Take in the Great Outdoors!

Brimming with historic charm and natural beauty, Waynesboro lies just three miles from the junction of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, and Appalachian Trail. With mountains to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west, Waynesboro’s prime location offers adventurers an almost limitless combination of excursions to enjoy by foot, bike, or kayak. Breathtaking hikes and vistas await discovery on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and limestone caves offer explorers a thrilling glimpse of what lies underneath the mountains. 

Day 1: Arrive 

Stroll along the 1.2-mile South River Greenway located along the South River in downtown Waynesboro. Park at the city lot on the corner of Arch and Main, then descend to the river, where you’ll find the paved trail, loved by pedestrians, cyclists, and roller-bladers alike. The famous “fish deck” and LOVEworks sculpture make for great photo ops. You can also count on seeing some wildlife along the way. 

Cap off your day with dinner downtown Heritage on Main for southern comfort food with a twist, and a menu that changes from season to season based on what’s fresh. Pair your meal with your choice of a craft beer or fun cocktail.

Day 2: Adventure

Start off your day by fueling up for the adventures ahead with a filling “country boy” breakfast at Weasie’s Kitchen, a local favorite.

After breakfast, you’ll be ready to take on the short but strenuous Humpback Rocks Trail. It’s located at mile post 5.9 of the storied Blue Ridge Parkway. There are a variety of trails you can hike from the same starting point, but the most popular is the nearly 2-mile out and back. With a steep incline of about 700 feet, you’ll be huffing when you reach the top, but the expansive views of the valleys below are worth the climb. 

On your way back down the mountain, stop off at the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail for a stroll through an old train tunnel. Don't forget a flashlight and a jacket! The tunnel is dark and always at 50 degrees. 

When your muscles are worn out, head back to Waynesboro for dinner and a brew at Basic City Beer Co., an industrial-meets-modern microbrewery housed in a reclaimed brass foundry.

Day 3: Head Home

After a thrilling day of mountain climbing and mountain biking, you’ll be ready to rest by Day 3, so grab a scrumptious brunch and a “Better Than Bloody Mary” from The Fishin’ Pig on your way out of town.