Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail

07/17/2026

Before you make your way out to the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail or other area trails, please take caution and limit outdoor recreation due to the onset of poor air quality across our region.

𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗸𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘁-𝟮𝟱𝟬 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸.

As the region is being hit with poor air quality today due to Canadian wildfires, we ask that you limit, take caution and plan accordingly on any outdoor recreation activities today and potentially through the weekend.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued a Code RED Air Quality Alert Friday for Northwestern and Central Virginia.

A Code Red Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region are unhealthy for the general population. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles visit the Virginia DEQ air quality web site at www.deq.virginia.gov

𝗔 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀:
For those needing KN95 masks to help mitigate the air quality when they are outside, we have a supply available at the security desk at the Nelson County Courthouse. After hours citizens can come to the after hours entrance and the Emergency Communications Center will have a supply as well. For those on the west side of the county, Wintergreen Fire & Rescue will have masks available in their lobbies as well.

06/25/2026

Join the Amherst Running Club on Saturday morning at the trail. An opportunity to find new running friends, receive and give encouragement while all enjoying our beautiful trail.

We had a great turnout for the Amherst Running Club last night! To join us for Saturday's run/walk of the Blue Ridge Railway Trail, meet us at the train depot located at 3124 Patrick Henry Hwy, Piney River, at 8:00 am.

05/28/2026

If you plan to use the trail today, please be advised there is a tree down between MP 5-5.5 past the Tye River Bridge. We are working to have the trail cleared as soon as possible.

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.