This is a moderate level hike, 3.6 miles UP and Back. Elevation 1,135 ft. Some very steep inclines…read more So steep the path is switch back trails. Absolute great hike but challenging. Kid friendly, dogs on leash, and some paved walk ways BUT I don't think it would be for wheelchairs or strollers because it's such a steep incline. VIEWS-Waterfalls, forest, mountain, mushrooms, wildflowers, and berries. Such a busy trail that you really don't see to much wildlife or birds. Lots and Lots of stairs. This trail has been kept in great condition. There is a bit of scrambling and if there has been rain or snow it can be a bit slippery. Rocks and moss. So beautiful. This trail is part of George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Absolutely beautiful at the top for me. It has an area that opens up at he top and benches so you can sit and admire the surrounding mountains. The first waterfall you come to is the easiest paved area to get to . Also the best waterfall view. It also has benches. This is from the parking lot and there is a fee. It is was 3 dollars so bring cash. There is no running water so bring your own water, Pack a smart backpack. Keep all areas clean and don't leave garbage behind. They have a bathroom area but with no running water. It is a dry toilet. Bring some hand sanitizer is my best advice.

This is a really good hike worth the incline on the way up to see the views! Definitely high…read moreincline on the way up, but there's benches and rocks along the way to take a break. The falls are really pretty, but be careful not to get too close. There's lots of signs to stay on the path which I recommend! It can get muddy after rain so wear good hiking boots for sure. It's dog friendly, I went when it wasn't too crowded and with the narrow pathways I had her off the leash but would put her back on the leash when I saw people ahead. About halfway up, there's an area of body of water that's safe for dogs to get water and to take a break at which is nice. It took about 3hrs total (up and down), 1.7 mi up and down.

Such a cute little area with the natural bridge. There is a Virginia state fee for adult to enter,…read moreit's nine dollars per person. If you've actually bought something from REI, the receipt concern as a free admission to the park. You'll have to check the fine print. I don't know if there's a minimum spin, but I know that last I went to REI one of the front desk workers told me that the receipt would serve as my admission. And indeed covered it so I paid $0 more entrance to the park To get to the start, you have to go down some stairs, but I did over here a couple of groups at depending on if you need, they can drive you to the start. Natural Bridge had a couple of chairs so I'm assuming that a tour or they are just spots for people to rest. If you continue walking down the trail, you'll also find some other school spots like the saltwater cave, the ghost river, and Lace Falls. When I went a couple days ago, there has been a drought which has caused lace falls to be a bit smaller than normal. The ghost River was a surprisingly cool attraction. As soon as you start walking close to the hole, you can feel the cool breeze and hear the gush of the water. Where the river starts and where the river hint, we have no idea but it's a cool thing to check out.

Natural Bridge is an awesome stop! The gift shop is huge and has food and exhibits, there is a…read morehistoric hotel nearby, and the walk to the bridge is an easy hike, though you do have some stairs to contend with. Walking along the creek past the bridge is a saltpeter cave, worth the stop to cool down, a lost river, and some waterfalls. If you make it at Christmas, the bridge is lit up with spotlights and luminaries, and horse drawn carriage rides walk down the bridge trail. There are also caverns and other trails nearby, so grab a map and spend the day!!

Caverns were beautiful - a lot smaller than some we've been to but totally worth the long tour…read more This was an add-on to a visit to Natural Bridge and I feel like the two complimented one another perfectly for a nice long afternoon in the area. Friendly tour guide and we weren't rushed. Easy to walk in, as well, if you have a harder time walking, compared to some of the larger cavern tours in VA.

This was just about half a mile from Natural Bridge State Park. The cavern tour was interesting,…read morefilled with facts about the caverns and history of people who owned the caverns in the past. It was a little dark but for the most part, we could see everything well. Some people were talking about slippery areas and difficult stairs. I would say as long as you don't have major pain or injuries that prevent you from climbing stairs, anyone with a minimal fitness level can do them as long as you are wearing shoes with a good grip and hold on to the railings provided as you descend/ascend. There is also a very nice 3 mile hiking loop shaded with trees on the property. You can hike in the morning, bring a picnic, and cool off in the cave in the afternoon.

