Amherst County

Amherst County is an administrative county in Virginia's Piedmont region with diverse landscapes spanning forests, farmland, and water features. The area includes sections of the Appalachian Trail and contains several lakes that dot the terrain.

The county was established in 1758 when it was separated from Albemarle County and named after a British military commander. This creation reflected the colonial expansion into Virginia's interior regions.

The region maintains strong ties to farming, shaped by a long history of tobacco cultivation that later shifted toward fruit orchards. Visitors can see this heritage reflected in the rural landscape and at local farms today.

The area offers good opportunities for hiking, especially along the Appalachian Trail and in surrounding forests. A car is helpful for exploring since attractions are spread out and public transportation is limited.

A substantial stretch of the Appalachian Trail runs through the county, connecting several mountain peaks including Mount Pleasant and Cole Mountain. This corridor offers hikers some of the most varied terrain in the entire region.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1758

Capital city: Amherst

Shares border with: Rockbridge County, Nelson County, Appomattox County, Campbell County, Lynchburg, Bedford County

Website: http://countyofamherst.com

GPS coordinates: 37.61000,-79.14000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07