Chessie Nature Trail

Description

Elevation: 886 ft.

The seven-mile Chessie Nature Trail follows the Maury River from Lexington to Buena Vista. Similar to other trail projects, the Chessie Nature Trail follows a disused rail line through private and public lands. The trail’s close proximity to the river and the alternating open and forested habitats it crosses, offers visitors an opportunity to view a variety of wildlife. The woods along the trail host typical eastern forest species. Along the forest edges where the forest ends and fields begin, look for brilliant indigo bunting perched on prominent perches loudly proclaiming their territories. The more retiring red-eyed and white-eyed vireos are more often heard than seen, as is the yellow-billed cuckoo whose croaky voice often sounds more like an insect than a bird.

Notes:

• The Trail becomes fully accessible only after the second trailhead (coordinates below). By parking at this trailhead, visitors will avoid walking up a grassy hill and the public roadway where the Trail diverts around a business.

Directions

Recommended Parking Area Coordinates: 37.791211, -79.420714

From US-11 in Lexington, head north on US-11/Lee Hwy, turn right onto SR-631/Old Buena Vista Rd, and the turn into the parking area will be on the right in approximately 0.3 miles.