Nelson County offers miles and miles of tranquil country roads winding past meadows and streams. With gentle rolling hills near the James River and challenging terrain in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this rural region has something for all skill levels. For general information about cycling in Nelson County, call Martin Versluys at 434-361-9357.

To obtain a copy of the Bicycling in Virginia Map (VDOT), please visit or contact
NELSON COUNTY VISITORS CENTER
8519 Thomas Nelson Highway
Lovingston VA 22949
434-263-7015

Blue Ridge Parkway Loops

Additional Loops

wintergreen-mountain-biking

Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail

The VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE RAILWAY TRAIL is open for hiking, biking and horseback riding year round and is 7 miles in length. The main trailhead is in Piney River on SR 151, Patrick Henry Hwy. It has ample parking for cars and horse trailers. A smaller trail head (at milepost 1.7) in Roses Mill on SR 674, Roses Mill Rd can accommodate only cars. Restroom facilities are available at both trail heads. 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. 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.

3124 Patrick Henry Highway, Piney River, Virginia, 22964

Parking and Trail Access
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). Parking for cars and horse trailers is 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).

Nelson Scenic Loop

The NELSON SCENIC LOOP is a 50-mile auto and bike tour that features Nelson County’s bounty of natural, cultural, and historic attractions. Comprising Route 151, Route 664, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Route 56, the Nelson Scenic Loop traverses both the lower foothills of the Piedmont as well as the summits of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

HELPFUL LINKS

VIRGINIA BIKING FEDERATION
A statewide organization working to promote cycling in Virginia and to improve conditions for cyclists through education, advocacy, and legislation.

BIKE VIRGINIA
Bike Virginia works to make Virginia great through cycling initiatives such as events, education, working with elected officials, advocacy programs, grants, and consulting. Bike Virginia hosts the annual Bike Virginia Tour, a 6 day cycling festival of 1,600 riders, an adventure that travels around the Commonwealth.

TRAIL LINK
Find the top rated bike trails in Virginia, whether you’re looking for an easy short bike trail or a long bike trail, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

VIRGINIA CYCLING ASSOCIATION
The Virginia Cycling Association is a group of USCF recognized racing clubs in the state of Virginia. The Association promotes the Best All-Round Rider (BAR) competition and promotes the State Championships.