Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Rockbridge County
Endpoints
Lexington to Buena Vista
Mileage
7
Roughness Index
1.5
Surface
Ballast
The pedestrian-only Chessie Nature Trail travels through breathtaking rural Virginia
countryside, following mile markers left behind by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad
that ran this route. Don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing the trail with a wide
array of birds and small mammals. There are some large mammals, too. Expect to see
a few cattle grazing in the meadows that border the trail. (You may also pass cattle
gates, which can be tricky to get around sometimes, but they do not indicate that the
trail is closed.)
The trail begins along VA Route 631 in Lexington and follows the northern bank
of the Maury River for the first 3.7 miles, while alternating between lush forested
areas and farmland. There is a break in the trail at the river, where the former railroad
bridge has been removed. To navigate around this, follow Stuartsburg Road (located
right next to the trail) south for a half mile before taking a right onto Old Shepard
Road and reconnecting to the trail.
The final 2.5 miles meet back up with the river for the remainder of the trail.
While the trail passes some farmland, the final mile hugs a steep cliff along the side
of the river on your right. It is quite an impressive finale to this very pleasant walking
trail.
