Scenic Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County
Lexington & Buena Vista: Easy Hikes
Easy and convenient city walks
<p>There are several options for easy and convenient hikes near downtown Lexington and Buena Vista.</p><p><br></p><p>In Lexington, a short walk from downtown drops you onto the <a href="https://lexingtonvirginia.com/outdoors/activities/attractions/woods-creek-trail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Woods Creek Trail</a>, a two-mile path which runs along Woods Creek behind VMI, W&L, and Waddell Elementary. Pick it up beside the <strong>Miller’s House</strong> at <strong>Jordan’s Point </strong>or at <strong>Lime Kiln Bridge Park</strong> on Lime Kiln Rd. </p><p><br></p><p>The 7-mile <a href="https://lexingtonvirginia.com/outdoors/activities/attractions/chessie-trail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chessie Trail</a> follows a rail-trail bordering the Maury River between East Lexington and Buena Vista. The level trail passes historic locks, striking cliffs, cow-filled pastures, thick forests, and abundant wildlife. Park in one of the lots on the river-side of Old Buena Vista Rd, about a half mile from Main St. </p><p><br></p><p>The 2.5-mile <a href="https://www.runrockbridge.org/runbuenavistariverwalk.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">River Walk</a> borders the Maury River in downtown Buena Vista, running from Factory St south to W 10th St and beyond. Best bets for parking are the lot at W 21st street, which is on your left after crossing the railroad tracks, or the parking area on W 10th St, just before you cross the bridge over the Maury River. You can cross the bridge to reach Glen Maury Park, where you’ll find more trails.</p><p><br></p><p>The <a href="https://lexingtonvirginia.com/articles/trails-less-traveled" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reservoir Hollow Trail</a> climbs toward Elephant Mountain from Buena Vista, passing the old city reservoir as it ascends 4 miles through the George Washington National Forest to US 60. This hike becomes less easy as you climb. A spur trail climbs to the Blue Ridge Parkway. From Magnolia Ave, follow E 13th St east to Pine Ave. There are six creek crossings on this hike. Turn right on Pine Ave and follow it to the parking area (1100 Pine Ave).</p><p><br></p><p>Beside the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 34.4. a .1-mile walk from the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/yankee-horse-ridge.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yankee Horse Ridge Overlook</a> ends at pretty Wigwam Falls. The short trail follows a gentle stream. There is also an exhibit about the Irish Creek Railroad, a 42" narrow gauge railway constructed for the removal of timber from the mountain. Visitors can walk south along the old line and see a trestle and a section of the track, both reconstructed.</p>
Miller's House Museum The Miller’s House Museum is dedicated to interpreting the industrial & transportation history of the Lexington area by celebrating the roads, rivers and rails that served a now extinct industrial complex on Jordan’s Point north of the city. The Miller’s House, built in the early 1800s, is the only remaining structure at this once vibrant area developed by John Jordan, who operated a furnace, a forge and the covered toll bridge that spanned the North (Maury) River. Admission is free.
The Miller’s House Museum is dedicated to interpreting the industrial & transportation history of the Lexington area by celebrating the roads, rivers and rails that served a now extinct industrial complex on Jordan’s Point north of the city. The Miller’s House, built in the early 1800s, is the only remaining structure at this once vibrant area developed by John Jordan, who operated a furnace, a forge and the covered toll bridge that spanned the North (Maury) River. Admission is free.
Jordan's Point, once the industrial and transportation hub in Lexington, serves as a park featuring ADA Accessible, Canoe Launch, Electricity, Grill, Pavilion, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Soccer Field, Walking Trail.
Lime Kiln Road at Woods Creek Park featuring ADA Accessible, Grill, Picnic Tables, Playground
Glen Maury Park 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.
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.