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Scenic Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County
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Guides / 7 Best Viewpoints
7 Best Viewpoints
<p><strong>Glen Maury Park Double-Decker Pavilion</strong></p><p>You’ll enjoy a gobsmacking view of downtown Buena Vista and the Blue Ridge Mountains from the hilltop Double-Decker Pavilion at Glen Maury Park. With grills and picnic tables, this is also a fine spot for a picnic. There’s a playground too.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Goshen Pass Wayside</strong></p><p>A pull-off beside Route 39 overlooks <a href="https://lexingtonvirginia.com/outdoors/activities/attractions/goshen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goshen Pass</a>, where forested mountain slopes frame the Maury River and its rock-strewn path through the county.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Natural Bridge State Park - Jefferson Point</strong></p><p>The same viewpoint that offers the most vibrant night sky within <a href="https://lexingtonvirginia.com//directory/attractions/natural-bridge-state-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Natural Bridge State Park</a>, an International Dark Sky Park, is the same that offers incredible mountain ranges in daylight.</p><p><img class="q-image" src="https://api.brightrtravel.com/media/volatile/static-page-block-images/ea1ac478-f6f3-480e-a1d0-96b329e33850/thumbnail_3200x1600.jpeg" id="block_ID_1539" alt="block_ID_1539"></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Summits of Big and Little House Mountain</strong></p><p>Views from the summits of <a href="https://lexingtonvirginia.com/outdoors/activities/attractions/house-mountain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Big and Little House Mountain</a> west of Lexington rival those from overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. One key difference? You have to hike to the summits of Big and Little House. The Little House Mountain Trail leads to lofty views of Lexington, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Blue Ridge Mountains while the western overlook atop Big House Mountain takes in North Mountain and the rugged Allegheny Mountains rippling along the Virginia and West Virginia state line.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>W&amp;L Colonnade</strong></p><p>With its striking white columns, historic red brick buildings, and sloping green lawn, the Colonnade at Washington &amp; Lee University is one of the most striking settings in Lexington. Take in the view from the statue of Cyrus McCormick, the inventor of the mechanical reaper and an important benefactor of the school, on the front lawn.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Devils Marbleyard</strong></p><p>A one-mile hike on the Belfast Trail near Natural Bridge Station climbs to <a href="https://lexingtonvirginia.com/articles/devils-marbleyard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Devils Marbleyard</a>, a jumble of quartzite boulders covering a mountain slope in the James River Face Wilderness. Scramble up the enormous rocks for sweeping views of the boulder field, Arnold Valley, and the forested foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Great Valley Farm Brewery &amp; Winery </strong></p><p>The panoramic view from the picnic area atop this hilltop brewery and winery on Route 11 includes the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the llamas and camels that inhabit the Virginia Safari Park next door. Bring your binoculars for a closer look. And though the views are free, sipping a cold kolsch from one of Great Valley’s mountain-facing Adirondack chairs inevitably enhances the scene.</p>
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.
Glen Maury Park is Buena Vista’s 315-acre playground, providing wooded trails, an Olympic-sized pool, two campgrounds, as well as several pavilions where residents and tourists alike make the natural choice for enjoying life. Glen Maury Park hosts a variety of events each year – music from old time to classical, beach music to bluegrass, and gospel to rock n’roll. Around town you’ll find eateries and service businesses ready to provide what you need… all close at hand.
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Park, dedicated on September 24, 2016, is home to the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge, a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge, however. Beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain. Surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor. The park was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, which means stargazing here is top-notch. Check the park calendar for stargazing events. Natural Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988.
Natural Bridge State Park, dedicated on September 24, 2016, is home to the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge, a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge, however. Beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain. Surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor. The park was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, which means stargazing here is top-notch. Check the park calendar for stargazing events. Natural Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988.
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.

**There are three trails on House Mountain: The Saddle Trail, Big House Trail and Little House Trail. **

Saddle Trail (1)

Distance: 2.5 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Hike Time: 1.5 hours

Elevation Change: 1005 feet

Highlights: This is a nice, forested walk, on an old road to the saddle of House Mountain and the beautiful meadow located between these two iconic Rockbridge peaks. It is a great place for a picnic. There is a privy and shelter on the left when climbing Big House Mountain. There is also a cool running spring near the shelter

Driving Distance/Time: 7miles/20 minutes*

*from Lexington Visitor Center, 106 E. Washington St.

