Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking rivers, hiking miles of Wilderness Area trails and biking along quiet country roads. The Appalachian Trail follows the rugged terrain of two National Forest Wilderness Areas to the summits of Three Ridges and The Priest atop the Blue Ridge for the more adventurous hiker. Crabtree Falls and Spy Rock, located in the George Washington National Forest near Montebello, offer challenging terrains with beautiful views. The Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail at Piney River and the Rockfish Valley Loop Trail at Nellysford provides a more gentle walk for those who like to venture and stroll.

Community-sponsored guided trail rides offer breathtaking mountain views. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, boating and camping in the mountains and along the streams are limitless in rural Nelson. Spotting wildlife is easy, with designated birding trails and watchable wildlife loops.

Looking for some family fun? The James, Rockfish and Tye Rivers each host a variety of activities: the Batteau Festival, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and floating – from ripples to rapids, we have it all. For a more educational hands-on experience, stop by the Montebello Fish Hatchery where you’ll learn the life cycle of a trout. Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Featuring a series of five major cascades and assorted smaller ones, falling a total distance of 1,200 feet, this is one of Nelson’s most popular attractions.

Wintergreen Resort provides winter sports fans a thrill on the slopes with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Devils Knob and Stoney Creek golf courses, with their Blue Ridge Mountain setting, provide golfers with the coolest playing conditions throughout the summer and the most dramatic mountain foliage throughout the fall. Other year round amenities at Wintergreen Resort include tennis, hiking, mountain biking, a splash at Lake Monocan and many family-oriented recreational opportunities