Traversing the Maury River in Lexington lies the easy to walk or ride Chessie Nature Trail. The seven mile path, formerly the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad bed, is about 45 minutes from Staunton and those who do the entire 14 miles should be rewarded afterwards with a stop at nearby Devils Backbone Brewing Co. What … Continue reading Cruising with cows on the Chessie Trail
Tag: #lovestaunton
Rockin’ and a Rootin’ – St. Mary’s Falls
Our intrepid guide (everyone needs one) described our latest venture into the Staunton-area hiking world, with two simple adjectives: “rocky and rooty.” He did not lie. But that does not diminish the enjoyable nature of hiking the 4.5 mile round trip to St. Mary’s Falls near Raphine in Augusta County. Our guide, who has completed … Continue reading Rockin’ and a Rootin’ – St. Mary’s Falls
Explore Maple Flats Ponds
A mere 25 miles outside Staunton in the George Washington National Forest lies an unassuming natural habitat with ponds, vernal pools and comfortable walking trails. Maple Flats Ponds near Lyndhurst offers hikers views of sinkhole pond ecology and is home to a variety of frogs, salamanders, beavers, and other aquatic-loving critters. Driving into Coal Road … Continue reading Explore Maple Flats Ponds
Pack Yer’ Flashlight!
If you find yourself near Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, make time to walk the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel. With entrances in Waynesboro from the West and Afton in the East, this spectacular monument to the hard work and chutzpah of Irish immigrants who constructed it in the 1850's, is the longest … Continue reading Pack Yer’ Flashlight!
The Caverns at Natural Bridge
As part of my "cave-a-palooza" quest to visit all of the cavern attractions within an hour's drive of Staunton, I recently took a pleasant tour of the Caverns at Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County. Since I have already notched Grand, Endless, Shenandoah and Luray caverns onto my belt, I was curious as to how these … Continue reading The Caverns at Natural Bridge
Walk Therapy
Another hidden jewel that offers a peaceful respite in close proximity to Staunton is the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center STAR Trail in Fishersville. The short, albeit wonderfully manicured trail on the center grounds, offer woodland and pond-side access for an easy jaunt- regardless of your physical ability. STAR stands for: Supporting Therapeutic Access to … Continue reading Walk Therapy
Natural Chimneys – Natural Wonder
Few places within a half hour's drive of Staunton could hold a candle to the unique beauty of Natural Chimneys Park and Campground. This Mt. Solon day park with an overnight camping option is a photographers' dream. From the inspiring limestone chimney rock formations to the crystal clear North River that runs along the cool … Continue reading Natural Chimneys – Natural Wonder
Shenandoah Caverns: 100 years of colorful caving
On the outskirts of New Market lies yet another worthwhile cavern adventure in the form of Shenandoah Caverns. Although not as heavily marketed as nearby Luray Caverns, Shenandoah has its own unique charm that make the hour tour notable. Driving onto the property you are greeted with several incongruous, larger than life (Ok, cheesy) cartoonish … Continue reading Shenandoah Caverns: 100 years of colorful caving
The Allure of Luray Caverns
What is touted to be the most popular - and certainly the most advertised - underground experience in the country are Luray Caverns in the Shenandoah Valley. Since this U.S. Registered Natural Landmark is a mere hour's drive from Staunton, I would be remiss to start off my 2022 trips to Virginia caverns without visiting … Continue reading The Allure of Luray Caverns
Natural wonder
More than 200 years ago for literally pennies on the dollar, young Thomas Jefferson purchased a 157-acre tract of land that is now one of the most awe-inspiring state parks in Virginia. I'm talking about Natural Bridge State Park, a gorgeous tract that's a 45-minute drive from Staunton and so well worth the trip. The … Continue reading Natural wonder
Stanton with a "u" 