Description
The Chessie Nature Trail travels through breathtaking rural Virginia countryside, following mile markers left behind by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad that ran this route. Dont be surprised if you find yourself sharing the trail with a wide array of birds and small mammals. There are some large mammals, too. Expect to see a few cattle grazing in the meadows that border the trail. (You may also pass cattle gates, which can be tricky to get around sometimes, but they do not indicate that the trail is closed.)
The trail begins along State Route 631 in Lexington and follows the northern bank of the Maury River for the first 3.7 miles, while alternating between lush forested areas and farmland. There is a break in the trail at the river, where the former railroad bridge has been removed. To navigate around this, follow Stuartsburg Road (located right next to the trail) south for 0.5 mile before taking a right onto Old Shepard Road and reconnecting to the trail.
The final 2.5 miles meet back up with the river for the remainder of the trail. While the trail passes some farmland, the final mile hugs a steep cliff along the side of the river on your right. It is quite an impressive finale to this very pleasant walking trail.
Parking and Trail Access
To access the Lexington trailhead from the intersection of US 11 and Interstate 64 in Lexington, take US 11 south and make a left onto State Route 631. The trailhead is approximately 1 mile ahead on the right.
To access the Buena Vista trailhead from US 60 and Interstate 81 in Lexington, take US 60 east and make a left on SR 608 before Buena Vista. Follow SR 608 for approximately 0.75 mile and look for the trailhead on the left.
Great Ride
By
youker
in
May, 2013
This is a lovely trail, dirt and gravel but smooth. I started at the West (Lexington) end on Rt 631 and biked as far as the Interstate and back. The gate was tight for a bike but ok. I then drove to the other (Buena Vista) end off Rt 608 but it started ...
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Excellent Bike Trail
By
vatraveler
in
July, 2012
I rode about 5 miles on this trail (and back) in July and it was a great experience. The trail is a little rough in some spots but not a problem for a mountain bike. A road bike might have some problems. The trestle bridge about half way through the trail ...
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Bicycles can't access gates on this trail
By
mr sammy
in
April, 2012
I visited Lexington yesterday for a job interview, which was a four hour drive for me. I have been interviewing in several states, and a prerequisite for any job I apply for is that the area must have a scenic and flat bike trail of 5 + miles. I bike ...
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