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.
Apple Orchard Falls Trail
A gorgeous hike from start to finish! This hike along Apple Orchard Mountain, one of the highest peaks in Virginia and only a mile from the Appalachian Trail, meanders along streams for its entirety, leading to a 200-foot cascade. This hike offers great camping spots within its first mile as well as towards the end of the longer Cornelius Creek Trail route. High elevation, uphill climbs, and some rocks and roots take this trail from a leisurely stroll to one that will make you break a light sweat.
Balcony Falls
Mostly following old roads, Balcony Falls Trail begins with a gentle climb. It overlooks the town of Glasgow and the James River, offering hikers fantastic scenery to reward their steep ascent across switchbacks that are no leisurely stroll. There are no waterfalls along this trail like the name suggests.
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.
Blue Suck Falls
A short hike in Douthat State Park, this small waterfall is a great beginner hike before moving on to longer and harder connecting trails.
Bluff Mountain
Reached via a short section of the Appalachian Trail, Bluff Mountain is a near-constant incline with beautiful flora and great summit views. Though only two miles to the summit, this hike is not easy.
Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden
Boxerwood Education Association operates a community-based, non-profit nature center in Lexington, Virginia that provides a treasured 15 acre woodland garden, open to the public, and delivers unique, life-changing environmental educational programs to people of all ages, including students in the entire local public school system.
Brushy Hills Trailhead
Owned by the city of Lexington, the Brushy Hills Preserve is a 560 acre watershed tract. The Brushy Hills Trails are among the most accessible hiking trails from Lexington. The fourteen-mile trail system is composed mostly of single-track forest paths, plus a few former logging roads, offering many possible loops and out-and-back hikes in a natural woodland setting.
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.
Chamber's Ridge
Chamber’s Ridge is one of many trails in the Goshen Pass area offering beautiful views of the Maury River and features an awesome swinging bridge. This hike gives access to the Maury River Wall and Chamber’s Ridge Climbing areas as well as river access and trail access to other off connecting hikes.
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.
Cole Mountain
This 6.2 mile loop combines the Hotel Trail and a piece of the Appalachian Trail to bring hikers by a fantastic campsite on the way to beautiful high elevation meadow views.
Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls Observation Site has a $3 day use fee, but it is well worth it for the longest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. This area is very crowded on weekends during nice weather and holidays. Consider visiting on a weekday for a more serene experience.
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.
Douthat State Park
Douthat State Park has something for everyone! With areas to fish, hike, swim, and horseback ride, this park is perfect for nearly every outdoor activity.
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.
Foxtrot Trail
The Fox Trot Trail is an easy loop trail nestled within Buena Vista’s Glen Maury Park. This scenic path winds through a mix of young and mature forests, offering visitors a peaceful walk surrounded by nature. A special feature of this trail is its storybook experience, a series of pages placed along the route that unfold a tale as hikers make their way through the woods.
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.
Jordan's Point Park Trail
An easy hike around a small pond. It includes a great view of the Maury River and is a good hike for children. After the walk, the shelter is a great place for a quick lunch.
Lake Robertson Trail Loop
The Lake Trail is an easy loop around Lake Robertson. It is a trail that any family can enjoy. This wooded path crosses the dam, passes through wooded forest, and offers numerous places to sit and enjoy the sounds of the outdoors. In the evening sometimes it is possible to see beavers swimming in the lake.
Laurel Run Trail
This scenic, easy trail passes by waterfalls and is just 1.4 miles.
Marl Creek Trail
This is an old mill pond, a stunning grove of oak, interpretive signs, plaques naming trees, and a pleasant stroll along Marl Creek. This hike follows the slow-moving Marl Creek on an easy, fact filled journey under the canopy of stately trees.
Lex Reservoir, Moore’s Creek Trail
The Moore’s Creek Trail and Lexington Reservoir are actually part of Moore’s Creek State Forest in Rockbridge County. This area is known for its beautiful views and also the frequent presence of wildlife, in particular black bear, turkey, deer, birds, fish, owls, and more! The Moore’s Creek Trail is a beautiful trail that leads you to the Lexington Reservoir, but there are also lots of trails throughout Moore’s Creek State Forest that are worth exploring.
North Mountain to Pete's Cave Trail
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. It also passes through a stand of nearly 200-year-old white oaks. Eventually it arrives at Pete’s Cave.
Panther Falls
Panther Falls is an extremely popular local swimming hole and waterfall on the Pedlar River east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. On summer days, the falls are packed with people jumping from the top of the two rock shelves that frame the 10-foot falls.
Reservoir Hollow
This is a four-mile trail and it is an out and back trail. The trail begins by crossing Noels Run several times as it climbs through Reservoir Hollow. After leaving the creek behind, it climbs quickly to a saddle between Elephant Mountain and the Blue Ridge. From there, it becomes a mostly wooded hike, with a small side trail offering stunning views, if you manage to keep your eyes out for it. After the saddle, there is a long descent punctuated by several short climbs to Route 60.
Rich Hole Wilderness
This hike climbs to an elevation of 1,000 feet in the first 1.2 miles, affording hikers a beautiful view. After reaching the ridge, the rest of the hike is down through the valley.
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.
Saint Mary's Wilderness
This scenic hike follows a river through stunning rock formations, leading to a breathtaking waterfall. Along the way, two swimming holes offer the perfect spots to cool off!
Sharp Top Trail
Slightly challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike that leads to a summit, unveiling breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, uncover a fascinating piece of history, the remains of a 1943 B-25 bomber, a relic of the past that adds an unforgettable touch to this trail.
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!
The Priest
The Priest reaches 4,063 feet in elevation and is one of the most grueling climbs on the Appalachian Trail. This hike includes 37 switchbacks. Often described as ''unrelenting".
Thunder Ridge Overlook
: This hike to the Thunder Ridge Overlook is a beautiful, quick hike along the Appalachian Trail that rewards you with incredibly beautiful views of the Virginia mountains and beyond.
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.
Woods Creek Trail
Woods Creek Trail is a convenient, mostly flat pathway along serene Woods Creek in Lexington. This hike goes through VMI, W&L University and the City of Lexington following the slow-moving Woods Creek though a playground, under tall trees, and through an old railroad tunnel.