Waynesboro is a tucked away mountain town easily accessible from both interstates 64 and 81. It’s also a starting point for travelers headed south on the Blue Ridge Parkway or north on Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. Though the winter months make the latter two scenic drives hit-or-miss, the fun that lies within them is still accessible … if you know how.
Make Waynesboro your winter headquarters. There are cozy places to stay, delicious places to eat, handcrafted beverages to warm you from the inside out, entertainment for your evenings, and vibrant murals to brighten otherwise seasonally cloudy days.
Pure Adventure
Inclement weather easily and quickly closes access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them on foot. Access either via fire roads; snowshoeing and cross- country skiing are both possible and popular after a good snow.
When the Trail Goes Cold
13 Boundary Hikes to Love When Skyline Drive is Closed
Winter Recreation on the Blue Ridge Parkway
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Fun, But Less Risk
If you’re not prepared to be in a national park without guaranteed support nearby, perhaps a visit to Massanutten Resort is a more comfortable option. At about 30 miles north of downtown Waynesboro, Massanutten is a great option for snow sports of all kinds, including the aforementioned cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Wintergreen Resort is 20 miles south of Waynesboro on the east side of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Bundle up and bring a flashlight or headlamp to check out the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel. The old 1850s railroad tunnel through the Blue Ridge Mountains was abandoned in 1944 in favor of a larger adjacent tunnel that is still operational today. In 2020 the pedestrian-only tunnel opened to the public. Parking is available just off Route 252 at 483 Three Notched Mountain Highway.
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When You’re Ready to Warm Up
There are many great places to eat in Waynesboro. Some of our favorites include Heritage on Main, Stella, Bella and Lucy’s, and The Fishin’ Pig. But you can’t forget about the breweries offering great grub! Nobos Kitchen at Stable Craft and Lost Town Billy Pie at Basic City can be unexpected in their cuisine. This isn’t bar food, y’all.
Enjoy some indoor entertainment at Wayne Theatre. Perhaps you’ll catch a show by the Waynesboro Players or even a nationally known performer. [Calendar of Events]
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VisitWaynesboro.com is your best resource for all things local to Waynesboro. Search their lodging options to score a beautiful bed and breakfast stay, vacation retreat, or popular hotel.
Header image: Waynesboro. By Stephen Black.