The Chessie Trail
Flat trail, access from Lexington or Buena Vista
13.75 miles (out-and-back) - 218 ft. elevation gain
13.75 miles (out-and-back) - 218 ft. elevation gain
The Chessie Trail is arguably Rockbridge County’s most popular running and walking venue. Connecting Buena Vista and Lexington, the smooth gravel and grass trail runs along the former Chesapeake and Ohio rail line and parts of the earlier James and Kanawha Canal towpath. Running along the bank of the Maury River, the trail is nearly dead flat except for the current detour at South River due to a washed out bridge (scheduled to be replaced in 2020). Several of the old locks and dams are still visible from the trail and there is abundant flora and fauna.
The Chessie Trail is home to the annual Chessie Trail Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K in late October.
The trail can be accessed at East Lexington, South River, and Buena Vista. The best parking is at East Lexington along Old Buena Vista Road. There is also parking off Stuartsburg Rd., on the Buena Vista end of the trail, and a few spots where the trail crosses South River.
The Chessie connects to Woods Creek Trail in Lexington at Jordan's Point and to the River Walk Trail in Buena Vista. Both of these connections are unmarked at this time.
For more information visit www.friendsofthechessietrail.org or www.vmi.edu/about/our-location/chessie-trail/.
The Chessie Trail is home to the annual Chessie Trail Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K in late October.
The trail can be accessed at East Lexington, South River, and Buena Vista. The best parking is at East Lexington along Old Buena Vista Road. There is also parking off Stuartsburg Rd., on the Buena Vista end of the trail, and a few spots where the trail crosses South River.
The Chessie connects to Woods Creek Trail in Lexington at Jordan's Point and to the River Walk Trail in Buena Vista. Both of these connections are unmarked at this time.
For more information visit www.friendsofthechessietrail.org or www.vmi.edu/about/our-location/chessie-trail/.
Website created and maintained by Laurel Worth Sheffield. © Friends Of The Chessie Trail