Amherst, Virginia
Top Spots in and near Amherst
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Lexington, Virginia
House Mountain Trail
4.08.93 mi / 2733 ft gainHouse Mountain provides two amazing views via two out-and-back hikes, for a combined hike of 8.75 miles. If you’re short on energy and/or time, the 6 miles round trip to Big House Mountain is (in my opinion) the better of the two overlooks. Either way, keep in mind that this hike covers a great...Read more -
Rockbridge Baths, Virginia
Fly Fish Goshen Pass
5.0The fly fishing on the Maury River is one of a kind through the Goshen Pass. The Pass is littered with huge boulders, which actually makes it possible to fish without waders, although it's much easier and more enjoyable with waders.From Lexington, VA, take Route 39 towards Goshen for approximatel...Read more -
Rockbridge Baths, Virginia
Rock Climb at Goshen Pass
5.0Goshen Pass is a beautiful area for kayaking and fishing in Bath County, Virginia near Lexington. But not as well known is the fact that there are a few places that are great for rock climbing. You'll want to park at the swinging bridge which is two miles past the picnic area on route 39 once you...Read more -
Bedford, Virginia
Hike the Harkening Hill Loop
3.33.3 mi / 850 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, pull into the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and park there. Proceed to the outdoor amphitheater behind the center. At the rear of the amphitheater there is a large sign showing Harkening Hill and other nearby trails, here the trail begins. Th...Read more -
Bedford, Virginia
Sharp Top Trail
4.72.91 mi / 1296 ft gainOnce thought to be the highest peak in Virginia, this 2.5 hour hike is one that will leave you speechless at the top. Park at the Peaks of Otter Nature Center (which is now closed). The trailhead is located to the right of the building. You will cross over a paved bus road soon after beginning th...Read more -
Afton, Virginia
Bikes & Brews on Route 151
5.0This DIY bike & brews tour is perfect for combining a relaxing day with some activity. There are also wineries along this route if folks in your group want a break from the hops. You can start at any of the three breweries, but I would recommend this itinerary: Park at Blue Mountain Brewery ...Read more -
Goshen, Virginia
Hike Goshen Pass
4.35.6 mi / 1200 ft gainThe parking for the trailhead is down an unmarked gravel/dirt road about 1.5 miles upriver from the Virginia Wayside rest area on Route 39 West. You'll see the swing bridge out across the river and the road will be immediately after this on your right. The road goes back about 200 yards to the pa...Read more -
North Garden, Virginia
Explore Walnut Creek Park
4.2Just 25 minutes outside of Charlottesville, this is a great spot to take the family for the day and get some sunshine. If you are into mountain biking, you're in the right place. There are 13 miles of mountain bike trails that circle the lake. At the end of your ride, there are 2 beaches to stre...Read more -
North Garden, Virginia
Wilkins Way Loop
4.33 mi / 640 ft gainWilkins Way Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near North Garden, Virginia.Read more -
Eagle Rock, Virginia
Canoe or Kayak the Upper James River
4.3Put in at the Horseshoe Bend Boat Ramp near Buchanan, VA. The pin on the map will take you right there. Takeout will be at the boat ramp in downtown Buchanan, approximately 9 miles down river. This ramp is located just above the Rt. 11 bridge.Twin River Outfitters uses this ramp also, so there's ...Read more -
Charlottesville, Virginia
Kayak Beaver Creek Lake
4.3This little lake close to Charlottesville is my favorite place for an after work kayak, SUP, or just picnic by the water. It's a 20min drive from town, and the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge with water views. No gasoline powered motors allowed, but anything else you can g...Read more -
Crozet, Virginia
Hike Turk Mountain
4.02.2 mi / 700 ft gainFrom the parking area at Turk Gap (MP 94.1), cross over the Skyline Drive. The Appalachian Trail (AT) intersects right here, and take the AT south by taking the trail on the left. After 0.2 miles you will turn right off of the AT onto the blue-blazed Turk Mountain Trail. The trail junctions me...Read more -
Crozet, Virginia
Hike Moorman's River
4.52.5 miAlong the hike, there are four "official" swimming holes to jump in, but you can make your own at any time. Go in the springtime for a great waterfall at the end the feeds into a swimming hole, and in the fall for a wonderland of foliage. The official name of this hike is Moorman's River, but an...Read more -
Crozet, Virginia
Photograph Charlottesville Reservoir
4.7The reservoir is located in the Piedmont Hills just outside the city of Charlottesville, Virginia. So technically Charlottesville Reservoir is not in Shenandoah National Park, but it is only a few feet outside of the park, and it has an outstanding view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that make up th...Read more -
Grottoes, Virginia
Photograph Moormans River Overlook
5.0Moormans River Overlook is one of the few eastern facing overlooks in Shenandoah National Park’s Southern District, which makes this a prime location for watching the sun rise when in this part of the park. At mile post 92 off of Skyline Drive, Moormans River Overlook offers photographers a 180 ...Read more -
Farmville, Virginia
High Bridge
5.02 miThe High Bridge is the highlight of the 31 mile High Bride Rail Trail in central Virginia. The trail, paved with crushed limestone, is nice for biking, walking, and running. Park at the River Street parking area near the town of Farmville. The parking lot is big enough for two dozen cars and cha...Read more