Scenic Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County
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Rockbridge Outdoors
Rockbridge Outdoors promotes networks of trails, parks, water trails, bikeways and other outdoor recreational activities in Rockbridge, Buena Vista, and Lexington.
INSTRUCTIONS
– Click on the Trail of choice below.
– Toggle On/Off the Map Button to to view trailhead locations.
– Visit RockbridgeOutdoors.com for additional hikes, cycle routes, fishing, paddling, camping, pools, and outfitters.
Blue Ridge Trail, Natural Bridge State Park
The 4 mile loop goes through open fields, streams, and woodlands offering wildlife viewing and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Buck Hill Trail
A leisurely stroll through recently logged hardwoods and past old ruins.
Cedar Creek Trail
A steep descent down lots of steps followed by an easy stroll under the Natural Bridge and past the Salt Peter Cave and the Lost River to Lace Waterfall.
Chessie Nature Trail
The Chessie Trail runs parallel to the Maury River from East Lexington to Buena Vista for seven miles. A rail-trail, the Chessie’s path is comprised of a portion of the old Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad bed as well as canal towpaths. It is managed by Virginia Military Institute. Locals love to hike and run this trail because it’s easily accessible while also boasting abundant natural beauty, wildlife, and farmsteads.
Children's Discovery Area
At the parking area, there is a kiosk for the Discovery Area. This is a short, easy walk designed specifically for children.
Devils Marbleyard
Devils Marbleyard is wonderland of quartzite boulders jumbled precariously
across the side of a mountain. Turn around as you climb the rocks for a sweeping
views of the Arnold Valley far below. The creek-crossing Belfast Trail passes
the marbleyard on its three-mile climb to the Appalachian Trail in the James
River Face Wilderness. The trailhead is just a few miles from Natural Bridge
State Park
Glen Maury Park
From hiking, biking, and paddling to camping, swimming, and birdwatching, there’s a lot going on at Glen Maury Park, a pretty 315-acre park and campground hugging the Maury River in the forested foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
House Mountain Reserve
House Mountain is an iconic landmark in Rockbridge County comprising two peaks
known as Big House and Little House Mountain within the 968-acre House Mountain
Reserve. Convenient to downtown Lexington, the House Mountain hikes begin in a
rural residential neighborhood seven miles from downtown. There is a parking
area on Saddle Ridge Rd. From the parking area it is about 2.5 miles to the
grassy meadow between the two peaks, known as the saddle. Trails from the saddle
lead to various viewpoints atop both peaks. A round-trip hike can range from 5
miles to more than 10 miles depending on your turn-around point.
North Mountain/Pete's Cave Trail Parking
This is an out-and-back hike following the ridgeline of the North Mountain that forms the boundary between Rockbridge and Alleghany Counties in Virginia. This hike contains an abundance of overlooks, many of which look east toward Big and Little House Mountains, the town of Lexington, and the Blue Ridge Mountains near Buena Vista, Virginia.
River Walk
One walk heads north on the Buena Vista flood wall and parallels to the Maury River. It passes through the industrial heartland of the city. Another walk heads south on the Buena Vista flood wall and parallels the Maury River. The river is on the right and a meadow is on the left. There is one bench along the way and a nice overlook at the end of the walk.
Skyline Trail Trailhead
This is a short, easy to follow trail with wonderful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Sunnyside Trail
Trail information coming soon!
Uncas Nature Trail
Hike from small parking area beside Lexington Public Works Department down to the Maury River on an unimproved driveway. The driveway extends northeast through mixed cedar and hardwood forest surrounded by limestone outcrops with the Maury River.
Virginia Horse Center
Virginia’s premier equestrian event facility featuring horse shows of all
disciplines and for all breeds of horses. Open to the public. Most events free
of charge!
The public can access hiking and horseback riding trails that lead to the Maury
River behind the Horse Center. Visitors may also walk the Concourse inside
Anderson Coliseum. The center also has a campground.
Entrance to Woods Creek Trail
This entrance to the Woods Creek Trail, which follows Woods Creek behind W&L,
VMI and Waddell Elementary School, can be accessed from the wooden stairs at the
junction of W Nelson St and E Denny Circle. The stairs are across from the W&L
parking garage. The trail runs about 2 miles one-way.