Rockbridge County: Nature and History

Rockbridge County lies in the western foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. More than 58,000 acres of national forest are located in the county. With its mountain landscapes, rivers, wildlife experiences, and historic sites, you can tailor a trip to suit a range of interests.

Landscapes, Rivers, and Trails

Natural Bridge of Virginia is a natural limestone arch in Rockbridge County that rises about 200 feet above Cedar Creek. Natural Bridge State Park is designated an International Dark Sky Park. The Goshen Pass offers a different landscape: the Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve is a three-mile mountain gorge carved by the Maury River. Visitors can kayak, swim, sightsee, and explore there.

The six-mile whitewater section through Goshen Pass features two Class IV rapids and is typically navigable from March through June. Conditions can vary; check current conditions before making plans. A report published on January 10, 2025, describes fishing opportunities on the Maury River in Rockbridge County, from trout-stocked rapids in Goshen Pass to deep pools downstream from Buena Vista. River conditions and fishing regulations can change; check both before fishing. The seven-mile Chessie Trail connects Lexington and Buena Vista. Lake Robertson is a 75-acre recreation area with a 26-acre lake, boat rentals, camping facilities, and eight intersecting hiking trails.

Wildlife Experiences

Virginia Safari Park spans 180 acres and is home to more than 1,200 rare and endangered animals. Attractions include 45-minute guided wagon rides through the safari, where guests can feed animals from the wagon, as well as close encounters with southern white rhinos led by an animal care specialist. Check times, availability, and participation requirements in advance for guided tours and rhino encounters.

In Safari Village, a wheelchair-accessible ramp leads to a covered giraffe platform where guests can hand-feed giraffes. During the Daily Keeper Chats, the animal care team shares information every day about anteaters, African penguins, reptiles, cheetahs, and giraffes; schedules and topics may change.

Mills, History, and Regional Experiences

Cyrus Hall McCormick developed the first successful reaper on his farm, Walnut Grove, in northern Rockbridge County. The Cyrus McCormick Farm includes a small museum, a gristmill, a nature trail, and a picnic area. The county’s milling history also has several facets: Kennedy-Wade Mill is the only mill still operating commercially in Rockbridge County. Wade’s Mill is Virginia’s oldest continuously operating commercial gristmill and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Built in 1950, Hull’s Drive-In is nonprofit and community-owned and operated; it has been part of the Rockbridge region community for more than 70 years. At Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farm, walking trails lead to a waterfall, and there is also a Fairy Trail. Lavender-themed arts and crafts workshops and family activities are offered year-round. Dinosaur Kingdom II is a self-guided attraction with a train ride, a time tunnel, a mining town, and Extinction Junction. Ecco Adesso Vineyards is a family-owned winery on nearly 350 acres, with vineyards and orchards.

Discover more destinations: Natural Bridge, Buena Vista, Raphine, Essex County, Prince George, Virginia Beach, Patrick County, Winchester.

View the main travel guide: Virginia.