Home Runs…

Beautiful hidden places to run in our neck of the woods  
By Mark Lorenzoni   

Each issue I’d like to take you for a run along one of our many wonderful local public paths and roads…

Back in 2005, a group of Louisa residents invited me to join them for a tour of a place called the “Green Springs National Historic District”...their hope was for the District’s roads to be  used, from that point forward, as a running and walking resource. I had  never heard of it before but, after making the surprisingly short drive east  and exploring the endless miles of beautiful gravel roads of this immense district, it was love at first sight! 

Designated in 1973 as a “National Historic District”, to help fend off encroaching development, so as to preserve the twenty pre-Civil War homes and beautiful farms, this stunning 14,000-acre enclave features close to 20 miles of rolling gravel roads with gorgeous horizon views of the wide open pastures and gentle piedmont hills. Enjoy!

Parking is available in front of St. John’s Church just to the right of the runner pictured here. Be sure to pick up after yourself, and others, if they left something behind. We are guests here.
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Don’t be surprised if a pup or goats joins in your run. The dog’s name is Roxy. Not sure of the goats’ names.  

Directions: Take 64 east to Route 15 at Zion CrossRoad. Take 15 North for about 2 miles. Look for East Green Springs road on your right and take that for 2 miles to public parking at St. John’s Chapel (built in 1888). Please have dogs on a leash at all times, as there are livestock in the fields along the roads. See map for running options.  ​