Virginia is for Lovers

  • Welcome

    Welcome

    • About Virginia
    • Welcome Centers
    • VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS
    • Accessible Travel
    • International Visitors
    • Weather
    • Transportation
    • Related Links
    • Weddings In Virginia
    • LGBT Travel
    • Virginia Green Travel
    • VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS SHOP

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Things To Do

    Things To Do

    • Family Fun
    • Historic Sites
    • Eat & Drink
    • Outdoors
    • THEME PARKS & WATERPARKS
    • Zoos & Aquariums
    • Music
    • BEACHES
    • State Parks
    • National Parks
    • CAVERNS
    • Golf
    • SPAS
    • SHOPPING
    • MUSEUMS
    • Arts & Culture
    • LOVEworks
    • Filmed in Virginia

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Events

    Events

    • ARTS & CRAFTS
    • CIVIL WAR
    • CULINARY
    • FAMILY FUN
    • FESTIVALS
    • HISTORY & HERITAGE
    • MUSIC FESTIVALS
    • PERFORMANCES
    • SPORTING
    • WINE FESTIVALS

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Places To Stay

    Places To Stay

    • BED & BREAKFAST
    • COTTAGES & CABINS
    • INNS
    • RESORTS
    • PET FRIENDLY
    • CAMPING
    • HOTELS & MOTELS
    • LODGES & GUEST RANCHES
    • Vacation Homes & Rentals
    • VIRGINIA GREEN

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Deals

    Deals

    • DEALS & DISCOUNTS
    • FALL PACKAGES
    • FAMILY FUN PACKAGES
    • FOOD AND WINE PACKAGES
    • HISTORY DEALS
    • SPRING PACKAGES
    • MILITARY DISCOUNTS
    • ROMANCE PACKAGES
    • TRAVEL PACKAGES

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Store
  • Maps

    Maps

    • Virginia
    • Southwest Virginia - Blue Ridge Highlands
    • Central Virginia
    • Chesapeake Bay
    • Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore
    • Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads
    • Southwest Virginia - Heart of Appalachia
    • Northern Virginia
    • Shenandoah Valley
    • Southern Virginia
    • Virginia Mountains

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Accessible Travel

Suggested Itinerary Waynesboro Rails-to-Trails Adventure

  • Address
    301 W Main Street
    Waynesboro, VA 22980
  • Phone
    540-942-6570
  • City
    Waynesboro
    Locality
    Waynesboro City
    pin for print map of virginia
  • Email Us
  • Visit Site

What’s a rail trail and how can the lore of a railroad-rich destination contribute to a cool walk/cycle/learn/relax getaway? Rail trails are conversions of disused railways to multi-use paths for walking, cycling and sometimes horseback riding. Rail trails are growing in popularity around the country, not only because of unique features, but because they can be enjoyed by families and people of all fitness levels. There are several in the Shenandoah Valley worth investigating, and combining the stories of a region’s railroad history with treks along the mostly flat, often shaded, scenic railways can be a fun way to explore. There are plenty of ways to do just that from a base camp in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Bone Up on Your Rail History

Start out with a visit to The Waynesboro Heritage Museum, where you will find permanent and rotating exhibit galleries covering all aspects of Waynesboro’s history, including its intimate connections to the railroad. Trains were critical to the cultural and economic development of the Shenandoah Valley, and the intersection of the Norfolk and Western Railroad (formerly the Shenandoah Valley Railroad) and the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad in Waynesboro facilitated booming commerce and passenger travel during the 1800’s. Photos of the Basic City Railroad station from the Museum’s collection give the feel for what life along this bustling line was like.

Take in the Current Trails

A search of Waynesboro, VA reveals easily accessible trails less than an hour away.  Visit www.traillink.com for plenty of options!

The Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail is the classic rail-trail experience in central Virginia, and is just a short drive from Waynesboro. An easy walk/ride with multiple historical sites along the Piney and Tye rivers traversing five bridges and a covered bridge at Naked Creek, this seven-mile route will get you hooked on the rail trail experience.

The Chessie Nature Trail is a seven-mile stretch of disused rail line that follows the Maury River from Lexington to Buena Vista along mile markers left behind by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. Proximity to the river and alternating open and forested habitats provides the opportunity to view varied wildlife.

Mark Your Calendar to Explore a New Rail Trail Under Construction–The Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel. Originally constructed in the 1850s, this National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark will be professionally restored and carefully transformed into a unique recreational destination for all of Central Virginia. For future tour information, visit www.blueridgetunnel.org.

