Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail
7-mile crushed-stone rail trail along the Piney and Tye rivers with dual trailheads, equestrian access, and seasonal wildflowers.
Trail Overview
7 miles This trail is open for hiking, biking and horseback riding year round.
The mainly crushed stone trail follows a scenic route along the Piney and Tye Rivers, where wildflowers bloom from spring through summer and wildlife abounds. The trail dead ends at the 7 mile point, there is no eastern access at Tye River Depot, so you must retrace your steps to your vehicle.
During the autumn hunting season, trail users should wear blaze orange clothing. The trail is open sunrise to sunset.
Trailheads, Facilities & Directions
Main Trailhead (Piney River)
3124 Patrick Henry Highway, Piney River, Virginia, 22964
Located on SR 151, Patrick Henry Hwy. Ample parking for cars and horse trailers. Restroom facilities available.
To access the Piney River trailhead from the Lovingston area, take US 29 to State Route 56 west at Colleen; turn right onto SR 56, and travel 5 miles to turn left onto SR 151. After 2 miles you'll see the trailhead sign on left (3124 Patrick Henry Highway, Piney River).
Roses Mill Trailhead
Located on SR 674, Roses Mill Rd (at milepost 1.7)
Can accommodate only cars. Restroom facilities available.
To access the Roses Mill trailhead from the Lovingston area, take US 29 to SR 56 west at Colleen; turn right onto SR 56 and go about 4 miles to left turn onto Roses Mill Road/SR 674). The trailhead is about 1.4 miles farther (around milepost 1.7 of the trail).
History
The trail occupies the rail bed of the former Virginia Blue Ridge Railway, which ran from Tye River Depot (to interchange with the Southern Railway) to Massies Mill.
Construction of the railroad started in 1915 and the line was abandoned in 1980.
