The George Washington National Forest neighbors the Jefferson to the north, and their likeness often causes the two to be similarly categorized and compared. Also nearby is Shenandoah National Park, which features the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. Daniel Boone National Forest is located to the west, over the Kentucky border. Also in Kentucky is the Monongahela National Forest. In West Virginia lies the New River Gorge National River. Don't forget to check out the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Roanoke is a very short drive to the Jefferson National Forest. Charlottesville is about three hours away by car, and Richmond is a four-hour drive.