Chessie Nature Trail - Lexington, VA
Chessie Nature Trail in Lexington, VA, is a beautiful and accessible dog park and trail perfect for pet owners looking for dog-friendly hiking and outdoor activities. This nearly flat trail follows the scenic Maury River, offering lovely views and a variety of landscapes including wooded areas and riverbanks. The trail is wheelchair accessible with designated parking, making it welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities. It’s a popular spot for dog walking, jogging, biking, and birdwatching, providing a versatile outdoor experience for both pets and their owners.
What makes Chessie Nature Trail unique is its pet-friendly environment where dogs can enjoy the outdoors freely, including opportunities to let them dip in the river. The trail is well-maintained with benches, a pet waste station, and a new trailhead kiosk, ensuring convenience and cleanliness. While the trail can get busy during peak times, it remains a peaceful retreat with frequent sightings of wildlife like deer and foxes. For those seeking a dog park in Lexington, VA, that combines natural beauty with accessibility and pet-friendly amenities, Chessie Nature Trail is highly recommended.
FAQ for Chessie Nature Trail in Lexington Virginia:
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are allowed and can be off-leash outside the main trail area.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park has wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, there is a pet waste station available at the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are scattered benches along the trails.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, dogs can take a dip in the river near the trail.
- Where is the best place to park? There is good parking available, including off 60 in Buena Vista at the trail end.
- Are walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there is a 7-mile point-to-point trail that is easy, nearly flat and suitable for walking, jogging, biking, and hiking.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the trail and bridges are well maintained and the park is frequently used and taken care of.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, there are lots of ticks so it’s advised to check both yourself and your pets after visiting.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The trail is mostly wooded which provides natural shade.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park is good for kids and has kid-friendly hikes.
Reviews
If you park off 60 in Buena Vista you are at one end-of-life the trail. Turn left and it goes nowhere but under a very littered and dirt bridge and walkway. Sad. If you go right you start the 7 miles towards Lexington. Easy walk through a lovely variety of land.
Beautiful place. Well maintained trail and bridges with great views. Right next to the river.
More a forest road than a trail, but still an enjoyable place for a stroll, a run, or a bike ride.
I walk here regularly with my dogs. It’s gorgeous, there are plenty of deer (of course) and was lucky enough to spot a fox. It’s also nice to stop down by the river and let the dogs take a dip. The cows are also cute and leave you be.Just a word of warning though: there are LOTS of ticks. Check yourself and pets carefully before/after you return home.
This path used to be a rail line. It follows the Maury River. There is a new trail head kiosk and a pet waste station. It has good parking and is nearly flat, so good for all ages. It does get busy at certain times, since it is widely used for fitness and dog walking. Views of the river are lovely. Mostly wooded with scattered benches. You can use non-motorized bicycles on the trail.I use this trail frequently. Highly recommended for a nice walk any season for visitors and residents alike.