Nature for Everyone: Accessible and Family Friendly Trails Around Rockbridge, VA
By Catarina Contreras
Rockbridge County, VA, is known for its stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, rushing rivers, and fantastic trails that offer a little something for everyone who comes by. This area's reputation can often be overshadowed by the Appalachian Trail's steep climbs and rugged terrain, but there are also hidden gems that make enjoying nature possible for visitors who use wheelchairs, mobility aids, or strollers, as well as families looking for an easy, scenic day outdoors.
1. Natural Bridge State Park, Cedar Creek
Natural Bridge is one of Virginia’s most iconic landmarks, a towering arch steeped in history. While the main access involves a 137-step descent, the park offers an alternative, wheelchair-accessible route via the service road. Simply speak with a park ranger at the Visitor Center or call ahead at (540) 291-1326.
Natural Bridge State Park offers one of Virginia’s most breathtaking natural landmarks, the towering limestone arch rising 215 feet high and 90 feet wide, and the trail that passes beneath it is as scenic as it is historic. Normally, reaching the base of the Natural Bridge requires a steep descent down 137 steps, followed by an easy, level stroll under the arch and along Cedar Creek, past the Saltpeter Cave, the Lost River, and finally to the thirty-foot-high Lace Falls. However, visitors who cannot use the stairs can request accessibility accommodations by speaking with a park ranger at the Visitor Center or calling (540) 291-1326 ahead of time to arrange access via the service road, which provides a paved, easy-grade alternative.
The trail itself begins with primary surfaces such as sidewalks, concrete, and paved paths, transitioning in some areas to loose or packed gravel and packed dirt. Throughout most of the route, the trail is 8 to 12 feet wide, giving ample space for mobility devices, and benches line the path for resting or taking in the views. The first portion beneath the bridge and along Cedar Creek is paved and gently graded, but after crossing a low-water bridge, the surface changes to firm crushed gravel dust, with occasional muddy spots.
Restrooms at the main level of the Visitor Center are wheelchair accessible, and additional accessible facilities are located at the Cedar Creek Pavilion. Parking spaces designated for accessibility are available in the main Natural Bridge State Park lot, making this remarkable walk into history and nature possible for more visitors. I highly recommend bringing binoculars and taking some time to enjoy the beautiful wildlife in this area.
2. Chessie Nature Trail
Following the old Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad bed, this flat, 7-mile path runs between Lexington and Buena Vista, hugging the Maury River almost the entire way. It’s a favorite among locals for its peaceful views, wildlife sightings, and seasonal wildflowers, from bluish-purple Virginia bluebells in spring to vibrant Fire Pink blooms in early summer.
The Chessie Trail’s surfaces vary pleasantly along its 7-mile stretch, offering packed pea gravel and packed dirt in many sections, as well as wooden bridges that are flush with the ground or have no more than a one-inch lip. You’ll also encounter occasional patches of larger gravel, though these are relatively rare. Maintaining an average width of about eight feet, the trail easily accommodates wheelchairs (both power and manual), strollers, and even adaptive cycling equipment like hand bikes, a feature that also comes in handy during events such as the Chessie Trail Marathon. Following the former Chesapeake & Ohio railway line, the route was originally designed with a gentle grade to suit trains, which means it’s predominantly flat with an estimated slope of 5% or less. This makes it comfortable and accessible for a wide range of users, including those using mobility devices.
For visitors starting in Lexington, there’s an accessible parking space just past the blue circular “PURE” sign. Be careful not to confuse it with another parking lot about three minutes earlier on US-11, which has a steep grade and no disabled parking spots available. An accessible Porta-John is located near the designated parking, although during the summer months and times of heavy foliage growth, the surrounding vegetation may slightly reduce the usable space around it.
