Farms and land in Rockbridge County are favorites with developers, investors, homebuyers and sportsmen due to great access via I-64 and I-81, rural tranquility and abundant wildlife, a skilled workforce and the cultural offerings of two nearby major universities. Located in the Appalachian region, Rockbridge County land is adjacent to Bath, Augusta, Nelson, Amherst, Bedford, Botetourt and Allegheny counties. The 601-square-mile county is home to 22,752 residents. The county’s highest point is the top of Rocky Mountain, which is 4,032 feet high. Rockbridge County farmland includes 134,789 acres, and livestock and poultry are 83% of agricultural sales. Twenty-nine percent of farmland remains wooded. Hunters stalk deer, bears, turkey, grouse and other small game both on private and public lands that include parts of the George Washington National Forest, Jefferson National Forest and the state's Goshen-Little North Mountain Unit. Fishermen enjoy wetting a line in the many creeks, lakes and rivers. Brown and occasional brook trout are found in spring-fed Buffalo Creek. Fishermen go to Maury and James rivers to take small- and largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill. Attractions include the Natural Bridge Caverns, Stonewall Jackson House and Virginia Horse Center. Rockbridge County Schools provides K-12 public education. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute offer higher learning.
