More than 58,000 acres of national forest lie in Rockbridge County. The area also features a three-mile mountain gorge, a limestone arch over Cedar Creek and experiences ranging from wildlife encounters to stories of agriculture. Exploring the region means encountering both grand landscapes and small details that tell its story.
Gorges, Rivers and Dark Night Skies
The county lies in the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Natural Bridge of Virginia is a natural limestone arch that rises about 200 feet above Cedar Creek. Natural Bridge State Park is designated an International Dark Sky Park—another facet of this distinctive landscape.
At Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve, the Maury River has carved a three-mile mountain gorge. Activities there include kayaking, swimming, sightseeing and exploring. The six-mile whitewater stretch through the pass has two Class IV rapids and is typically navigable from March through June. Conditions can vary; check current conditions before your trip.
The described stretches of water also offer different fishing opportunities: A Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources report dated January 10, 2025, lists the trout-stocked rapids at Goshen Pass and the deep pools downstream from Buena Vista as fishing spots on the Maury River in the county. River conditions and fishing regulations can change; check the current guidance before fishing.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
The seven-mile Chessie Trail connects Lexington and Buena Vista. Lake Robertson offers a different combination: The 75-acre recreation area includes a 26-acre lake, boat rentals, camping and eight interconnected hiking trails. Visitors can choose between a longer route connecting two towns and several trails within a recreation area.
At Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farm, trails lead to a waterfall and a Fairy Trail. The farm also offers lavender-themed arts and crafts workshops and family activities throughout the year. Those who prefer to experience wildlife and scenery together can visit Virginia Safari Park, home to more than 1,200 rare and endangered animals across 180 acres.
Wildlife Encounters and Special Visits
At Virginia Safari Park, a 45-minute guided wagon ride through the safari is among the offerings; visitors can feed animals from the wagon. Since times and availability can vary, check the latest information before your visit. In Safari Village, a wheelchair-accessible ramp leads to a covered giraffe platform where guests can hand-feed giraffes.
Bookable experiences also include close-up encounters with southern white rhinos led by an animal care specialist. Availability and participation requirements can change; check in advance. During the Daily Keeper Chats, the animal care team shares information about anteaters, African penguins, reptiles, cheetahs and giraffes. The schedule and topics of this recurring program can also change. In the Budgie Adventure Aviary, visitors can feed budgies as they perch on their hands.
Agriculture, Mills and Local Culture
The region’s agricultural history is connected to Cyrus Hall McCormick: At his Walnut Grove farm in northern Rockbridge County, he developed the first successful reaper. Cyrus McCormick Farm features a small museum, a grist mill, a nature trail and a picnic area. History and visitor offerings come together here without making the invention itself the sole focus.
Mills also feature in the region’s stories. Kennedy-Wade Mill is the only mill still operating commercially in Rockbridge County. Wade’s Mill, meanwhile, is Virginia’s oldest continuously operating commercial grist mill and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The on-site gift shop sells flours and baking mixes; check current opening hours before visiting.
Hull’s Drive-In offers another kind of community culture: The drive-in theater was built in 1950 and has been part of the Rockbridge region community for more than 70 years. It is nonprofit and community-owned and operated. At Dinosaur Kingdom II, a self-guided visitor experience includes a train ride, a time tunnel, a mining town and Extinction Junction. Ecco Adesso Vineyards rounds out the variety with a family-owned winery on nearly 350 acres, including vineyards and orchards.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Rockbridge County is accessible via Interstate 81 and Interstate 64. For planning, you can organize your choices by interest: landscapes and river stretches, hiking trails, wildlife encounters or cultural history each offer a different focus. This lets you choose the experiences that suit your trip without needing to turn the individual offerings into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Raphine, Natural Bridge, Buena Vista, Northampton County, Bedford County, Hopewell, Floyd County, Dickenson County.
For the broader travel overview: Virginia.
