Pittsylvania County: Trails, History and Motorsport

The Ringgold Rail Trail offers a concrete starting point for exploring Pittsylvania County: The 5.5-mile trail is suitable for hiking and cycling and follows the route of a former railroad. During the Civil War, this railroad was an important Confederate transport corridor. The route thus brings together outdoor activity and a clearly defined history of transportation.

Trails, waters and park history

Lake Burton is a 76-acre reservoir in Pittsylvania County. From Chatham, the directions lead west on Route 57 to Route 750 near Rondo, then continue west on Route 800; from there, it is about 4.3 miles to the lake. The fishing rule is also specific: Lake Burton has a very good largemouth bass population, but all largemouth bass caught there must be returned to the water immediately and unharmed.

The White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area covers 2,748 acres. Pittsylvania Wayside Park offers another connection with nature, with hiking trails and a historic suspension bridge. Its history dates back to the Great Depression: the park was originally established as a picnic stop for traveling families. This brings the park’s former role as a rest stop into focus alongside its scenery and trails.

Motorsport and seasonal markets

VIRginia International Raceway offers professional and amateur racing with cars and motorcycles. It opened in 1957 as one of the first permanent road racing courses in the United States. This makes it a motorsport destination in its own right, alongside the county’s nature and history experiences.

The Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex (ODAC) Farmers Market is seasonal. During the 2026 market season, it brings local growers, artisans and producers together every Saturday morning. Since the market operates only during a specific season, it is advisable to check the dates before visiting. The Owen Farm Market offers Virginia-grown fruit and vegetables, peanuts and honey.

Historic districts and museums

The Chatham Historic District includes county government buildings, commercial buildings dating from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, and residential neighborhoods built between 1807 and 1950. Many properties are private or visible from public roads. The Gretna Commercial Historic District includes 26 historic buildings, built between 1881 and the early 1960s. Its architecture includes Commercial, Colonial Revival, Classical Revival and Art Deco styles. Here, too, many buildings are private or visible from public roads.

The Pittsylvania Historical Society Museum is located in the historic 1813 Clerk’s Office in downtown Chatham, behind Town Hall, at 16 Court Place, Chatham, VA 24531. It is open for special events and by appointment; plan your visit accordingly. The Simpson Funeral Museum displays numerous 19th-century funeral antiques. Visits are by appointment only.

Discover more destinations: Chatham, Cascade, Rockbridge County, Clarke County, Warren, Prince Edward County, Montgomery, Hopewell.

For the main travel overview: Virginia.