WINTER  2023-- - HIKING -- Lots of fun times can be had on the trails around here now, weather permitting of course. Waterfall, Vista, Rails-to Trails , Virginia state park and Appalachian  Trail loop hikes to name a few are great options. We have  a nice urban loop  one Woods Creek Trail)  in the town limits which follows a meandering stream and it takes you  through both the VMI campus as well the Washington & Lee University one.  The easily accessible Natural Bridge State Park, just down the road with its  newly expanded trail system , is a favorite Winter hike  for our guests. The Chessie Rail to Trails is great 6 mile stroll down the scenic Maury River. Crabtree Falls in the National Forest  always comes to mind at this time and it will always energize you as you come face on with the different sets of cascades and falls.  Cold Mountain -Old Hotel Trail  in the George Washington National Forest is the Vista Hike of the Month. Part of it lies on the Appalachhian Trail, the summitt is the dessert at 4050' above sea level-360 deg view. E-mail any hiking questions please. John.

                              2021 petes cave  North Mountain vista 40 Miles-a favorite 

                                  2018 Warm Springs Hike               AWESOME     Bear loop vista -60 MILES   

The Lexington-Rockbridge County and surrounding areas have some of the finest hiking and other outdoor activities in the state of Virginia. Large parts of the forests closeby are state or Federal lands including the George Washington National and Thomas Jefferson National Forests. Most all of the trails are maintained, the Appalachian Trail is only 12-18 miles away.

  • HikingWoods Creek Trail - This easy walk is down a very delightful meandering stream and is just a 5 minute trek from the Lodge to reach. Many of our guests like to use it for an early morning jog or walk, you can get 3.5 to 5 miles in this loop. The fun part is you will get to see both college campuses, sight some wildlife and walk back up Main Street getting the lay of the town in the process.
  • Chessie Rails to Trails - a very scenic trail 5 minutes drive from the Lodge following the old railroad line down the fast flowing Maury River for 6 miles if you like. Great for wildlife viewing and wildflower study. Se the remnants of the old canal locks made of huge limestone stones. The graveled surface.. makes for great walking year round, cycling is also allowed.
  • The Old Hotel Trail or Cold Mountain Hike - within the George Washington National Forest. A 30 minute drive and it gets my highest recommendation for those who like to like challenging mountain hikes with great vistas. The hike is a loop 5.75 of which about 2 miles is done on the Appalachian Trail. Reward factor is the 360 degree view at 4050 ft above sea level. The old rock fences placed up steep grades by the mountain farmers to herd stock will impress you.
  • Crabtree Falls - rates at the top of the scale for waterfall hikes, a 45 minute mountain drive into the George Washington National Forest. The hike is up a small mountain stream with many sets of scenic and high energy wasterfalls. These falls as a wholeare the highest East of the Mississippi River, the 2 mile climb up the stream will give you a good workout. Many like to continue past the top to sample the Appalachian Trail. 
  • Goshen Pass - This area is 20 minutes away on Scenic Rt. 39 and nature does not get any prettier than this magical place. The Maury River cuts its way through a boulder strewn gorge surrounded by beautiful state forests full of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Swimming, tubing,kayaking and canoeing are big in the warmer months. several trails are available, a daily or seasonal permit is required to use the trails but not the area along the River. 
  • House Mountain Trail -This hike follows an old road up the 2 large tabletop Mountains west of Lexington about 6-7 miles from the Lodge . The moderate to difficult hike takes you into the saddle between the mountains, there are trails above that will take you higher on the 3800 ft above sea level mountain.
  • Brown Mountain Creek - This one goes down one of my favorite little Brook trout streams. This one starts about 17 miles  East of Lexington on Rt 60 and is actually  the Appalachian Trail. Lots of our Lodge guests want just a short sample of the AT and this one is nice little trek. You can do an down and back of 2-4 miles under a nice canopy of trees. The mountain stream always brings back happy memories for me.
  • Hike to the Lexington Reservoir - This is a dandy little hike across National Forest to the old City of Lexington 22 acre water supply lake. The Lake is home to some beautiful Brook Trout. Best times to hike this one are Spring and Fall. The trail head is about 25 minutes away off of the Blue Grass Trail.
  • Apple Orchard Falls and Cornelius Creek Trails -  located in the Jefferson National Forest minutes from the Lodge In Botetourt County. I love walking up the streams coming out of the Blue Ridge Mountains and an added bonus on this 7.5 mile loop part of this trail follows the Appalachian Trail. The Falls are great after wetter periods when water flows are higher.
  • Douthat State Park Trail - this system has some really nice vista hikes close to a small mountain lake, mountain bike trails also. 45 minutes away. Some make for excellent mountain biking. A lakeside restaurant is open Spring-Summer and Fall.
  • St. Mary Wilderness Area - includes a nice  hikeup a rhodendron lined Brookie stream, one trail will take you a popular swimming hole.
  • Rich Hole Wilderness Area - a favorite of mine as it follows North Branch in Allegheny County W of Lexington., nice vistas, great scenery and plentiful game sightings.
  • Peaks of Otter Trail System - Several different trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway  including The Johnson Farm, Sharp Top, Abbott Lake Walk  and Fallingwater combine vista, small streams and waterfall hikes. Enjoy a sunset and nice meal at the Peaks of Otter Restaurant.- 50 minutes from the Lodge.
  • Bear Loop- One of the most stunning overviews of  the Shenandoah  Valley , Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains all from 1 place high atop Warm Springs Mountain to our West.
  • North Mountain-Breath taking views in the National Forest.

