Come August, there’s really only one place to be around here: in the water. The rivers threading through this valley are one of Wintergreen’s least-advertised and most-loved assets and on a hot afternoon, they’re the whole point of summer.
The rivers
The Rockfish River runs right through the valley below the mountain, and it’s the go-to for a lazy tube float. The Tye is smaller and wilder in stretches; the Appalachian Trail even crosses it on a swinging bridge, which is worth the walk whether or not you get in. And the James, a bit further out, opens up into the classic wide-water float that turns an afternoon into a day.
Tubing, paddling, or just wading in
Local outfitters make it easy! They’ll set you up with tubes or kayaks and handle the shuttle, so you can float down and not think about how you’re getting back. For families with little ones, the shallow, slow stretches are perfect for an afternoon of wading and rock-hunting.
Lake Monocan is open to the public Sunday – Friday, with access limited to registered Wintergreen Resort guests, Members and Guests of Members on Saturdays. Click here for more information.
Or, make a day of it – James River Reeling & Rafting and James River Runners offer a number of canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and other floating excursions.
Where the fishing is
For anglers, the stocked trout streams around Nelson County are a genuine draw, and quieter than you’d expect. There’s a reason people who fish tend to fall hard for this valley.Beginners, start your fly fishing journey at the Resort with a 4-hour hands-on course – just bring your hat and sunglasses.
Fishing on the Rockfish River happens October – May. Learn more via the Nelson County visitors guide. A bit further afield, South River Fly Shop in Waynesboro offers expert regional guidance, plus guided float trips. Middle River Outfitters in Staunton will customize a trout and smallmouth bass guided fly fishing adventure just for you.
Mountain mornings, river afternoons
There’s a rhythm many of us settle into in August, and it looks something like this: a hike or a round of golf while it’s still cool, lunch somewhere on Route 151, then down to the water for the afternoon. Dinner may be at home on the deck, or out for a bite and some local music.
It’s not a bad way to spend a Saturday and up here, it’s a just a normal Saturday.
If a summer built around rivers, trails, and long evenings sounds right, we’d love to help you find your spot. Fifty years on this mountain means we know exactly which properties put you closest to the water.
Wintergreen Real Estate has served this mountain since it was founded in 1974. We are the resort’s exclusive real estate partner, tied to its original developers, and the area’s most experienced firm.
