Amherst County, Virginia

Amherst County's location on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge and favorable climate draw many people to enjoy the many opportunities for recreation and relaxation outdoors.

 

Here are some of the opportunities people find:

 

The western boundary of Amherst County is formed by the Blue Ridge Parkway with miles of scenic driving along the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains and countless opportunities for relaxing stops.A map of the Parkway in Amherst County is available along with a description of the Otter Creek Campground, Restaurant, Gift Shop, and Visitors Center. If activities are what you're looking for, you will find an abundance of them for the entire family at Wildwood Campground located just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway on Route 130.

 

The Appalachian Trail, which extends over 2,000 miles from Maine to Georgia, passes through Amherst County. The Appalachian Trail and a number of other trails wind through the western part of the County in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which constitute over 57,000 acres of Amherst County.

The eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains are cut by numerous streams and rivers and dotted with lakes affording opportunities for fishing and boating. Many people enjoy fishing, float trips and kayaking on the James River, which forms the southern and eastern boundary of Amherst County.

Several public parks are located in the county operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which runs an active schedule of events. Additional information is available on the County's web site. 

 
Golf is a favorite activity, and there are many courses in the area. Amherst County has three excellent courses. Poplar Grove, rated one of America's ten best new courses in 2005 by Golf Digest, Shadow Ridge, and Historical Winton Country Club.

Skiing is less than a hour away (30 miles) during the winter at Wintergreen.