7.4.15: On Independence Day weekend, we decided to make a visit down to one of our favorite places in Virginia, Nelson County. Why is Nelson County so great? It lies at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, affording visitors scenic views at each turn. What makes this area stand out from other parts of the state is the laid-back vibe and growing number of craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Trail running is very popular here, with easy access to the Appalachian Trail along the crest of the Blue Ridge.

Given that we haven’t been doing much mountain climbing lately, we were pleased to discover a less technically challenging option for our long run. The Blue Ridge Railway Trail extends nearly seven miles along the Piney and Tye Rivers in southern Nelson County. This trail features lots of shade (VERY important for July runs) and a gentle grade along the river. While most of the trail was in the woods, there were also views of horse pastures and wetlands. At the very end of my run, I saw what appeared to be a couple of cows grazing in a field. I stopped to take a picture and continued on, only to be startled a few feet ahead when the fence separating the trail from the farm was lined with cows just hanging out. They stared at me and chewed on their grass as I continued on to the trailhead.

Of course, our run would not have been complete without a visit to Devils Backbone Brewing Company for a cold brew on the Fourth of July!