Nelson County
Central VirginiaNelson County – on the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge
Nelson County is a hidden gem in Central Virginia that boasts one of the most active craft beverage scenes in the state featuring 12 wineries, 9 breweries, 3 cideries, and 3 distilleries. Craft beverage trails wind through the mountain vistas and valleys of the first 30 miles of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas and places to discover a new favorite beverage, enjoy local fare, and catch a live band.
Get outdoors in Nelson County. Crabtree Falls, a local favorite hiking trail, boasts the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Nelson County has miles of hiking trails, crystal clear fishing streams, historic farms and orchards, and a vibrant artisan and local food scene. Wintergreen Resort at the “top of the Blue Ridge” offers year-round fun from skiing to golf. Discover interesting history at the Blue Ridge Tunnel, an 1850’s railroad tunnel recently restored and ready to thrill your senses.
WanderLove is calling – and adventure is the destination. Nelson County offers 45 miles of the Appalachian Trail along its western region, as well as other scenic, easy, moderate, and steep trails. Favorites include Crabtree Falls, Humpback Rocks, the Blue Ridge Tunnel and the 360 degree views at Spy Rock. From May through December, taste and tour the farms and orchards that grow the freshest fruits and berries. Unwind at a quaint bed and breakfast or go rustic and camp or glamp. Stay at one of the cottages that dot the landscape. The Dark Skies of Nelson welcome all stargazers, budding astronomers, firefly fans, shooting star searchers, nature lovers, and night owls.
History, nature, mills, and more! Unique historic places include Century Farms, the Oakland Museum, Rockfish Natural History Museum, Woodson’s Mill, and Walton’s Mountain Museum. The Blue Ridge Tunnel opened in November 2020 and already has seen more than 250,000 visitors.
Nelson County is well-known for its quality craft beverages and trails. Sample award-winning wines, beer, hard cider, and spirits along Nelson 151, Nelson 29, and the Brew Ridge Trail.
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