BICYCLING AND MOTORCYCLING -  The many backroads in Rockbridge County Virginia, which surrounds Historic Lexington, make for some delightful bicycling and motorcycling. We have plenty of maps and books for your perusal in planning your riding vacation.

  • The Trans-America Bike Trail, which goes all the way to Oregon, passes right in front of A B&B at LlewellynLodge. Riders can start all of these rides from the Lodge and any direction  they take will always take to a nice destination.
  • One of our cylists' favorite loop rides is the Goshen Gallop) will features rolling hills, stream side  and mountain scenery, elevation change and the opportunity to do a picnic in one of Virginia's most spectacular natural areas, Goshen Pass.  Cool off in the warmer months in one of the many swimming holes. This can be a 45-65 mile loop depending on your stamina levels.
  • Other rides include a trip that will take you by the Natural Bridge, the breathtaking limestone formation that is one of America's true Natural Wonders.
  • Another loop ride takes you past 3 vineyards, a working Mill and 4 breweries.
  • Another ride takes you to a mountain lake which features a challenging hill climb or 2.
  • The 5 minutes away is the Chessie Trail, a rails to trail, open to cyclists. Experience the 12-14 mile down & back  journey along the very scenic  Maury River to the town of Buena Vista.

MOUNTAIN BIKERS can use certain areas in the National and State Forest. The State's Guys Run Game Management Area has some maintained roads near the Goshen Pass Naural Area but a daily fee is required. The North Mountain Trail is a more formidable ride at a higher elevation in the National Forest with some nice vistas.

FOR THE MOTORCYCLISTS we can offer several outstanding rides which can include the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Allegheny Highlands and even West Virginia. We have plenty of maps and other resource books to help you plan your one or multiple day rides.

  • One of our guests' favorites starts at the Lodge and takes you to the mountains of Bath and Highland counties, no red lights or heavy traffic to worry about. Excellent seasonal foliage shows coupled with good old mountain air with lots of curves to test your bike on this one.
  • Many like to ride back through the Bullpasture Gorge.
  • Another favorite is taking the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Skyline Drive and looping back Rt 340 , Rt 11 or other meandering  secondary roads. Vineyards are usually along the way.

ENJOY COUNTRY CLUB PRIVILEGES AT OUR LOCAL PRIVATE LEXINGTON GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, a 3 minute drive away. All of our guests love the golf course layout which is over 6800 yard layout with several undulating greens to challenge you. The back nine is on higher ground with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. A driving range closeby will help you get warmed up. Tennis by day or under the lights is also an option. Another public course, Vista Links with awesome Blue Ridge Mountain views  is 6 miles away. 540-261-4653.

HORSEBACK RIDING is always fun in our area, most times you guaranteed to see some great scenery, wildlife and more. We have several outfitters closeby who offer some great rides.

SPORTING CLAYS AT THE GLORIOUS TWELFTH – 1455 Brownsburg Turnpike, Fairfield, VA 24435. (540) 348-6214. An English Sporting Clay School with qualified coaching for the novice or experienced shot. Nestled in historic Brownsburg, VA, this school provides a private client approach that can improve your technique and increase your success rate. Facilities are also available for corporate and simulated driven game days. Coaching is provided by a British Association of Shooting and Conservation qualified shotgun coach, mentor and safe shot assessor. Special rates and multiple booking discounts available for shared bookings, young shot and ladies days.

GEMS OF GEOCACHING TRAIL - offers a treasure hunt that the whole family can enjoy using GPS coordinates to locate hidden geocaches. GPS units available on loan from the Lexington Visitor Center.  1-877-453-8922.