Wintergreen trails for
elementary school kids
Make sure your children take on trails that match their skill level, size, and physical and emotional maturity. Children mature at different rates and physical abilities between kids of the same age vary widely. An eye on the weather is always wise in the mountains, but especially when hiking with kids. Check over these proven tips for hiking with young kids from Jessica Averett.
Looking for Wintergreen-area playgrounds for children? Go here.
The trails are open to the public
Trails in Wintergreen’s valley
Spruce Creek Park on Route 151
Children and the parenting and grandparenting networks around Wintergreen, Nelson County, and beyond are in agreement: The wooden swing sets made with branches, a huge sandbox pit, large rocks to climb on, a mud kitchen, and (most unique) a creek kids are welcome to play in (and more) that sits behind the Rockfish Valley Foundation’s Natural History Center on Route 151 south of Nellysford is awesome. More here
Wintergreen has over 30 miles of mountain and valley trails,
from extra easy to very challenging
Check out Wintergreen’s longer hikes and circuit (loop) hikes here.
Hiking trails difficulty ratings:
🟢 EASY: Generally level terrain, all abilities.
🟦 MODERATE: Varied terrain, short steep sections.
◆ DIFFICULT: Lengthy steep sections, rocky, possible water crossings.
◆◆ MOST DIFFICULT: Steep rocky sections, experienced hikers only.
The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen’s (TNFW) volunteers and staff maintain Wintergreen’s trails.
Guided hikes are offered by the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen on most Saturdays, with additional hikes during the fall and summer. Go HERE for the calendar of events.
Membership in TNFW help maintain the trails and preserve the area for years to come. Please consider becoming a member. Go HERE for membership.
Find the interactive trail maps of all of Wintergreen here.
Paper trail maps make for a more safe and enjoyable hike at Wintergreen. Maps are available at Wintergreen Resort's Mountain Inn and the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen.
You hike at your own risk
While Wintergreen is a resort community, know that most all of the mountain and valley trails here–like most trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains–insist on being taken seriously.
Follow this advice of experienced hikers of the Blue Ridge Mountains:
Do not hike alone.
Wear proper attire, including sturdy footwear.
Do not underestimate the terrain.
Carry drinking water and a snack.
Be aware of wildlife and respect its space.
Carry a hiking map.
Stay on marked trails to reduce your exposure to ticks and poison ivy.
Be aware of your limitations.
Know that the weather can change rapidly. Weather is different in the mountains.