Tucked away in Mt. Solon in Augusta County, Virginia await one of the state’s most striking natural wonders: the Natural Chimneys. These limestone rock formations, which resemble chimneys, were actually formed during the Paleozoic Era when the region was completely underwater. Today, visitors can admire these fascinating and ancient rock formations along the North River. And the best news of all? This attraction is completely free of charge. Here’s more on why you’ll want to check out the Natural Chimneys, a place that tops our list of the best things to do in Virginia for free.
Imagine a time when the Shenandoah Valley was an ocean floor. It’s almost impossible to picture until you come upon truly otherworldly rock formations, such as the Natural Chimneys in Virginia.
Wikipedia
When the sea eventually receded, forces and erosion etched out these towering limestone formations. Today, these seven giant rocks remind us of a time long forgotten.
Wikipedia
Visiting Natural Chimneys Park is an experience that belongs on every Virginian’s bucket list, especially considering it’s free of charge.
jehenson81 / TripAdvisor
The Overlook Trail is a great way to gain a vantage point of the chimney tops and the surrounding landscape.
Wikipedia
What’s fascinating is that the formations seem to take on a different look depending on the angle, proximity, and even weather. Sometimes they look like abstract statues, while other times, visitors may be reminded of a Medieval castle.
Libby L / TripAdvisor
For those looking for a longer stay, there is seasonal camping available.
Natural Chimneys Park and Campground / Facebook For more information on the 165 sites available, be sure to check out the website here.
So whether you’re on a sight-seeing road trip or happen to find yourself in Augusta County, be sure to add Natural Chimneys to your itinerary.
jehenson81 / TripAdvisor
Have you ever seen the Natural Chimneys in Virginia? What did you think of your experience there? Feel free to let us know in the comments below! For more information on planning your visit, you can check out the Natural Chimneys Regional Park website.
Wikipedia
jehenson81 / TripAdvisor
Libby L / TripAdvisor
Natural Chimneys Park and Campground / Facebook
For more information on the 165 sites available, be sure to check out the website here.
Looking for amazing things to do in Virginia for free? There are lots of adventures in the Old Dominion that won’t break the bank!
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Address: Natural Chimneys, Virginia 22843, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things to do for free in Virginia January 09, 2023 Sarah M. What are some other free attractions and places to visit in Virginia? Exploring the Old Dominion can be done on a dime – or less! Here are some of our favorite things to do for free in Virginia:
Mt. Trashmore at Virginia Beach. Built on the site of an old landfill, Mt. Trashmore has turned trash into treasure with 165-acres of park space that has something for everyone. The park features picnic shelters, trails, two fishing lakes, a skate park, the “Kids’ Cove” playground, basketball courts, and more. As a Virginia Beach City Park, it is entirely free to the public. Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Speaking of our favorite beach… who doesn’t love sand, sun, and ocean? But Virginia Beach is much more than that. The beach offers year-round activities along the beachfront and boardwalk, including street performers, live music, sight-seeing, and much more. Just pack a picnic and enjoy the fun. When it comes to free things to do in Virginia, the beach is definitely at the top of the list.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum in Harrisonburg. Located on the beautiful James Madison University campus, this stunning oasis offers forested walking trails, botanic gardens, and a wide variety of educational resources. The arboretum is the only one of its kind on a college campus and is open to the public at no charge 365 days a year Williamsburg. Virginia’s largest living history museum is located at Colonial Williamsburg. While there are fees for some attractions, it is easy to spend a day, or days, walking through the masterfully recreated streets of Williamsburg for a look at life in colonial Virginia without spending a cent. Many reenactments, gardens, and countless exhibits are open at no cost to the public.
Frying Pan Farm Park. This Fairfax County park shows a beautifully preserved glimpse into farm life in the mid-1900s and is the last working farm in the county. See the blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and barns along with pigs, goats, cows, sheep, rabbits, and horses on this real-life dairy farm. There are also some other fun and family-friendly parks in Fairfax County worth checking out, too!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things to do for free in Virginia
January 09, 2023
Sarah M.
What are some other free attractions and places to visit in Virginia? Exploring the Old Dominion can be done on a dime – or less! Here are some of our favorite things to do for free in Virginia:
Mt. Trashmore at Virginia Beach. Built on the site of an old landfill, Mt. Trashmore has turned trash into treasure with 165-acres of park space that has something for everyone. The park features picnic shelters, trails, two fishing lakes, a skate park, the “Kids’ Cove” playground, basketball courts, and more. As a Virginia Beach City Park, it is entirely free to the public. Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Speaking of our favorite beach… who doesn’t love sand, sun, and ocean? But Virginia Beach is much more than that. The beach offers year-round activities along the beachfront and boardwalk, including street performers, live music, sight-seeing, and much more. Just pack a picnic and enjoy the fun. When it comes to free things to do in Virginia, the beach is definitely at the top of the list.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum in Harrisonburg. Located on the beautiful James Madison University campus, this stunning oasis offers forested walking trails, botanic gardens, and a wide variety of educational resources. The arboretum is the only one of its kind on a college campus and is open to the public at no charge 365 days a year Williamsburg. Virginia’s largest living history museum is located at Colonial Williamsburg. While there are fees for some attractions, it is easy to spend a day, or days, walking through the masterfully recreated streets of Williamsburg for a look at life in colonial Virginia without spending a cent. Many reenactments, gardens, and countless exhibits are open at no cost to the public.
Frying Pan Farm Park. This Fairfax County park shows a beautifully preserved glimpse into farm life in the mid-1900s and is the last working farm in the county. See the blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and barns along with pigs, goats, cows, sheep, rabbits, and horses on this real-life dairy farm. There are also some other fun and family-friendly parks in Fairfax County worth checking out, too!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring the Old Dominion can be done on a dime – or less! Here are some of our favorite things to do for free in Virginia:
Mt. Trashmore at Virginia Beach. Built on the site of an old landfill, Mt. Trashmore has turned trash into treasure with 165-acres of park space that has something for everyone. The park features picnic shelters, trails, two fishing lakes, a skate park, the “Kids’ Cove” playground, basketball courts, and more. As a Virginia Beach City Park, it is entirely free to the public.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Speaking of our favorite beach… who doesn’t love sand, sun, and ocean? But Virginia Beach is much more than that. The beach offers year-round activities along the beachfront and boardwalk, including street performers, live music, sight-seeing, and much more. Just pack a picnic and enjoy the fun. When it comes to free things to do in Virginia, the beach is definitely at the top of the list.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum in Harrisonburg. Located on the beautiful James Madison University campus, this stunning oasis offers forested walking trails, botanic gardens, and a wide variety of educational resources. The arboretum is the only one of its kind on a college campus and is open to the public at no charge 365 days a year
Williamsburg. Virginia’s largest living history museum is located at Colonial Williamsburg. While there are fees for some attractions, it is easy to spend a day, or days, walking through the masterfully recreated streets of Williamsburg for a look at life in colonial Virginia without spending a cent. Many reenactments, gardens, and countless exhibits are open at no cost to the public.
Frying Pan Farm Park. This Fairfax County park shows a beautifully preserved glimpse into farm life in the mid-1900s and is the last working farm in the county. See the blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and barns along with pigs, goats, cows, sheep, rabbits, and horses on this real-life dairy farm. There are also some other fun and family-friendly parks in Fairfax County worth checking out, too!
