Blue Ridge Parkway

The Parkway through Virginia offers spectacular views and interesting examples of Appalachian culture at places such as Humpback Rocks and Mabry Mill. 

You can access the Appalachian Trail from the Parkway at more than twenty overlooks and parking areas in Virginia, providing several opportunities to hike a section of this popular national scenic trail.

For interesting driving, you're in the right place, because nowhere else on the Parkway can you see such a variety of countryside, dipping from ridge top to valley floor and proceeding through pastoral rolling farmland.

For those who like to take their time while traveling, there are five visitor centers, four campgrounds, a lodge, housekeeping cabins, and three restaurants. 

Start Point
Landmark: Waynesboro

From north to south, here are brief descriptions of the developed areas awaiting you.

Stop 1
Landmark: Humpback Rocks

This “first stop” coming south down the Parkway offers a perfect blend of the natural and cultural history of the region. See a collection of buildings put together as a living, working rural Blue Ridge farm of the nineteenth century, or hike to the top of Humpback Mountain for spectacular vistas.

At the Visitor Center, exhibits will challenge many of the stereotypes of European settlement in the mountains.

Access to the US Forest Service's Sherando Lake is nearby, and a picnic area is located a few miles down the Parkway.

Stop 2
Landmark: Sherando Lake

The Sherando Lake recreation area, situated on the shores of a 25-acre spring fed lake, first opened to the public in 1936. Then, as now, the buildings of native stone and timber blend into the natural and rugged surroundings.

Members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built campsites, restrooms, and shelters for the recreation area. During the 1960's, the Soil Conservation Service created 7-acre Upper Sherando Lake by building a flood control structure on Back Creek, just above the camping area.

Through the years, more campsites and an amphitheater were built. Renovations in 1996 added electrical hook-ups and barrier-free access to the Riverbend campsites and in 1997, barrier-free bathhouses to Riverbend and Meadow camping loops.

• Swim in Sherando Lake and enjoy a sandy beach, shaded play area, bathhouses with warm showers, and a wading area for children.
• Boat on the 25-acre Sherado Lake and 7-acre Upper Sherando Lake.
• Fish from bank or boat for various types of trout, bass, bluegill, and catfish.
• Bring lunch and cook it here. Sherando has more than 70 picnic tables, grills, and a covered shelter in case of rain.
• Hike along the lakes, or for more challenging hikes, see our Sherando Lake Area Trails Brochure on this website or at the beach pavilion.

Additional information and reservations may be obtained by calling the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District Office at (540) 291-2188.

Stop 3
Landmark: Crabtree Falls

Take SR 56 east for 12 miles. The falls are just off the road.

Suggested Time at This Site: 10 minutes

Crabtree Falls is the largest vertical drop waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

Stop 4
Landmark: Cyrus McCormick's Farm

Turn west on SR56 to Steeles Tavern. The farm is located in the town.

Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes

Cyrus McCormick was the inventor the mechanized reaper that sparked the industrial revolution and changed the world forever. Visitors are welcome to tour the blacksmith shop, gristmill, museum and scenic site at the McCormick farm.

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