Tye River to Massies Mill - Virginia Blue Ridge
This is the trail head for the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail. This was opened within the past year, and covers a short segment of the line between Piney River and Roses Mill (on the Tye River).
Photo from February 2004 courtesy Mike Palmer.
This is part of the right of way not used for a trail, near Lowesville, as seen from the location of the route 778 grade crossing.
Photo from Feb. 2004 courtesy Mike Palmer.
The Virginia Blue Ridge was a shortline that connected to the Southern (now Norfolk Southern) at Tye River, in Nelson County. The VBR served several quarries in the area.
This short line ran along the north bank of the Tye River, and then passed through the towns of Roses Mill, Piney River, Canopy, Lowesville, Buffalo Mine and Massies Mill. The right of way along the Tye River is still visible, and the bike trail segment (photo above left) is easily traced. Beyond Lowesville parts of the right of way are overgrown with trees and brush.
