For big views, waterfall hikes, scenic drives, and fresh Blue Ridge air, Nelson County delivers. This is one of those Virginia destinations where it’s easy to spend all day outside.

Of course, part of the fun is what happens after the hike, too. Think craft breweries, like WildManDan, a small-batch brewery and beer-centric bed & breakfast in Afton.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a full weekend, Nelson County makes it easy to slow down, stretch your legs, and soak up the scenery.

In this week’s newsletter:

Time to chase some views and make a few trail memories along the way.

—Erin Gifford 🥾

P.S. If you like what you see, please follow me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

P.P.S. This week’s presenting sponsor, Visit Nelson County, is the place to go for icons, like Crabtree Falls and Humpback Rocks, as well as lesser-known finds, like Fortune’s Cove Nature Preserve. Plus, a craft beer and cider scene.

Nelson County packs an incredible variety of hikes, from cascading waterfalls and rocky overlooks to easy nature trails and rugged Appalachian Trail climbs.

From Lovingston and Tyro to Montebello and Roseland, this Blue Ridge county rewards hikers with fresh mountain air, scenic drives, and plenty of miles of hiking trails.

Here are seven Nelson County hikes worth adding to your list — and that’s before even getting into the hiking trails at Wintergreen Resort, which deserve their own section.

This 3.3-mile hike climbs beside the East Coast’s tallest cascading waterfall, with multiple overlooks and an accessible paved path to the lower falls. 

This rugged 15-mile loop features panoramic mountain views, creek crossings, and two Appalachian Trail shelters, making it ideal for an overnight backpacking adventure.

Choose a steep out-and-back hike or quieter loop hike (my preference) to reach dramatic Blue Ridge views from one of Nelson County’s most iconic rocky summits.

This easy 4.6-mile out-and-back walk passes through a historic railroad tunnel, complete with cool temperatures and fascinating engineering history. Bring a flashlight!

This scenic 4.4-mile hike leads to a beautiful 30-foot-tall waterfall and a watering hole. Just past the waterfall are two wildly scenic vistas. Have your camera ready.

I won’t sugar coat this, this 9-mile hike is strenuous, but the summit rewards with serious views. It’s so beautiful I even chose this view for the cover of my book, Virginia Summits.

Explore quiet forested trails, mountain streams, and peaceful meadows on a network of easy-to-moderate loop hikes in Nelson County.

Hidden not far off of Route 29 near Lovingston, Fortune’s Cove Nature Preserve is a rugged, rewarding escape where steep trails lead to sweeping mountain vistas, rare rocky glades, and remarkable biodiversity.

This 755-acre preserve offers a true backcountry feel, with dramatic elevation, wildflower-studded ridgelines, viewsheds, birding, and quiet solitude. Straddling the Blue Ridge and Piedmont, it’s a place where adventure and ecology intersect—ideal for hikers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Virginia treasure.

Interested? You’ll find this gem in Nelson County. Start planning at NelsonCounty.com.

If you love the Blue Ridge but not the crowds, let me put Nelson County on your radar.

Spanning the first 30 miles of the Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway, this is where to go for big mountain views and refreshing waterfalls, but also scenic rail trails and scenic picnic spots.

May is peak shoulder season—flowing waterfalls, popping wildflowers, trails that feel like a well-kept secret. You may wonder why more people don’t know about this place.

Here’s how to enjoy lesser-known spots in Nelson County, whether for an afternoon or a weekend:

This peaceful 6.9-mile crushed-stone rail trail follows the Tye River through forest, farmland, and mountain scenery, with easy terrain ideal for walking or cycling.

Nelson County’s wineries and breweries, like WildManDan in Afton and Lovingston Winery, offer laid-back tasting rooms, outdoor seating, and Blue Ridge backdrops.

Cruise winding mountain roads, stop at overlooks, and enjoy one of Virginia’s most relaxing drives. Enjoy the views from Ravens Roost (MP 10.7) or The Slacks (MP 19.9).

Bring lunch and settle beside the river for a low-key afternoon of reading, relaxing, birdwatching, or simply listening to rushing water.

Nelson County farm markets and you-pick farms offer fresh fruit, baked goods, flowers, jams, and a slower-paced way to explore the region.

Many Virginia State Parks host ranger-led hikes on weekends and throughout the week. Most programs are free, though standard parking fees may apply.