Chessie Nature Trail:
Virginia
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Description:
The pedestrian-only Chessie Nature Trail travels through breathtaking rural Virginia countryside, following mile markers left behind by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad that ran this route. Don't 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 VA 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 a half 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.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the Lexington trailhead from the intersection of US Route 11 and Interstate 64 in Lexington, take US 11 south and make a left onto VA Route 631. The trailhead is approximately 1 mile ahead on the right.
To access the Buena Vista trailhead from US Route 60 and Interstate 81 in Lexington, take Route 60 east and make a left on VA Route 608 before Buena Vista. Follow Route 608 for approximately 0.75 mile and look for the trailhead on the left.
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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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Biking the Chessie
By charlesdove in December, 2011
I MTB the Chessie on Dec. 29 on a cool 30 degree morning. The first two miles (south of Lexington) is nicely surfaced crushed stone. This is where most walkers and joggers partake. Once you go under the I-81 bridge it turns mostly to grass and dirt along with the occasional truck/tractor rut from the numerous farms accessing their fields. I only rode a bit over 5 miles one way; dismissing the last bit after lifting my bike for 5 of the 7 gates (if I recall). Also, upon seeing a cattle field (in view of US 60) with cow piles on the r-o-w to avoid while also keeping an eye for the cattle; well I turned around.
The trail could benefit from gates that only open one-way and self close for the cattle (Virginia creeper) now since bikes are allowed. The VMI foundation is the “caretaker”; perhaps an area parks and recreation department could “manage” the trail and be more suited for maintenance and improvement. One bridge I crossed (just before the I-81 bridge) did not have any side railings. I thought the scenery was great (river and cliffs/bluffs) and would love to ride it again in the future.
MISSING: "No Bicycles Allowed" signs along the Chessie Trail ...
By xgoddessx in August, 2011
I'd heard at Lexington Bicycle Shop that velocipedes are, in fact, now permitted on the Chessie. As such, this morning, I ran (albeit slowly) from Buena Vista to Lexington (and back) and noticed that the "No Bicycles Allowed" signs have, indeed, been removed. Woot! Unfortunately, the pesky cattle gates are still very much in place, so cyclists will just have to pretend they're partaking in a cyclocross race, I suppose. Happy riding, everyone!
Nice easy trail.
By shenvalleyrider in March, 2010
We hiked this trail today hoping it would be dry and no snow! We started at the Lexington side and hiked about 2.5 miles in and back out. It's a lovely flat, wide old railroad trail that follows the Maury River. This is a great trail for beginning hikers and families. We met several other people and their dogs and many runners. Everyone was extremely friendly and out to enjoy our long awaited warm day! We came across only one area that is blocked from the sun that still had ice and snow. Lots to see and in warmer weather having the river so close will definitely be a bonus! There were several spots for our dog to get water which helps greatly.

Like others who've reviewed this trail, I don't understand why bikes wouldn't be allowed. This would be wonderful for our fat-tired mountain bikes. It's wide enough and the gates on the trail would discourage racing and abuse.

We definitely plan to hike the entire trail soon.
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