A good family hike doesn’t have to end at a mountaintop. Sometimes the best ones have a creek to follow, a waterfall at the end, or enough interesting things along the way to keep everyone moving. We rounded up a few local favorites near Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County that offer a little of each. Pick a short stretch, pack snacks, and let the kids set the pace.

At a Glance:
Best for little kids: Boxerwood’s short paths and Play Trail
Best waterfall hikes: Cedar Creek Trail and Roaring Run Falls
Best river walks: Chessie Nature Trail and Buena Vista River Walk
Best walk close to downtown Lexington: Woods Creek Trail
Best wooded hike: Brushy Hills Preserve
Best adventure worth the drive: Blue Ridge Tunnel—bring a flashlight for everyone!

Kid-Friendly Hikes Close to Home 

Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden 

Trailhead: 963 Ross Road, Lexington

For younger kids, Boxerwood is an easy place to wander without worrying about mileage. Short paths wind through woods, meadow, and wetland, and the Play Trail gives little explorers room to dig and make mud pies. Wear shoes that can get dirty. 

Good to know: Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Bring water; there are no drinking fountains. 

Brushy Hills Trails

Trailhead: 1010 Union Run, Lexington

Ready for a more traditional walk in the woods? Brushy Hills has 14 miles of trails, from short walks to longer climbs. Younger hikers can look for the old springhouse near the trailhead before heading into the woods.

Good to know: The trails connect in several ways, so take a photo of the map at the trailhead and choose your route before setting out.

Buena Vista River Walk 

Trailhead: Factory Street and West 10th Street, Buena Vista

For an easygoing walk beside the Maury River, try the Buena Vista River Walk in Buena Vista. The route stretches about 2.2 miles through town, but you can make your outing as short as you like. It’s a good pick when the kids want to be outside and you don’t want to commit to a mountain trail.

Good to know: Find free parking near West 10th Street entrance. 

Cedar Creek Trail 

Trailhead: 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge

Walking beneath Natural Bridge is one of those outings every Rockbridge County kid should get to experience. The Cedar Creek Trail follows the creek past Saltpeter Cave to Lace Falls. Don’t forget to save a little energy for the stairs back up! 

Good to know: Rockbridge County residents can check their local library for free Natural Bridge park passes, when available.

Chessie Nature Trail

Trailhead: Multiple Points in Lexington and Buena Vista 

You don’t need to walk all seven miles of the Chessie Nature Trail to enjoy it. The trail runs from Old Buena Vista Road near Mill Creek in Lexington to Stuartsburg Road in Buena Vista, following the Maury River past cliffs, woods, fields, and historic locks. Start at either end, pick a distance that works for your family, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Find a spot for a snack along the way, and if you come across a safe place to reach the water, let the kids dip their toes in before heading back.

Good to know: Parts of the trail cross private land and active cattle pastures. Give the animals plenty of space, stay on the trail, and be respectful.

Woods Creek Trail

Trailhead: Jordan Street & Overhill Drive, Lexington 

The Woods Creek Trail is a handy choice when you want to get outside without leaving town. The 2 mile one-way path follows the creek behind Virginia Military Institute, Washington and Lee University, and Waddell Elementary. Start at Jordan’s Point or Lime Kiln Bridge Park, then walk as far as your crew feels like going.

Good to know: End at Jordan’s Point for a picnic, or use Woods Creek Park for a shorter outing. 

Kid-Friendly Trails Worth the Drive

Blue Ridge Tunnel

East Trailhead: 215 Afton Depot Lane, Afton

West Trailhead: 483 Three Notched Mountain Highway, Waynesboro 

Walking through a mile-long railroad tunnel? Sign us up! The Blue Ridge Tunnel was built in the 1850s to carry trains beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains, and today you can walk right through it. It’s dark, cool, and often damp, so bring layers, sturdy shoes, and a flashlight or headlamp for everyone. Glow sticks are fun, too, and make it easier to spot the kids, but you’ll still need flashlights to see the path.

Good to know: Start at the east trailhead for a gentler walk to the tunnel. The full trip from one trailhead to the other and back is about 4.5 miles, but you can turn around sooner.

Roaring Run Falls

Trailhead: 450 Roaring Run Road, Eagle Rock

If your kids need a destination to keep them going, tell them there’s a waterfall ahead. The 1.5-mile loop at Roaring Run follows a creek over rustic stone bridges before reaching Roaring Run Falls. Take the Streamside Trail up and the Woodland Trail back to pass the historic iron furnace. Roaring Run is in Botetourt County, just beyond Rockbridge County, and makes a fun family outing.

Good to know: On a hot day, bring swimsuits: there are places to splash along the creek and a natural rock slide if the water level is right. 

Before You Go

Check the trail or park page before heading out. Heavy rain can leave paths muddy, raise creek levels, or affect access. Pack water, snacks, and shoes that can handle a little dirt. If there’s a chance the kids will splash, toss a towel and dry clothes in the car.

You don’t need to cover every mile to call it a hike. Pick a route that works for your youngest walker, and leave time to stop for an interesting rock, a bird overhead, or a snack beside the trail. Those little detours are usually what the kids remember most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hike is best for toddlers?
Start with Boxerwood. The paths are short, and the Play Trail gives little kids plenty to do when they’re ready to stop walking. The Buena Vista River Walk and a short stretch of Woods Creek Trail are good options, too.

Do we have to hike the entire Chessie Nature Trail?
No. The trail is about seven miles from Lexington to Buena Vista, but you can start at either end, walk a distance that works for your family, and head back the way you came.

Which hikes have waterfalls?
Cedar Creek Trail leads to Lace Falls at Natural Bridge State Park. Roaring Run offers a 1.5-mile loop to Roaring Run Falls, with a creek to follow along the way.

Where can kids splash in the water?
Roaring Run has places to splash and a natural rock slide when water levels are right. Along the Chessie Nature Trail, you may find a safe spot to dip your toes in the Maury River. Check conditions when you arrive, and keep a close eye on kids around the water.

What should we bring for the Blue Ridge Tunnel?
Bring a flashlight or headlamp for each person, plus sturdy shoes and a layer for the cool tunnel. Glow sticks can help you keep track of the kids, but they won’t light the path.