Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail

12/01/2025

Santa is coming to the Piney River Caboose!
Join us December 13 from 10-2.

Christmas season is upon us! We are excited to once again partner with the Massies Mill Ruritan Club to host our 2nd Annual Pictures With Santa in the Piney River Caboose.
This FREE event will take place on Saturday December 13 from 10am-2pm at the Piney River Trailhead of the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail
We will have activities, crafts, hot chocolate, snacks and more inside the Piney River Depot. Also your chance to take pictures with Santa inside the historic Caboose.

08/27/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞
The Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail will be closed from Mile Marker 1 through Rose Mill Rd on September 3rd and 4th.
This closure is necessary as Nelson County and Amherst County work to remove large tree debris piled up in the Piney River under the Rose Mill Bridge along the trail.
The trail will still be accessible for the 1 mile section from Piney River to the 1 mile marker. As well as from the Rose Mill Trailhead to the Trail's End.
Please contact Nelson County Parks & Recreation or Amherst County Recreation & Parks Department for questions and updates.
We will update you with any additional information or closures needed.

05/15/2025

The entire trail is now reopen. All debris has been cleared.

Update 5/15: Trees have been removed and the trail is now clear and reopened.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞
The trail will be closed at the Rt-29 bridge until further notice due to a large tree down causing trail damage and making the trail impassable.
The trail will remain open from Piney River to Rt-29 bridge.
We will make an update once cleared and safe for visitors.

05/14/2025

Update 5/15: Trees have been removed and the trail is now clear and reopened.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞
The trail will be closed at the Rt-29 bridge until further notice due to a large tree down causing trail damage and making the trail impassable.
The trail will remain open from Piney River to Rt-29 bridge.
We will make an update once cleared and safe for visitors.

03/11/2025

The trail will be CLOSED from Rose Mill to Trail’s End this week from Tuesday - Friday to repair recent rain storm damage and to clean the trail edge prior to spring vegetation growth.
The trail from Piney River to Rose Mill will also be closed Thursday or Friday for trail edge cleaning. A more clear notice on that portion will be released Wednesday.

01/04/2025

𝙃𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩: 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬
As winter weather arrives and sets in, we would like to remind you to be safe if you plan to get out on trails around Nelson County.
Check trail status, Plan ahead based on weather conditions, Refrain for hiking in dangerous weather and conditions, Dress properly, Charge your phone, Inform others of your plans and time frame.
NCPR manages the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail and the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel, if you notice issues or want updates on these trails, contact us. Planning to hit other area trails? Learn who manages those and check trail details prior to setting out.

08/08/2024

With heavy storms from Tropical Storm Debby moving in to our area today and tomorrow, please use caution if you choose to go out for a hike or bike ride.
While area trails are not closed, we encourage you to stay off trails until weather conditions improve. Please use your best judgement if you do decide to adventure out.
Following the storm, be aware of potential storm damage such as downed trees or washed out trails. Avoid damaged areas until crews are able to address these issues.

07/18/2024

Partial Trail Closure:
The Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail will be closed at the Rose Mill Bridge on Monday and Tuesday, July 22-23 due to work being performed below the bridge. Each end of the bridge will be used for staging equipment resulting in no trail access crossing the Piney River. The trail will remain open in separate sections from the Piney River Trailhead to MP 1.5 as well as the Rose Mill Trailhead to the trails end. Please contact Nelson County Parks and Recreation with any questions at (434)263-7130 or email [email protected].

06/19/2024

Looking for an opportunity to cool off tomorrow, June 20?
We have several opportunities during our Play All Day VA events.
5:30-7am - Beat the heat at the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel for our First Light Hike Through The Blue Ridge.
10am-12pm - Enjoy a refreshing frozen popsicle at the newest playground in Nelson Co at Rockfish Valley Community Center during Popsicles On The Playground.
5-8pm: Relax with a refreshing Kona Ice Cville and dinner from Amazing Angus LLC while the kids enjoy bounce houses and many other activities at our Community PLAY Celebration at the Nelson Center.

03/29/2024

Don’t miss out on this year’s Piney River Mini Bi-Tri Athlon! The race will be held Saturday April 13th.
We have extended the date to register to receive a free event t-shirt through this Sunday for online registrations.
How to register:
Online: www.nelsoncountyrecreation.com
Call: (434)263-7130
Stop In To The Nelson Center

02/29/2024

VBRRT Partial Closure Notice
The Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail will be partially closed Monday and Tuesday, March 4-5, for tree work at the far end of the trail. The closure will be from the Tye River bridge through the trail’s end.
This work is weather permitting and is subject to change. Any updates and adjustments will be announced at that time if determined necessary. Please contact Nelson County Parks and Recreation with any questions at (434)263-7130 or email [email protected].