South River Watershed Parks
All parks are open from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise indicated.
- Basic Park – 1405 Genicom Drive, Waynesboro, VA
Basic is a 30-acre park popular as a fishing destination. Anglers of all ages may test their skills fishing for bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout except from April 1 through June 15 when that area of the South River is designated as youth-only stocked trout waters (age 15 and under). Adults can assist youth only by baiting the hook, casting, and removing the fish from the hook. Adults may not assist with setting the hook and reeling in the fish (details here). A 45-by-55-foot picnic shelter that typically houses 10 picnic tables (exact number is not guaranteed) is available, but there is no electricity, no grill and no water. Port-a-potties are available year-round. (Park link)
- Constitution Park – 101 Short Street, Waynesboro, VA
Constitution Park offers an expansive green area in the heart of Waynesboro. The park is used to host concerts, festivals, tournaments, car shows, Civil War reenactments, and, on Saturday mornings from May to October, the Waynesboro’s Farmers Market. Both shelters at the park are equipped with electricity for use upon request. There are no grills or running water. Only the Dominion Shelter (24-by-36-foot shelter) houses picnic tables. This site was also designated as Virginia’s first Urban Trout Fishery. (Park link)
- Coyner Springs Park – 2091 Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro, VA
Coyner Springs Park is a rustic, 145-acre park where patient, quiet visitors can spot lots of indigenous wildlife like red-tailed hawks, woodpeckers, squirrels, fox, and even a deer or two. This serene park has a picnic area, several nature trails, a leash-free dog park, a 9-hole disc golf course, and lots of room for kite flying and walking or jogging. Restrooms are available generally April 1 to October 31, depending on weather and other conditions. (Park link)
- Crimora Park – 1648 New Hope-Crimora Road, Crimora VA
This 18-acre park features an upper park-like level with two picnic shelters (available for reservation), two playgrounds, and a restroom (seasonal); and a lower waterfront level for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. A walking trail, almost 1/2 mile in length, meanders through the park. The Crimora Community Center and two lighted baseball fields are located at the entrance to the park (Park link).
- Dooms Crossing – 31 Dooms Crossing Road, Waynesboro, VA
Dooms Crossing offers waterfront fishing, and a launch for kayaks, canoes, or other non-motorized boats. The handcrafted kiosk in the parking lot provides information about the site with a map of the adjacent segment of the waterway (Park link).
- Grand Caverns Park – 5 Grand Cavern Road, Grottoes, VA
The grounds of Grand Caverns Park provide a mix of open and forested habitats with easily accessible trails, numerous opportunities to observe woodland wildlife, and, of course, the caves. The park also offers shelters for picnicking, fishing areas, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, tennis and volleyball courts, a baseball field, driving range and access to the South River. (Park link)
- Humpback Rocks (Visitor Center) – Blue Ridge Parkway, Lyndhurst, VA
Trails range from one to four miles around Humpback Mountain with views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. Generally, the Humpback Rocks trail is marked with blue blazes on trees, rocks, and other natural features. At times, however, the trail is also part of the Appalachian Trail and may be marked in white. A single blaze indicates the trail continues straight while a double blaze indicates an upcoming turn. Allow one hour to Humpback Rocks, two hours to Humpback Mountain, and four hours to hike to the picnic area. (Park link)
- John E. Painter Park – 1100 20th Street, Grottoes, VA
John E. Painter Park offers shelters for picnicking, fishing areas, trails for hiking and biking, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, tennis and volleyball courts, a baseball field, driving range and access to the River. (Park link)
- Loth Springs Natural Area – Not ready yet. Plans are in place awaiting funding. (More info)
- North Park – 800 Bridge Avenue, Waynesboro, VA
This 14-acre park is bordered by the South River and is home to a section of the South River Greenway. North Park offers picnicking, youth baseball, basketball, and a playground. Restrooms are available from April 1 to October 31 (generally, depending on the weather and other factors). (Park link)
- Ridgeview Park – 700 S. Magnolia Avenue, Waynesboro, VA
A beautiful evergreen-lined lane at the south end of Magnolia Avenue welcomes visitors to this 85-acre park where benches line the bank of the South River. Ridgeview Park is home to several gardens and nature trails. There are two restroom facilities. The one in the Pool Pump building adjacent to the parking lot is open year-round, and the other in the Amphitheater building is generally open April 1 to October 31. (Park link)
- Rife Park – 801 Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro, VA
Rife Park is a small, intimate pocket park perched on the bank of the South River with areas for picnicking, fishing, and watching wildlife. The park offers two picnic tables and a boat ramp. (Park link)
- Schneider Park – 81 Wayne Avenue Stuarts Draft, VA
This community park features lighted, gated baseball diamonds, picnic areas & open green space. (Park link)
- South River Preserve – Construction underway. (More info)
- Stuarts Draft Park – 96 Edgewood Lane, Stuarts Draft, VA
Stuarts Draft Park features a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, two picnic shelters, an amphitheater and a playground. There are also two soccer fields, two little league baseball fields and a lengthy walking trail. Most of these features are available for reservation. (Park link)
- Sunset Park – Former Landfill, Waynesboro, VA
Opening soon! Park hours will be 6am to 10pm Sunset park offers mountain top views, a large pavilion with picnic tables, and restrooms. Bike trails have been constructed and more trails are to come. For up-to-date information, visit Waynesboro Parks and Rec on Facebook. (Park link)
- South River Greenway – Along the South River, Waynesboro, VA
The South River Greenway is an asphalt, shared-use path that runs 2 miles along the South River from Loth Springs Trailhead (near the YMCA) to North Park. The greenway’s route over flat terrain on a hard surface makes for easy walking and riding and the views of the river, parks, and mountains make it a favorite of residents and visitors alike. There are portable toilets, benches, exercise stations, and a bike repair station along the way as well as interpretive signage to learn about the history of the area. (Park link)
- Sherando Lake Recreation Area – 96 Sherando Lake, Lyndhurst, VA Sherando Lake Recreation Area offers a sandy beach off a 25-acre spring-fed lake open for swimming in designated areas. There are 25 lakeside picnic areas with one reservable group shelter that includes four picnic tables and an adjacent charcoal grill. There are ample hiking trails . Campsites are available for a fee. An $8 entrance fee applies to all vehicles up to 8-passenger capacity. See the park link for more information. The recreation area is open from early April to late October. (Park link)
