George Washington & Jefferson National Forests


There are far too many trails in this area alone to list here. Note that most trails in the region are not actually in the town of Warm Springs; there is a ranger office here, and staff can direct you to the best places to explore. Some favorites include the 1-mile Brushy Ridge Trail, which wends past abundant blueberry and huckleberry bushes, and the 2.3-mile Gilliam Run Trail, which ascends to the top of Beard Mountain.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Beartown State Park

23.93 MILES

A wooden boardwalk drops, climbs and twists for a half-mile through a wonderland of moss-covered boulders in a leafy forest. On the slopes of Droop…

2. Droop Mountain Battlefield

24.99 MILES

During the morning hours of November 6, 1863, a small force of Confederate soldiers on the upper slopes of Droop Mountain held off Federal troops…

3. Washington & Lee University

25.57 MILES

Named for George Washington and Robert E Lee, this pretty and preppy liberal arts college was founded in 1749. George Washington saved the young school in…

4. George C Marshall Museum

25.6 MILES

Many visitors to Lexington give this museum in the grounds of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) a miss. We counsel you not to do the same, as its…

5. Lee Chapel & Museum

25.62 MILES

This picturesque chapel inters Robert E Lee (1807–70). After Lee's death, Virginia sculptor Edward Valentine created its life-size 'Recumbent Lee' statue…

6. Stonewall Jackson House

25.73 MILES

One of the most revered generals of the south, Thomas Jonathon 'Stonewall' Jackson lived in this handsome brick Federal-style town house with his wife and…

7. Virginia Military Institute

25.77 MILES

You'll either be impressed or put off by the extreme discipline of the cadets at Virginia Military Institute, the only university to have sent its entire…

8. Virginia Military Institute Museum

25.82 MILES

This small but fascinating museum houses the raincoat Stonewall Jackson was wearing when he was shot by friendly fire during the Civil War, the stuffed…