Connecting Town & Trail
Waynesboro enjoys proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the region. The spring-fed South River, one of only two urban trout fisheries in the state, flows through downtown and is bordered by a two-mile paved Greenway trail.
Historic downtown features the vaudeville-era Wayne Theatre—now a world-class performance venue—as well as the P. Buckley Moss Gallery, Shenandoah Valley Art Center, and local shops and eateries. Festivals throughout the year make use of the river and numerous parks along its banks.
Plan Your Visit
Day Trip Suggestions
- Stop by Happ Coffee Roasters on your way into town for fresh-brewed coffee made with beans roasted in-house or pop into The French Press right in historic downtown.
- Continue exploring the downtown scene with a visit to the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, P. Buckley Moss Gallery, and the Wayne Theatre, which hosts world-class performances. Check out their schedule before your visit to see what will be showing, they also feature pay what you will events regularly like classic movie showings!
- Quench your thirst at Waynesboro’s own Blue Ridge Bucha that not only carefully crafts its kombucha from Blue Ridge Mountain water and organic ingredients, but also offers one of the only kombucha taprooms on the East Coast. Sip, sample, and relish each of the unique flavors—then get a refillable bottle to go. You can feel good that every part of the process—from brewing to flavoring to bottling—is done completely by hand and with the benefit of the environment in mind.
- Stroll along the South River Greenway Trail, a paved walking path along the river. If you like, catch-and-release fly fishing is accessible from the trail.
- Enjoy dinner at one of a dozen downtown restaurants like The River Burger Bar, featuring happy hour throughout the week, or grab a sub at Delly Up, or giant slice of pizza from Benny Stivale’s. If a buffet is what you’re looking for, head over to Ming Garden, a hiker favorite! There truly is something for everyone!
- End your day at Basic City Beer Co., where a natural spring pumps a million gallons of artesian water for use in Basic City Beer Co.’s award-winning beers. The brewery, housed in a former brass foundry, also has a live music venue, “barcade,” craft cocktails and brick-fired pizza. Check out The Foundry to see what shows are coming up.
Sunset Park Trails
Sunset Park, opened in 2024, features a one-mile wooded hiking and biking trail plus a quarter-mile walking loop circling its open lawn and meadow, with 3.5 more miles of trail on the way. It’s an easy, scenic spot to stretch your legs — but don’t head out too quickly; stick around for sunset and you’ll see exactly how the park earned its name.
South River Greenway Trail
The South River Greenway is a scenic, two-mile paved path following the South River from Loth Springs Trailhead to North Park. Flat and easy, it’s perfect for a relaxed walk, spin, or recovery mile, with mountain views, riverside scenery, benches, exercise stations, a bike repair stand, and interpretive signage along the way. It’s a favorite for locals and a refreshing change of pace for hikers passing through.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
The Blue Ridge Tunnel trail system offers two access points — a steeper western trailhead near Waynesboro and a fully accessible, primarily flat eastern entrance in Afton — leading to a 2.25-mile (one way) crushed-stone journey through a restored 1850s railroad tunnel. Inside, temperatures hover around 50 degrees year-round, and the passage turns completely dark at its center, so bring a headlamp and a sense of adventure. Open dawn to dusk, it’s a cool (literally) outing for hikers, bikers, history buffs, families, and even four-legged trail companions.
Humpback Rocks Trail
The Humpback Rocks trail near Waynesboro is a short but steep climb that rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley. This 2-mile round-trip hike gains elevation quickly, making it a favorite for those looking to earn a big vista in a relatively short distance. Rocky, rewarding, and unforgettable at sunrise or sunset, it’s a must-hike for anyone exploring the area.
A.T. CommunityTM Supporters
These businesses support the Trail by taking part in the A.T. CommunityTM Supporter program.
• Augusta Cleaners & Formals
• Basic City Beer Co.
• Best Western PLUS Waynesboro Inn & Suites
• Blue Ridge Bucha
• The Bowman House
• Bradford Staffing
• Delly Up
• The French Press
• Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
• Graham’s Shoe Service
• Happ Coffee Roasters
• The Fishin’ Pig
• The River Burger Bar
• Sam’s Hot Dog Stand
• Stone Soup Books
• River City Barber Shop
• Waynesboro Family YMCA
• Waynesboro Parks & Rec
• Waynesboro Public Library
Are you a business in Waynesboro, VA?
Join the A.T. CommunityTM Supporter Program!
Upcoming Events
Waynesboro knows how to have a good time! From outdoor concerts to art shows, enjoy family-friendly events year-round.
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Ben Schumin
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Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) has enhanced the mid-Atlantic outdoor experience since 1927, including 240 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The PATC maintains trails, shelters and cabins, and they make maps and guidebooks for outdoor adventurers.
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ATC Volunteer Program
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year.
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