Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail:
Virginia
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Description:
The Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail runs for a little more than 5 miles between Route 151 in Piney River, crosses over the Naked Creek Bridge then carries on to pass beneath US 29 and end at Tye Depot. The trail follows a scenic route along the Piney and Tye rivers, where wildflowers bloom from spring through summer and wildlife abounds. During the autumn hunting season, trail users should wear blaze orange clothing.

The trail occupies the rail bed of the former Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail, which ran from Tye River Depot (to interchange with the Southern Railway) to Massies Mill. Construction started in 1915 and the line was abandoned in 1980.

Portable toilets are available at the Piney River trailhead. You can also access the trail at Roses Mill. The trail is open between sunrise and sunset.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the Piney River trailhead, take US 29 to State Route 56 west at Colleen; turn right onto SR 56, and travel 5 miles to turn left onto SR 151. After 2 miles you'll see the trailhead sign on left (3124 Patrick Henry Highway, Piney River). Parking for cars and horse trailers is available.

To access the Roses Mill trailhead, take US 29 to SR 56 west at Colleen; turn right onto SR 56 and go abut 4 miles to left turn onto Roses Mill Road/SR 674). The trailhead is about 1.4 miles farther (around milepost 1.8 of the trail).

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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Enjoyable trail - wear blaze orange during hunting season Nov 13 to Jan 1 (approx)
By babineauguy in November, 2010
This is a pleasant trail - very level and surfaced with crushed stone. The views of the river are very relaxing. This is not a thigh buster but more akin to a pleasant walk. We rode side by side and conversed most of the ride.

However, we did not think to bring blaze orange. There are signs at the gate suggesting to wear blaze orange during hunting season. Since it was a busy weekend mid day, and we were an hour away from home we decided to use the trail anyway. (Certainly a bad idea).

Most others using the trail were wearing blaze orange. We did not hear shots or see hunters while riding but we did see one hunter entering the area as we left (around 2:00 PM). Much of the trail has posted signs on either side. But clearly wearing blaze orange is a good idea.

So I thought I would post this note to others so that they might not forget the dangers of hunting season and the precautions one should take.
Happy to see progress
By DeanaJohn in October, 2010
Returned to this trail a few weeks back and was thrilled to see that more had been added to it! I cannot wait to see what comes next! The trail is beautiful!
Blue Ridge Railway Trail now extended
By bennington200 in April, 2010
This trail has been extended past the Tye River and under U.S. 29. Although it was a little washed out in places because of Spring flooding, the trail has been surfaced with crushed limestone and several bridges have been constructed over waterways.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Patrick Henry Highway/Rt. 151 (Piney River) to Naked Creek Bridge (nr. Roses Mill)
Counties: Amherst, Nelson
Trail Length: 5.3 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Ballast
Trail Activities: Bike, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6017586

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic rail-trails in RTC's Mid-Atlantic Guidebook.