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Unplugging around Lexington

Rockbridge County is at the south end of the Shenandoah Valley. Lexington is the town in the middle, and it's small. Around it are farms, rivers and mountains on both sides, with the Blue Ridge to the east and the national forest to the west.

It's a good place to go slow. Walk a river trail in the morning, drive the Parkway in the afternoon, and be back for dinner.

See them on the map

Where to stay

Most of the places to stay are small bed and breakfasts. Stay near Lexington if you want to walk to dinner. Go up to Goshen or Steeles Tavern if you want it quieter.

A small bed and breakfast in Steeles Tavern, north of Lexington, with a hot tub, a fireplace and a fire pit. There's water close by for fishing and paddling, and guests rate it a perfect five.

What to do

Goshen Pass
The Maury River runs through a narrow gorge northwest of Lexington, with the road right beside it. Stop to sit on the rocks, swim on a hot day or walk the trails above the river.
Chessie Nature Trail
Seven miles of old railroad bed along the Maury River from Lexington to Buena Vista. Flat and easy, good for a walk or a bike ride.
Natural Bridge State Park
A huge stone arch south of Lexington, with a trail that goes right under it and keeps going along the creek.
Crabtree Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls in Virginia, east of Steeles Tavern on Route 56. The trail climbs alongside it, and you can go as far up as you like.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Parkway runs along the ridge east of town, with overlooks and short hikes the whole way. Pick a stretch and drive it slowly.

The towns

Lexington is a college town with brick sidewalks, old houses and a small downtown with a few good places to eat. Washington and Lee and VMI sit side by side on the edge of downtown.

Buena Vista is a small river town a few miles east. Goshen is a tiny village up by the pass, and Steeles Tavern is not much more than a crossroads.

Before you go

  • Lexington is about three hours from DC and around two and a half from Richmond. Roanoke is about an hour south.
  • Bath County and its hot springs are a bit over an hour west, so you can do both on one trip.
  • Graduation and big weekends at the colleges fill up the rooms in town. Check the calendar before you book.

More places to stay nearby