Boondocking host near Afton, VA

30 min-Charlottesville, 20 min-Staunton, 10 min-Waynesboro There's a parking area just past our property that accesses a 1/2 mile to access the eastern portal of Claudius Crozet's 4200-foot-long Blue Ridge tunnel. Completed after 9 years in 1859 it was the first tunnel ever to be simultaneously dug from both ends. You can walk the length, bring a flashlight and jacket. As trains got bigger the old tunnel was abandoned and a parallel tunnel opened in 1944. The new tunnel services scheduled Amtrak service 3 days a week along with bulk freights and empty westbound coal cars. In a 24-hour period, we may have 0-3 trains. There's no schedule for the freights. Nearby Route 6 stays mostly quiet outside of commuting hour We like dogs. We enjoy socializing with our guests when weather permits but it's not a requirement. Suggested local Attractions: The tunnel of course and Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nearby Waynesboro hosts occasional festivals and we like Basic City Brewery (just 10 minutes away) serves up some great beer and pizza in an old foundry. Nelson County is well known for its wide variety of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Look up "151 Brew Ridge Trail" Veritas Winery is a mile down the road and Cardinal Point is another favorite. American history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts will also have plenty to keep them busy. Here is a short list of attractions all within a 45-minute drive: the cities of Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, and Staunton. Jefferson's Monticello and the University of Virginia. James Madison and VMI. Woodrow Wilson's Birthplace. The Frontier Culture Museum. Nelson 151 There are also a number of easily accessible day hikes such as Humpback Rocks, Calf Mountain, Riprap Trail, St. Mary's Trail, Crabtree Falls, and many others.