Directions From the Lexington Visitor Center, turn right on East Washington Street. Turn left at the third light onto Jefferson Street. Proceed one block and turn right onto West Nelson Street. There is a light at this intersection. Travel 3.3 miles to Jacktown Road (CR 641) and turn left. Travel 3.4 miles and turn right on Saddle Ridge Road (CR 643) Proceed 0.25 miles to a small parking area. Please remember to be respectful of mailboxes and driveways when parking. Do not park in the circle or on the road past the kiosk.

Trail Description: There is an information kiosk at the trailhead. The trail begins on the road to the right of the kiosk. After 0.1 mile the road forks, take the right fork. About 0.25 miles from the fork, the road bends right and about 100 yards later it bends left. After this left bend, there is an excellent view across the Shenandoah Valley to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area there is a gate. Beyond the gate the road becomes more rugged. There is a fork not too far from this gate. Take the right fork. The climb from the road to this point is not difficult but it is steady. Just past the fork is a flat section which passes through a forest of Red maple and Yellow poplar as well as the remains of a small rock fence.

After the flat area the grade becomes moderate and the trail splits. It is best to bear to the right. However, one can go on either way as they come together after about 0.1 miles. At approximately 1.0 mile, the trail passes through a wet area filled with Muscatine grape vines and Wineberry canes. There is also an old chimney site in this location.

The trail then passes under an area of large Red oak, White oak, and Sugar maple. These trees, at approximately 1.25 miles, mark the first real descent since the beginning of the trail. The road bends to the left and begins to climb again. About 1.5 miles the road bends right and straightens out. This marks the final climb into the saddle.

The saddle is a large open grassy area. There are many old apple trees located in the saddle. Upon entering the saddle, the mountain to the right is Little House Mountain with an elevation of 3386 feet. The mountain to the left is Big House Mountain with an elevation of 3645 feet.

Insider's Tips: Grab a sandwich at Legendary Eats in downtown Lexington for a picnic at the saddle or at the summit of one of the mountains!

Big House Mountain Trail (2)

Distance: 0.85 Miles to summit (One Way)

0.65 Miles to the south end of the mountain (One Way)

1.3 Miles to the North end of the mountain (One Way)

Difficulty: Difficult

Hike Time: 1.25 hours

Elevation Change: 845 feet

Highlights: This is a road walk to the summit of Big House Mountain. While the road is steep the views at the end of the hike are worth the effort. At the southern end of the mountain offers a great view of North Mountain and places to the south. The northern end of the mountain offers a wide-open view of the Great Valley. There is a privy and shelter on the left when climbing Big House Mountain. There is also a cool running spring near the shelter.

Driving Distance/Time: 7miles/20 minutes*

*from Lexington Visitor Center, 106 E. Washington St.

Trail Description: To reach the top of Big House Mountain, bear left at the Kiosk and follow the old road past the shelter. At the shelter, there is also a privy. There is a trail to a spring about 0.25 miles beyond the shelter. To reach the spring, walk past the shelter and the privy and follow the blue blazes. The trail mainly contours along the north slope of the mountain. The trail to the top is steep so it is recommended to fill up with water at the shelter. Remember to treat all water before drinking.

The trail to the top passes left of the shelter when facing Big House Mountain. The trail follows an old road. The climb to the top is very steep and difficult so rest often. After about 0.4 miles the trail makes a hard right turn. The elevation at the bend is approximately 3350 feet.

To go to the south end of the mountain continue straight and begin climbing the mountain on a narrow path marked with blue blaze. The trail climbs steeply up the side of the mountain. Near the top it levels out. The elevation is approximately 3450 feet. A left leads to a rock outcrop and a great view of Short Hills and North Mountain. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Peaks of Otter, and Apple Orchard Mountain can be seen to the east. A right leads to a unique rock formation on the ridge crest. There is one huge rock which is balanced on the top of another smaller rock.

To reach the north end of the mountain, continue to follow the road. The trail becomes very rocky and small pines crowd the trail. In this section there is one view to the east. There are some large cliffs on the left. About 0.3 miles after the right bend. The trail's grade becomes moderate and then levels out at the top of the mountain (3645 feet).

