Just five miles from the start of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Humpback Rocks illustrates the blend of cultural and natural features that defines the rest of the Parkway. Hike to high rock outcroppings or explore 1890s farm buildings relocated during Parkway construction. Start your trip at the visitor center and learn about the many aspects of mountain life that defy stereotypes. Talk to a ranger for information and tour the museum’s exhibits about mountain life. Open seasonally

Historic Mountain Farm During Parkway construction, landscape architects collected historic buildings from the surrounding area and placed them at Humpback Rocks for convenient viewing. Although not in their original location, these buildings help tell the story of early life in the mountains. Tour the collection on a short walk from the visitor center. Buildings open and staffed in summer.

Grand Caverns was discovered in 1804 by Bernard (Barnette) Weyer while trying to retrieve one of his traps. Weyers Cave opened for tours in 1806, making it the oldest continually operating show cave in the U.S. It boasts some amazing and rare rock formations and is located just a short drive from Waynesboro.

This seasonal adventure park features go-carts, batting cages, miniature golf, and arcade games.

The Waynesboro Visitors’ Center, convienently located in downtown Waynesboro, has information on local hikes, the Blue Ridge Tunnel, local attractions, events and festivals as well as maps and travel guides all around the state of Virginia.

With ammenities like free Wi-Fi and restrooms, the Waynesboro Visitors’ Center is the perfect place to plan your trip or your itinerary in Waynesboro.

The Blue Ridge Tunnel trail system offers two access points to the tunnel:

The western trailhead is situated just east of Waynesboro at 483 Three Notched Mountain Highway and has 20 spaces and 2 oversized areas for small buses. The steep grade of the western trailhead may limit access to people with limited mobility.

The east trail is fully accessible, primarily flat and offers views of the active railroad line. The 56-spot parking lot can be found at 215 Afton Depot Lane.

The trail is just over 2.25 miles one way. The crushed stone path offers the explorer a chance to travel back in time to touch the original pin scars from the 1850s. Today, the tunnel is more cave-like and holds year-round temperatures of 50 degrees. In the summer, the tunnel will feel refreshingly cool and in the winter, welcomingly warm. The tunnel gets completely dark in the middle, so visitors are encouraged to wear headlamps or carry flashlights. Nearly 20 years in the making, the trail, which is open dawn to dusk, has something for everyone from railroad enthusiasts, hikers and bikers, history buffs, to cave dwellers. The tunnel is also a family-friendly and pet-friendly adventure!

Bring the kids downtown to the Blue Ridge Children’s Museum’s Natural Playground! Kids can enjoy an outdoor kitchen, sensory maze, building logs, and a rock slide amongst other activities. A community mural, Flower Garden, painted by artist Chicho Lorenzo, provides a colorful back drop.