Relax After, Waynesboro Style

When you’re done learning and exploring the rails for the day, check into one of Waynesboro’s historic bed and breakfasts to rest up for another adventure. Starving? Roll into EBF Smokehouse for a hearty, southern-style meal.

 

Additional Links

  • Additional Website

Region

Shenandoah Valley

Last Updated: 09/01/2016

What's Nearby

  • Waynesboro Heritage Museum
    Waynesboro Heritage Museum
    420 W. Main Street
    Waynesboro, VA 22980
    0 MI
  • Inn at Afton
    Inn at Afton
    250 WEST @ I-64, EXIT 99
    Waynesboro, VA 22980
    0.01 MI
  • Schola Cantorum of Waynesboro
    Schola Cantorum of Waynesboro
    P.O. Box 253
    Waynesboro, VA 22980
    0.01 MI
  • Shenandoah Hemp Supply
    Shenandoah Hemp Supply
    112 S. Wayne Ave.
    Waynesboro, VA 22980
    0.01 MI
  • Sam's Hot Dogs
    Sam's Hot Dogs
    416 W Main St
    Waynesboro, VA 22980
    0.01 MI

    Area Events

    You Might Like

    • Suggested Itinerary
      Our Colonial Heritage
      457 Main Street
      Warsaw, VA
    • Suggested Itinerary
      Civil War Sites and Lewis & Clark
      Main Street
      Fincastle, VA
    • Suggested Itinerary
      Nelson County Farm and Orchard Tour
      8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy
      Lovingston, VA
    • Suggested Itinerary
      Take a Step into History – Port Royal
      23724 Rogers Clark Blvd. Ruther Glen VA 22546
      Port Royal, VA
    • Suggested Itinerary
      Wanderlove: Little Towns of Loudoun
      112-G South Street, SE
      Leesburg, VA
    • Image Unavailable

      Suggested Itinerary
      WanderLOVE Day Trip: Fancy Gap to Mabry Mill
      202595 Blue Ridge Parkway
      Fancy GAp, VA
    • Image Unavailable

      Suggested Itinerary
      WanderLOVE Day Trip: Fancy Gap to Sparta
      202595 Blue Ridge Parkway
      Fancy Gap , VA
    • Suggested Itinerary
      WanderLove Fall Day Trip to Massies Mill & Tyro
      Route 56
      Tyro, VA
    • Suggested Itinerary
      WanderLove Trip to Crozet Bridge Tunnel, Basic City, Nelson County Farms & Breweries
      Tree Street
      Waynesboro, VA
    • Suggested Itinerary
      Road Schooling in Nelson County: The Nelson Scenic Loop
      8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy
      Lovingston, VA
    See More
    SV16021603V_008.JPG

    Winter in Virginia

    • Mountain Resorts

      Cabin Rentals

      Skiing

      Ice Skating

      Whale Watching

      Winter Hikes

      Luxury Retreats
    Virginia is for Lovers Trucker Hat

    Shop with us for merchandise and gifts

    Shop Virginia

    We Need Your Feedback

    Take our Survey

    Travel Updates

    Success! Get ready to start receiving Virginia.org travel updates.

    Find out why Virginia is for Lovers. You’ll get monthly travel inspiration, insider tips, and itineraries to help you plan your best Virginia vacation yet. Plus exclusive offers, deals, packages and more! Sign up for Virginia is for Lovers Emails now!

    There’s always more to LOVE in Virginia. Please select any topic that interests you!

    About Va
    • Virginia Travel Blog
    • Welcome Centers
    • Cities & Localities
    • Transportation
    • Virginia Is For Lovers
    Contact Us
    • Media/Press Room
    • Send Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
    • Travel Industry
    • Travel Guide Order
    Travel
    • Group Planners
    • Sports Marketers
    • Meetings Professionals
    • Virginia Green Travel
    • Accessible Travel
    Additional Links
    • Virginia Is For Lovers Store
    • Add/Update Your Listings
    • Website Survey
    • Site Map
    • Virginia is for Lovers
    • DiscoverAmerica.com
    • Brazil
    • Canada
    • France
    • Germany
    • England
    • Korea
    • China
    • Japan

    Official Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia ● © 2020 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219
    For Virginia citizen and business services visit www.Virginia.gov. ● Virginia Economic Development Partnership visit www.VEDP.org.