The Blue Ridge Tunnel is an important part of a greenway system connecting Albemarle, Nelson and Augusta. Scenic landmarks include the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the southern entrance to Skyline Drive. Alongside these, walking trails, caves and historic townscapes each offer their own highlights. Planning your trip around your interests lets you explore nature, history and agriculture as different facets of the same county.
Trails of Different Lengths
When hiking and cycling, it helps to look closely at each trail description. Natural Chimneys has more than 2.5 miles of combined hiking and biking trails; about one mile of that is considered easy for walking and cycling. The park borders the North River. The easy rating applies to this section, which is about one mile long.
Augusta Springs Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and has a walking trail almost one mile long. Seasonal amenities may change. A paved walking trail at The Trails at Mill Place loops around a two-acre pond; at two-thirds of a mile, it is longer than the approximately 0.32-mile trail along the perimeter of Deerfield Park. Trail conditions and seasonal amenities may change; check the latest information before your visit.
The county’s cycling options range from easy road sections for beginners to challenging climbs for advanced mountain bikers. This means there are different route formats and difficulty levels to choose from. Consider whether you prefer road sections or challenging mountain bike climbs.
Caves and Summer Events
Discovered in 1804, Grand Caverns is the oldest continuously operating show cave in the United States. A guided walking tour takes you through about one mile of cave passages and lasts 70 minutes; schedules may change, so it’s a good idea to check tour times before your visit. Natural Chimneys hosts the National Hall of Fame Jousting Tournament in June. Oak Grove Theater presents an annual summer season of five plays performed outdoors at night; the productions vary.
These experiences offer different timeframes: the cave tour lasts 70 minutes, the tournament takes place in June, and the theater has its summer season. Check current tour times and event dates before your visit.
Townscapes and History
In the Middlebrook Historic District, a group of vernacular 19th-century buildings retains its arrangement according to the original town plan. Both the period of construction and the historic town layout are in view here. The Mount Sidney Historic District offers a different emphasis: it is a well-preserved example of a former crossroads settlement, with vernacular architecture dating from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. The two historic perspectives therefore differ: Middlebrook preserves its town plan, while Mount Sidney is notable for its settlement type and longer architectural time span.
Agriculture and Local Producers
Many Shenandoah Valley producers grow or make fresh produce, grains, meat and cheese in Augusta County. The Fields of Gold Farm Trail includes more than 40 producers in the county; participating producers may change. Polyface offers private, two-hour walking tours of its farm, which must be booked in advance. The options differ in scope: the Farm Trail features numerous producers, while Polyface offers a farm tour that needs to be planned ahead.
Discover more destinations: Fishersville, Verona, Steeles Tavern, Culpeper County, Dickenson County, Galax, Loudoun, Prince Edward County
For the main travel overview: Virginia.
