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Nelson County offers a broad range of hiking options.

Hikers can follow the Appalachian Trail along the western portion of the county, climb a short, but steep hike to incredible valley views at Humpback Rock, and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway hikes including White Rock Falls and the Mau-Har Trail.

Visit the popular Crabtree Falls and find 360 degree views at Spy Rock. Explore the Blue Ridge Tunnel and learn about the history of the railway that goes back to 1850!

The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen trails can be explored at Wintergreen Resort, and down in the valley is the Rockfish Valley Trail System with many nature-themed trails. Along Route 29, hike the Fortune’s Cove Nature Preserve with moderate to difficult trails through relatively intact forest.

For hiking or biking, there’s the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail in Piney River, with its Kids in the Parks Trail for kids.

Download the Nelson County Trail Guide
Hiking Resources
Three Ridges Touring

Private, guided tours to adventurous people seeking new outdoor experiences in Central Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains Region.

Nelson County Trails
Allen Creek Nature Preserve
Allen Creek Nature Preserve

Allen Creek Nature Preserve

Appalachian Horse Adventures
Appalachian Horse Adventures

Appalachian Horse Adventures

Appalachian Trail from Rt 56 to Harpers Creek
Appalachian Trail from Rt 56 to Harpers Creek

Appalachian Trail from Rt 56 to Harpers Creek

Black Rock Trail
Blackrock Trail

Blackrock Trail

Blue Ridge Tunnel
Blue Ridge Tunnel

Blue Ridge Tunnel

Brimstone Trail
Brimstone Trail

Brimstone Trail

Cedar Ciffs North Trail
Cedar Ciffs North Trail

Cedar Ciffs North Trail

Chestnut Springs Trail
Chestnut Springs Trail

Chestnut Springs Trail

Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls

Devils Knob Trail
Devils Knob Trail

Devils Knob Trail

Fortune’s Cove Nature Preserve
Fortune’s Cove Nature Preserve

Fortune’s Cove Nature Preserve

Fortune’s Ridge Trail
Fortune’s Ridge Trail

Fortune’s Ridge Trail

Hemlock Springs Loop
Hemlock Springs Loop

Hemlock Springs Loop

Highlands Leisure Trail
Highlands Leisure Trail

Highlands Leisure Trail

Humpback Rocks
Humpback Rocks

Humpback Rocks

James River State Park
James River State Park

James River State Park

Rockfish Valley
Kids in Parks: Rockfish River Trailhead

Kids in Parks: Rockfish River Trailhead

Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail
Kids in Parks: Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail

Kids in Parks: Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail

Laurel Ridge Loop
Laurel Ridge Loop

Laurel Ridge Loop

Lower Shamokin Falls Trail
Lower Shamokin Falls Trail

Lower Shamokin Falls Trail

Mau-Har Trail
Mau-Har Trail

Mau-Har Trail

Montebello Fish Hatchery
Montebello Fish Hatchery

Montebello Fish Hatchery

Montebello Nature Trail
Montebello Nature Trail

Montebello Nature Trail

Nelson County Wilderness Area
Nelson County Wilderness Area

Nelson County Wilderness Area

North Fork of the Piney River
North Fork of the Piney River

North Fork of the Piney River

Old Appalachian Trail
Old Appalachian Trail

Old Appalachian Trail

Paul’s Creek Trail
Paul’s Creek Trail

Paul’s Creek Trail

Pedlars Edge Trail
Pedlars Edge Trail

Pedlars Edge Trail

Pond Hollow Trail
Pond Hollow Trail

Pond Hollow Trail

Quarry Gardens at Schuyler
Quarry Gardens at Schuyler

Quarry Gardens at Schuyler

Ravens Roost Park
Ravens Roost Park

Ravens Roost Park

Rockfish Valley Loop Trails
Rockfish Valley Loop Trails

Rockfish Valley Loop Trails

Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve
Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve

Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve

Spruce Creek Park
Spruce Creek Park

Spruce Creek Park

Spy Rock
Spy Rock

Spy Rock

Stoney Creek Park
Stoney Creek Park

Stoney Creek Park

The Plunge
The Plunge

The Plunge

Three Ridges
Three Ridges

Three Ridges

Trillium Field
Trillium Field

Trillium Field

Upper Shamokin Falls Trail
Upper Shamokin Falls Trail

Upper Shamokin Falls Trail

Upper Shamokin Gorge Trail
Upper Shamokin Gorge Trail

Upper Shamokin Gorge Trail

White Oak Trail
White Oak Trail

White Oak Trail

White Rock Falls
White Rock Falls

White Rock Falls