Its a peaceful stroll along the Maury. A lovely, flat trail that winds along the river with scenic…read moreviews, wildflowers, and the occasional curious cow. It's well-maintained and perfect for a relaxed walk (dog friendly), jog, or bike ride. Easy to access, quiet, and full of charm. Definitely a local gem worth revisiting.

The chessie trail is, in my opinion, one of the best trails on the east coast. It is a gravel trail…read morethat is perfect for running/jogging/biking/walking as it remains flat for the entirety of the trail. I've run on the trail close to a hundred times, and it never disappoints. The views you see here are unmatched, and I recommended it to anyone visiting Lexington, VA.

I save the word "magical" for places that truly deserve it. Tantivy Farm is one of those places…read more This magical place is one where you can walk through lavender fields, eat lavender ice cream, shop for lavender products, and meet some farm animals. It's a family-owned farm run by super nice people, and it's a great place to visit when you're in the Lexington area. You can explore more than a thousand lavender plants of 20 different varieties here. I visited during the off season, when the lavender bushes were spent and dormant, but there were a few sprigs here and there, and even so, the rest of the garden was lush and beautiful. If you want to experience the lavender fields in full bloom, you'll want to visit in late spring through summer. Around the end of May to the end of June is when they do U-pick lavender, where you can pick your own lavender bouquets. The owners also produce and sell lavender products, dried and fresh wreaths, lavender food (including lavender ice cream!). Friendly farm animals also live on the farm, and you might be able to meet and greet them. These are the most content and happy animals I've encountered maybe ever. Could it be because they live on a lavender farm and they're absorbing the calming vibes of this medicinal plant? Most likely it's because the owners are super awesome and treat the animals like family. It's great to see. The farm is open May to December.

Very friendly. Great views. Wonderful ice cream. More lavender than I have ever seen.read more

Incredible campsite! Beautiful lake and trails. Free roaming petting zoo and great facilities.read more

I had a blast. I was happy to add another drive thru Safari to my list of adventures. Purchasing…read moretickets at the main entrance was slow, but the overall park experience was fun. I did not enjoy the cheeseburger combo meal that was purchased on site. The lemonade was bland, and the burger was dry. The women's restroom is overdue for remodeling. I was excited to see penguins, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, tigers, and a king cheetah at the park. I would not have guessed that VA would house these animals. I was also excited to see the giraffes and rhinoceroses. The park was clean, and there were plenty of wild animals to see. As a bonus, potholes were scarce.

Had great time through open safari drive through but when going through the zoo walk through area…read moreon foot seeing caged animals, I got hassles and threatened to be kicked out of park cause we had food left over from open safari drive. We didn't see sign at entrance going into walk through area but we also didn't give it to any of the animals either unless specified. My Autistic son wanted to see giraffes as every other kid was feeding and touching them with the attendant watching them. My son wanted to do the same and got told he couldn't touch them. Attendant approached me about feeding i had and told me i couldn't have in area and excepted me to hand it over to her after paying for it at a highway robbery price. I had told her I was taking it home as I paid for it, my son saw giraffes and we walked away never feeding giraffes at all. The attendant got offended that I wouldn't give up feeding it had paid for and called Security on me and made outright lies that I was irrational, i never spoke to her, she approached me, I was minding my own business with my Autistic son. Will never go back again as it is over priced entry fee and will nickel and dime you to death. $5 for a piece of lettuce and what they call a bucket is actually a soup bowl size cup.​

Our 2 year old had a fantastic time and was nothing but smiles and giggles. If you have young ones…read moreI would recommend stopping by!

Great stop for the granddaughters, age 9 and 8. Great stop for someone with a sense of humor, kids…read morewho love dinosaurs or just needing to give the kids a moment to run. It Was campy and over the top but hey... I think it was meant to be. The rating is strictly for young kids. Adults, don't waste your time. The price was a bit high but the kids got to squirt a "Bigfoot" who was also armed with a squirt gun.