3. Glen Maury Park
Whether you’re out for a peaceful riverside stroll, spending a fun day at the playground with the family, or camping with adaptive gear, Glen Maury Park has plenty of features that make enjoying the outdoors easier! This park is a versatile destination for camping, boating, birdwatching, and riverside walks. It also has accessible playground features, picnic pavilions, and a pool with a chair lift. Glen Maury Park hosts a variety of events each year, featuring music from old-time to classical, beach music to bluegrass, and gospel to rock 'n' roll.
Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista is quite the versatile destination! You can spend the whole day enjoying the outdoors, camping, kayaking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in the shade of a pavilion. The park’s trails include a mix of paved paths, packed gravel, loose gravel, and some roadway sections. These routes make it possible to explore most of the park comfortably, though surface types can vary depending on where you are.
The main office, where visitors can rent or purchase camping gear, is accessible via a ramp, and accessible parking is available near both the entrance and the playground. The playground itself offers an ADA swing with a backrest to prevent forward falls, as well as low-set toy musical instruments that are easy to reach, although there is a small lip at the entrance that could be a barrier for some users.
Restroom access is well-considered throughout the park. Near the entrance, wheelchair-accessible restrooms and showers have large stalls for ease of use. At the Double Decker Pavilion, both the men’s and women’s restrooms have accessible stalls. The men’s side has a smooth transition from grass to concrete, while the women’s side has a taller lip of about three inches, which may require assistance. Restrooms by the recreational stage are also reachable via a ramp, but the incline there is quite steep and may be difficult for independent wheelchair users to navigate.
The park’s pavilions are a great spot for gatherings! The two near the entrance are fully accessible and ideal for picnics or events, while the Double Decker Pavilion offers a beautiful overlook over Buena Vista, VA. It’s worth noting that its second level is only accessible via stairs.
Camping and RV options vary between the flat, easily navigable lower campground and the upper sites, which are on a steep incline and not recommended for mobility device users. All campsites are grass-covered and equipped with electric outlets.
For recreation, the park features a narrow-gated tennis/skating area (the entrance does not open fully), a pool with a chair lift for water access, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching along the paved sidewalk that runs beside the river. Water access is available via a wheelchair-accessible kayak ramp, though it is not ideally maintained and may be difficult to use independently. As a result, many visitors prefer launching from the smooth, gently sloped grassy bank directly in front of the riverside sidewalk, which provides an easier approach.
4. Jordan’s Point Park
Jordan’s Point Park offers a welcoming outdoor experience with plenty of accessible features to ensure everyone can enjoy the scenic views and recreational opportunities! The trail surfaces here include paved path trails, packed gravel, and some sections of pea gravel, with trail widths generally ranging between four and six feet, wide enough to comfortably accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. The main loop around the park is predominantly flat, paved, and provides easy access throughout most areas, though there is a slightly sloped entrance to be aware of. The Miller’s House museum, located within the park, also provides an accessible entrance, adding a cultural element to the outdoor experience.
One of the park’s standout amenities is its proximity to the VMI tennis courts, which have accessible parking spots close to their entrance. Within Jordan’s Point itself, accessible parking is available both at the front and back of the park, making it convenient to start your visit from multiple points. Wheelchair-accessible pavilions and restrooms enhance the park’s usability for all visitors. Jordan's Point also has a lovely scenic overlook of the Maury with pea gravel footing, offering a peaceful spot for birdwatching or simply enjoying views of the river. Keep an eye out for Great Blue Herons, who often make their presence known with their stunning feathers!
However, it’s worth noting that the Woods Creek Trail entrance within the park includes a quarter-mile section with larger packed gravel and a steep slope. This area is excellent for birdwatching but may pose challenges after heavy rains when ruts form, so independent wheelchair users, especially those in manual chairs, should assess their comfort level before navigating this section.
The Lexington and Rockbridge area has more accessible outdoor options than many visitors think! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful birdwatching spot, an accessible tennis court, or a flower-filled rail trail, these parks prove that nature in Rockbridge can truly be for everyone!
As you make your way along the trails of Rockbridge County, be sure to capture the beautiful moments you encounter and share them on social media. Tag us on Instagram or share to our Facebook page and we'll re-share our favorites!