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This smaller Visitor Center is definitely worth the visit. For one thing, it is the lowest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s right, we’ve gone from the highest to the lowest point in Virginia, all one tour! Features in the Center include information panels about the natural history of the Parkway area, as well as a ranger-staffed desk.

But don’t forget about the trails! There are two short trails that start from the Visitor Center. The Trail of Trees is an easy 30-minute walk through the woods which features plaques full of information about what you’re seeing. There’s also a pair of overlooks here, giving you a gorgeous view of the James River.

The second trail is another easy 30 minute walk called the Canal Lock Tour. It leads you over a modern footbridge and along a grassy path to a real, historic part of a canal. This lock demonstration has all of the information you could want about how goods and people were moved along the James River in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Finally, the James River Visitor Center features a large picnic area. There are abundant picnic tables in the shade. You also have a serene view of the James River as you eat!