from Sanford.

🌲

Oconee National Forest

Extensive forest coverage across central Georgia providing a lush green landscape from cruising altitude.

🏙️

Carolina Foothills

Glimpse the western edge of the Charlotte metro area and the beginning of the rolling mountain terrain.

⛰️

Blue Ridge Escarpment

Observe the dramatic geographical rise where the flat Piedmont plateau meets the steep Appalachian Mountains.

🏔️

Peaks of Otter

Look for these three iconic summits of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the final descent into Roanoke.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. The final 20 minutes of the flight are the most scenic as the plane crosses the Blue Ridge, so keep your window shade open during the descent into ROA.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏖️

Atlantic Coastline

Distant views of the Florida and Georgia coastline are often visible in the distance during the climb.

🌊

Savannah River Delta

Identify the wide, winding waterway that forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina.

🚜

Piedmont Farmlands

A beautiful patchwork of red-clay farms and suburban developments spanning across the Carolinas.

🚤

Smith Mountain Lake

One of Virginia's largest man-made lakes, easily identifiable by its jagged, branched shoreline south of the airport.

🌟

Mill Mountain

On the final approach from the south, look for the iconic 88-foot tall Roanoke Star atop Mill Mountain.

The right side is excellent for morning flights as it catches the early light over the Piedmont. Watch for Smith Mountain Lake on the final approach, which is a major local landmark typically visible out the right windows when landing from the south.

Top Activities in Roanoke VA
Route Information

Distance: 958 km (595 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min

Departure: SFB (28.7775993347168, -81.23750305175781)

Arrival: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)

Route Type: Domestic

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