2021 Lexington Inspiration Guide - 20

Goshen Pass is the place to enjoy
the spring whitewater of the Maury
River as well as summer swimming
and sunbathing on the big boulders.
A picnic area, a swinging bridge and
hiking trails make it an ideal place to
spend the day. Note that trail access
from the swinging bridge requires a
Wildlife Management Area permit.
The Maury at Jordan's Point
in downtown Lexington is calmer
and has become a popular place for
families to splash around with their
little ones, and a launch point for
paddleboarders and paddlers. Just
downstream on the north bank, the
Chessie Nature Trail begins. It is a
seven-mile rail trail for hiking and
biking along the former Chesapeake
& Ohio right of way that concludes
below Route 60 at Route 608.
Further downstream at Glen Maury
Park, the Maury attracts fishermen
and wildlife watching from the
Buena Vista Riverwalk. Camping,
picnicking, and music festivals are
favorite pastimes at the park. Be sure
to take in the mountain views from
the double-decker pavilion.
Another great city trail for water
views is Woods Creek Trail through
downtown Lexington. From Jordan's
Point Park to Ross Road, the twomile
trail is mostly level. It's a great
Upper James River Water Trail
ROCKBRIDGE ON THE
HEALTHY SIDE
In Rockbridge County, wellness and sustainability go hand in
hand. Residents have a strong commitment to conserving the
rural beauty of the area and developing sustainable access to the
multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities. People seeking
physical, emotional and spiritual health can find all manner of thins
to enliven their visits-from yoga sessions at Natural Bridge State
Park-an International Dark Sky Park-to COREworks, Boxerwood's
new carbon offset initiative to fund local conservation projects.
There is a multitude of places to experience 'Forest Bathing'
in Rockbridge County. Hike along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway
or Appalachian Trail, or take a simple walk on the Chessie Nature
Trail, Woods Creek Trail, and the waterfall path at Lavender Fields
at Tantivy Farm-trails which are easily accessible for all ages and
abilities. Walks through tended areas such as Boxerwood Gardens,
Jordan's Point, Cedar Creek Trail, McCormick Farm, or the Buena
Vista River Walk provide additional opportunities to enjoy the
outdoors in a more maintained setting.
Walking a labyrinth is something known to bring peace of mind
through self-reflection and meditation. Grace Presbyterian Church
in the middle of Lexington has a labyrinth path built among the
hedges directly behind their sanctuary. The Halcyon Days Cidery
apple orchard is modeled after the legendary Chartres Labyrinth.
This 1.7-mile walk leads to a gazebo with yet another labyrinth laid
out in stone.
People can also find more formal approaches to wellness at
Heartstone Lodge, a resource for private wellness gatherings,
providing lodging, meeting spaces, gorgeous outdoor areas
including a meditation garden and labyrinth. The Center of Gravity
Yoga Studio and numerous massage therapists in the area can be
incorporated into any group or individual wellness experience.
It's easy to focus on physical, psychological and spiritual wellness
in the outdoors in Rockbridge County. With so many options to
choose from, wholistic experiences in nature are easy to find!
20 LEXINGTON | BUENA VISTA | ROCKBRIDGE
SAM DEAN
2021 Lexington Inspiration Guide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2021 Lexington Inspiration Guide
