Visit Nelson County: Hikes

Hikes

Rockfish Valley Loop Trails
Experience the Rockfish River and Reid's Creek on approximately 4 miles of trails on a farm surrounding the confluence. Part of the VA Birding and Wildlife Trail, these paths offer recreation and interation with nature and history. Currently open for hiking only, these are mowed grass and dirt trails, and have a nearly flat grade throughout, although surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Parking is located at Spruce Creek Park at old Wintergreen, and on the southwest side of the Route 151 bridge over the Rockfish River. Open sunrise to sunset.

DelFosse Trail at Deer Rock
This 5.5 mile loop trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers and scheduled ATV rides. The trail was built by Nelson County at the DelFosse Winery, with funds from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The trail winds through a mountainside of massive rocks and new and old growth forest, interesting flora and fauna. Views of the winery and surrounding mountains are spectacular. After your hike or ride, stop in for a wine tasting or pack your picnic and enjoy the scenery. Open 9 am until dusk. Children are welcome. Pets are welcome on a leash. For more information and directions, contact the Nelson County Department of Parks and Recreation - 434-263-7130
DelFosse Winery
500 DelFosse Winery Lane
Faber, Virginia 22938

Fortune's Cove Nature Preserve
The Preserve contains a 5.3 mile hiking trail within the mountainous property. Other features are 7 viewpoints and a stream. A parking area and
informational kiosk at the base of the cove will help orient visitors. From Route 29, Route 718 to Route 651.

Crabtree Falls
Visit the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi - a series of five major cascades and a number of smaller ones that fall a total distance of 1,200 feet. The first overlook is just 700 feet from the new lower parking lot. The more adventurous hiker may continue to other overlooks, to the top at Crabtree Meadows, where the trail ends, or to the Appalachian Trail, just one half mile beyond Crabtree Meadows.
Directions from Charlottesville, Virginia: Take Interstate 64 west to exit 99 (Afton-Waynesboro). Follow signs to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Travel 27 miles to Route 56 east. Turn left onto Route 56 and follow signs to Crabtree Falls.

Blue Ridge Rail Trail
The first 2 miles of trail is opened for hiking, biking and horseback riding - the trail head begins in Piney River on SR 151 and ends in Roses Mill on SR 674, meandering along the northern bank of the Piney River. There are parking lots at both ends of the trail. Parking for horse trailers is available at Piney River. The Trail is open sunrise to sunset. At this time there are no restroom facilities. Directions: US Route 29 to SR 56 west at Colleen, right onto SR 56, 5 miles to SR 151, 2 miles to trail head sign on left. 3124 Patrick Henry Highway, Piney River.

Appalachian Trail
25 miles of the Appalachian Trail lie in Nelson County with moderately challenging to rugged terrain. It is accessible from Route 56 in Tyro and at trail crossings along the Blue Ridge Parkway: Reeds Gap/Route 664, and Rockfish Gap/Afton Mountain (exit 99 off Interstate 64).

Nelson County Wilderness Area
The Wilderness designation provides permanent protection for the two areas in their natural state. The Priest (nearly 6,000 acres) rises from an elevation of about 1,000 feet at the Tye River to 4,063 feet. Three Ridges (4,608 acres) is one of the wildest and most rugged areas in the Virginia
Blue Ridge

Wintergreen Nature Foundation
The Wintergreen Nature Foundation has marked and maintains 25 miles of scenic trails in the mountains. Information and trail maps are available through the nature foundation's office at the Trillium House at Wintergreen. 434-325-8169

White Rock Falls
A 2.5-mile moderate hike, the highlights is the impressive gorge, which has a water fall and a natural wading pool. Directions from SR 56 at Crabtree Falls: Take SR 56 west to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Slacks Overlook. Park at the Slacks Overlook and the trail starts about 60 yards ahead on the right side of the Blue Ridge Parkway as you head north.sign). - Moderate hike

Appalachian Trail from State Route 56 (Swinging Bridge) to Harpers Creek
A 2.6-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail to Harpers Creek, where the water gurgles through the large rocks. Directions from SR 56 at Crabtree Falls: Take SR 56 east for approximately 3-4 miles. The Appalachian Trail crosses SR 56 and a parking lot is available to the left of SR 56.

Spy Rock trail to Appalachian Trail
A 1.3 mile moderately strenuous hike from the Montebello Fish Hatchery up to the Appalachian Trail and to Spy Rock, probably the best viewpoint In the central Blue Ridge. The rock outcrop, at 3,980 feet elevation, provides a 360 degree panoramic view of numerous mountain summits. Directions from State Route 56 at Crabtree Falls: Take 56 west towards Montebello.
Turn left onto 690 to Montebello Fish Hatchery. A small parking lot for hikers is available beyond the hatchery buildings to the right (follow the sign).

Henry Lanum Memorial Trail and the Mt. Pleasant Spur
A 4.8 mile circuit hike through the Mt. Pleasant National Scenic Area that encompasses two 4,000 foot mountains � Mt. Pleasant and Pompey Mountain. Take a short spur trail (.3 miles) to see the spectacular views from Mt. Pleasant. Directions from SR 56 at Crabtree Falls: Take SR west to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow the BRPW south to US Rt 60. Take RT 60 east to SR 634 (Davis Mill Creek Road). Continue on SR 634 to intersection with SR 755 (Wiggins Springs Road). Follow SR 755 to the end of state maintenance and continue on forest Development Road 48. Moderate + hike - last mile is Moderate ++

North Fork of the Piney River
The river offers pleasing views of cascading rapids. Also it is stocked for fishing and there are some good swimming holes. Directions from Crabtree Falls on State Route 56: head East on Route 56 to the village of Massies Mill, then turn right to go West on Route 666. Stay on Route 666 for a total of approximately 4 miles through Dickie Brothers Orchard. Just past the packing shed, the road becomes a gravel road then winds up and over the mountain offering great views along the way. At the bottom of the other side of the mountain, turn right on to Route 827. Route 827 goes into the George Washington National Forest and parallels the North Fork of the Piney River. You may pull over to the side anywhere there is enough space (except where private property is posted) and walk beside the river.