At the top there is an old cinder block building. Walking north along the ridge leads another rock outcrop. The trail descends at an easy grade and is generally clear of brush until it comes to a rock pile. After picking a way through the boulder field, the descent becomes more moderate to the rock outcrop (3250 feet). From this outcrop there is an excellent view of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Insider's Tips: Grab a sandwich at Legendary Eats in downtown Lexington for a picnic at the saddle or at the summit of one of the mountains!

Little House Mountain Trail (3)

Distance: 1.3 Miles to summit (One Way)

Difficulty: Difficult

Hike Time: 1.25 hours

Elevation Change: 590 feet

Highlights: This is a short steep climb to the summit of Little House Mountain. There is a great view of the Great Valley at the northern end of the ridge crest. Along the way there are many nocks and crannies to explore on the trip to the end of the mountain

Driving Distance/Time: 7miles/20 minutes*

*from Lexington Visitor Center, 106 E. Washington St.

Trail Description: The trail begins at the Kiosk in the saddle. Turn right at the kiosk and follow the blue blazed trail through the meadow and the old apple orchard. After 100 feet the trail reenters the woods and the grade changes from easy to moderate. The forest is composed of upland hardwoods including locust, maple, hickory and ash.

As the trail begins to swing around the southern nose of Little House Mountain the grade becomes moderate. Rocks line the path and in a few places rock steps have been added to help in the climb. The canopy slowly changes to knurly Chestnut oak, Table mountain pine, and Pitch pine.

There is a left switchback followed immediately by a right switchback and the grade becomes more difficult. Fortunately, during this climb there is a great view to the south. Past the opening the trail continues its relentless pursuit of the ridge crest. As it approaches the rock face, there is a left switchback. The trail is now headed in the direction of the saddle. Fetterbush crowds the trail and small Chestnut oak and pine dominate the canopy. After the right bend the trail climbs straight up the ridge a short distance and begins to pass through the clefts in the rock outcrop near the crest of the ridge.

The Little House Mountain Trail again heads across the south slope before reaching the crest of the mountain. The distance from the saddle to the crest is 0.5 miles. The grade quickly changes from difficult to easy. On the crest the trail heads northeast. It passes under a low canopy of Rhododendron and an overstory of short pine and Chestnut oak.

Near the summit of Little House Mountain, the trail meanders through a boulder field. The rocks are massive. At one point the trail drops down and passes under a rock bridge. The distance to the bridge is 1.0 mile. Beyond the rock bridge, the trail begins to descent at and easy grade. The grade quickly becomes a moderate descent including the need to jump off a three-foot-high boulder. The Little House Mountain Trail is now on the east side of the ridge.

Just past the boulder the trail terminates at a rock outcrop with a wonderful view up the Shenandoah Valley. The distance is 1.3 miles. The elevation is 3200 feet. The cities of Lexington and Buena Vista as well as the Blue Ridge can be seen to the east. Looking northeast is Shenandoah National Park. To the north are Big Butt Mountain and the Goshen Wildlife Management Area.

Insider's Tips: Grab a sandwich at Legendary Eats in downtown Lexington for a picnic at the saddle or at the summit of one of the mountains!

Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, is a nationally ranked, small, private, liberal arts university nestled in the mountains of western Virginia. As one of the oldest schools in the nation, we believe in the education of the whole person, and value students who are intellectually curious, eager to engage with their communities, inclined to critical thinking and prepared to lead lives of consequence.
Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, is a nationally ranked, small, private, liberal arts university nestled in the mountains of western Virginia. As one of the oldest schools in the nation, we believe in the education of the whole person, and value students who are intellectually curious, eager to engage with their communities, inclined to critical thinking and prepared to lead lives of consequence.
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.
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
Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery
Great Valley has gained a solid reputation among locals as the “go to” spot for quality beer and beautiful scenery. The Baileys pride themselves on keeping quality as the number one goal in everything they do from the beer to customer service. As one customer put it “this is beer made by people who love beer.”
Great Valley has gained a solid reputation among locals as the “go to” spot for quality beer and beautiful scenery. The Baileys pride themselves on keeping quality as the number one goal in everything they do from the beer to customer service. As one customer put it “this is beer made by people who love beer.”