Activities & Things To Do

Blue Ridge Fruit Loop passport covering 11 orchards and farms across Nelson and Amherst counties for pick-your-own fruit May–December.

In addition to trout, there is a nature trail and pollinator plots located on the property. State trout hatchery near Crabtree Falls offering educational tours, pollinator plots, and a nature trail adjacent to mountain hiking hubs.

The mansion on this 5,000-acre plantation estate was first built in 1802 and acquired at the turn of the 20th century by Thomas Fortune Ryan, a Nelson County native who had become one of the 10 wealthiest men in the nation. He made impressive alterations to the building and grounds-adding a formal Italian garden, rotunda greenhouse and railroad station, among other features.

Proposed forest-based education and wellness space in Nellysford emphasizing nature play and outdoor learning; listing currently in development.

Railroads have been an integral part of the success of The United States. As old railway tracks become obsolete, many have been turned into multi-use paths for recreation. These “rail trails” are typically used for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Abandoned railways are perfect for recreation, as they are found on flat areas and run through historic areas. The Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail and the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel are two such rail trails, and both are found in gorgeous Nelson County, Virginia. Nelson County is conveniently located near Waynesboro, Charlottesville and Lynchburg. The short travel time makes walking a Nelson Rail Trail the perfect day trip.

Twice named “Best Ski Resort” by the readers of Washington Post.

Shenandoah Valley Soaring operates from a gliderport in Nellysford, inviting visitors to watch—or join—weekend flights over the Blue Ridge with a 50-member club that flies classic and modern sailplanes. This group group of 50+ members enjoys soaring over the Blue Ridge Mountains in classic and state of the art gliders, harnessing the power of nature to sustain our flights.

Swannanoa, the 1911 marble villa atop Afton Mountain, opens select weekends for public tours showcasing Italianate architecture and gardens.

Wintergreen Tennis programs spanning 19 outdoor clay and three indoor Deco Turf courts with year-round clinics for families and teams.