Chessie Nature Trail

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

The Chessie Nature Trail is a former tow path and rail line along the Maury River connecting Lexington and Buena Vista, Virginia. It is a wide, mostly gravel path. There are no steep climbs except for along the detour, which will hopefully not be necessary by 2022. It is a great place to ride for families and others who want an easy day along the river.

Management. The trail is managed by the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and the Friends of the Chessie (FOCT), a local non-profit. For more information about the trail and its history, visit their website: friendsofthechessietrail.org/

Parking. From Lexington, take Route 11 north across the Maury River. Turn right on Old BV Road. Drive a quarter mile. Parking area is on the right. From Buena Vista, go east on Hwy 60. Turn right on Stuartsburg Road just before the highway crosses the river. Parking area is less than a quarter mile on the left.

Multiuse. This trail is used by runners and walkers. Please be sure to slow down and observe good trail etiquette.

Cattle. This trail traverses private land including three cow pastures. As the trail guide (see below) says, "Be respectful, stay on the trail and use caution, especially when livestock are present." I've never had a problem with any cows, but have heard of others who may have put them themselves between a calf and its mother and been frightened by a charging cow. It's also worth keeping a sharp eye out for fresh piles of dung.

Bridge Construction and Detour. As of August 2021, the trail takes a detour around where it would cross South River. A new bridge is currently under construction. The route on the map as I entered it reflects the detour onto Stuartsburg Road.

Sights. The trail offers many good views of the river and passes by the ruins of two sets of locks and dams from the time when it served as a tow path.

Events. FOCT hosts an annual running race along the trail, typically in late October. That would not the best time to ride the trail. Check the website (above). VMI occasionally uses the trail for training. They usually don't close the trail. However, if you happen to be there at those times, you may need to wait for several hundred very polite cadets to march past you. I've experience that twice in ten years, so its rare.