Parks & Recreation

Crabtree Falls – Montebello
The highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi – a series of 5 major cascades and a number of smaller ones that fall a total distance of 1,200 feet. The first overlook is handicapped accessible and just 700 feet from the new parking lot off Route 56. The more adventurous hiker may continue to other overlooks, 3 miles to the top at Crabtree Meadows, where the trail ends and connects to the Appalachian Trail.

Spy Rock to Appalachian Trail – Montebello
Incredible 360 degree views await you from the top of Spy Rock. The trailhead begins behind the Fish Hatchery at Montebello, Route 690. Total distance to Spy Rock is approximately 1.5 miles. The hiking is moderate, and begins by crossing a small stream. Follow the blue blazes until you reach the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. When you reach Spy Rock, get ready for a rock scramble to the top. The 3,700 foot elevation and 360-degree view show why this rock is believed to have been used by Confederate scouts to monitor movements of the Union troops-hence the name Spy Rock.

Montebello Nature Trail
This short trail (0.5 mile) follows a small stream that was once part of Montebello Fish Hatchery. The path is lined with a wide diversity of ferns as well as native shrubs and wildflowers such as Black Cohosh.  Relax on one of the benches and listen for the Louisiana water thrush or watch for dragonflies skimming the stream. Located off Route 690 (Fish Hatchery Lane), the entrance is just above the hatchery dam. Parking is available. The trail is always open and not subject to the visiting hours of the hatchery.

Appalachian Trail
25 miles of the Trail lie in Nelson County with moderately challenging to rugged terrain. It is accessible from Route 56 in Tyro and at trail crossings along the Blue Ridge Parkway: Reeds Gap/Route 664 and Rockfish Gap/Afton Mountain (exit 99 off Interstate 64).

Mau-Har Trail – Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 13.7
The blue-blazed Mau-Har trail provides an excellent circuit hike in conjunction with the Appalachian Trail through the Three Ridges Wilderness area. The trail begins on the AT 1.8 miles from Reeds Gap/ Route 664. It continues for 3.3 miles through steep terrain passing near the 50 foot Campbell’s Creek waterfall. The trail ends on the AT, 1.5 miles from the junction of the AT and Route 56.

Appalachian Trail from State Route 56 (Swinging Bridge) to Harpers Creek – Tyro
A 2.6-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail to Harpers Creek, where the water gurgles through the large rocks. Directions from Route 56 at Crabtree Falls: Take Route 56 east approximately 3-4 miles. The Appalachian Trail crosses Route 56 with parking available.

Humpback Rock Trail- Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 6.0
The trail begins in the Humpback Gap parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway and ascends very quickly to the rocky ledges above.  Enjoy some truly amazing 360 degree views on top of slanted rock.  The trip down is much easier than the trip up, and only takes about 20 minutes to get back to the car.

White Rock Falls – Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 18.5
A 2.5-miles moderate hike, the highlight is the impressive gorge, which has a waterfall and a natural wading pool. Directions from Route 56 at Crabtree Falls: Take Route 56 west to the Blue Ridge Parkway, North. Park at the Slacks Overlook and the trail starts about 60 yards ahead on the right side of the Blue Ridge Parkway as you head north.

Nelson County Wilderness Area
The Wilderness designation provides permanent protection for the two areas in their natural state. The Priest  (nearly 6,000 acres) rises from an elevation of about 1,000 feet at the Tye River to 4,063 feet. Three Ridges (4,608 acres) is one of the wildest and most rugged areas in the Virginia Blue Ridge.

Rockfish Valley Loop Trail – Nellysford
The Rockfish Valley Foundation has developed this network of trails that is currently open for hiking only. You will enjoy easy flat trails surrounded by spectacular mountain views. The trails can be accessed from Rte 151 at the Spruce Creek Gallery or the trailhead just south of the Rockfish River Bridge.  ww.rockfishvalley.org

Wintergreen Nature Foundation
The Wintergreen Nature Foundation has marked and maintains 25 miles of scenic trails in the mountains. Information and trail maps are available through the Nature Foundation’s office at the Trillium House at Wintergreen.

Fortune’s Cove Nature Preserve – Lovingston
The Preserve contains a 5.3 mile hiking trail within the mountainous property. Other features are 7 viewpoints and a stream. There is a parking area and informational kiosk at the base of the cove. From Route 29, Route 718 to Route 651.

DelFosse Trail – Faber Enjoy 5.5 miles of beautiful, rolling trail designed for hiking, mountain biking, and organized ATV rides.  The trail winds through a mountainside of massive rocks and new and old growth forest, interesting flora and fauna.  Views of the winery and surrounding mountains are spectacular. Open 9 am to dusk.  Located at the DelFosse Winery in Faber (off Route 29 north). This trail is closed Monday – Saturday during Hunting Season (Nov 19th – January 7th) OPEN SUNDAYS during this season

Virginia  Blue Ridge Railway Trail – Piney River
5  miles of this trail are now open, with the last 2 miles opening soon. This easy,  multi-use trail is idyllically located in Amherst and Nelson Counties. It follows the banks of the Piney and Tye Rivers along the scenic path of the longest running, commercially successful short-line railway in America.  The trail is open to hikers, bicyclist, horseback riders, bird watchers, wild flower enthusiasts, families, parents with strollers and nature buffs. The trail protects the extraordinary variety of plant life and the natural habitat of a variety of wildlife.  Parking (horse trailers included) is available at the main trailhead in Piney River (Route 151) and additional car parking is available on Roses Mill Road. There is no exit at the Tye River Depot at this time.