WanderLove: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Lexington & Rockbridge County
Rockbridge County serves as the southern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley. Located at the intersection of I-81 and I-64 West, it provides swift access to our vast "big backyard"—over 100,000 acres of public forests, parks, recreation areas, and two rivers ideal for hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, and camping for all ages and skill levels.
Lexington is the ideal hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Its fully walkable historic downtown features over 65 independently owned shops and eateries, plus museums, historic sites, and tours.
Choose hotels within walking distance of the historic district and universities: Hampton Inn Col Alto, The Georges Inn (ranked #2 U.S. hotel by Travel + Leisure), or The Gin Hotel, an Ascend Collection property.
For rustic stays, opt for cabin and vacation rentals like Sugar Tree Inn, Fox Hill B&B, Steeles Manor Tavern B&B/Cabins, or Hummingbird Inn, many geared toward outdoor adventures.
Visit Natural Bridge State Park to see the 215-foot limestone arch, carved by Cedar Creek and estimated at 450 million years old. Enjoy educational programs, 6+ miles of trails, Kids in Parks Track Trail, and the Children’s Discovery Area with a Nature Explore play space.
Experience the Blue Ridge Mountains from the water on the 65-mile Upper James River Water Trail. Class I-III rapids suit all levels; rent gear and shuttles from outfitters or bring your own for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
After adventures, unwind on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. Savor craft brews amid farms and mountains, farm-to-table meals, hikes, and stargazing music. Stamp your Beerwerks Passport at 8 of 15 breweries for a commemorative t-shirt.
Cycle Rockbridge County routes past pastoral scenes, towns, and landmarks. Experts start in Appalachian Trail Community Buena Vista, climbing to the Blue Ridge Parkway, "America’s Favorite Drive."
The Lexington/Goshen Pass Loop follows Rt. 39 (Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway) along the Maury River, with pull-offs for Goshen Pass gorge views in the wildlife area.
Or tour farms, a vineyard, grist mill, and museum in Fairfield, Raphine, and Brownsburg—a "tour de farm" on the Fields of Gold Farm Trail. Tackle the TransAmerica Bike Trail on Rt. 56, or drive these scenic routes.
Explore 315-acre Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista: camping, trails, fishing, Olympic pool, fields, picnics, 18-hole golf, and concerts. Walk the 2-mile Buena Vista Riverwalk to the Chessie Nature Trail.
The 7-mile Chessie Nature Trail links Lexington and Buena Vista along the Maury River on the old C&O Railroad bed, towpaths, and lochs—perfect for hiking amid wildlife and farmsteads.
Unearth hidden gems in Rockbridge County! Boxerwood Nature Center, 1.6 miles from downtown Lexington, is a 15-acre arboretum with 12,000+ trees, ponds, trails, Fairy Forest, kids' play area, music series, and geocaching.
The Gems of Rockbridge Geocaching Trail has 10 caches showcasing Blue Ridge Parkway gateways: Vesuvius, Buena Vista, Lexington, Glasgow, Natural Bridge.
Crave pie, local jams, or souvenirs? Visit country stores like Layne’s (1954), famed for top-10 USA Today country ham sandwich; Natural Bridge General Store for pies and Blue Plates; or Gertie’s in Vesuvius for award-winning BBQ, with global signatures and free TransAmerica cyclist camping.
At Brownsburg Museum’s "Cradle to Coffin: Remembering the Country Store," step into a replica store to "loaf" like locals at historic shops.
Memorialize your trip at Natural Bridge State Park’s LoveWork by Mark Cline (dinosaurs, Foamhenge creator). It features the Bridge, Lace Falls, wildlife, James River paddling, and rocks—inspired by Rockbridge County. Installed by October 2020.
