Are dogs allowed on Chessie Nature Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Chessie Nature Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Chessie Nature Trail?

No, Chessie Nature Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Chessie Nature Trail?

Chessie Nature Trail is rated difficult. It is 11.3 miles long with 1,070 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Virginia trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Virginia

Chessie Nature Trail

Lexington, Virginia

11.3 mi

Distance

1,070 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 2m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Chessie Nature Trail is a 7-mile walking trail that runs between the towns ofLexington and Buena Vista. The trail is suitable for walking and running, but not for bicycles. The trail goes through private lands. Dogs must be leashed. Pack all the litter out. The Nature Conservancy accepted the deed to the property in 1978 after the Rockbridge Area Conservancy brought the trail to their attention. The deed was transferred to the Virginia Military Institute in 2009.

From Wikipedia

The Chessie Nature Trail is a rail trail linking Buena Vista, Virginia with Lexington, Virginia along the Maury River. The six-mile (9.7 km) trail follows the roadbed of a former Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) branch line which extended from Glasgow, Virginia, to Lexington, primarily following the Maury River.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:259 ft

Max:302 ft

326 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.