Sunset Park
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Location
300 N. Winchester Avenue, Waynesboro
Setting
107-acre former quarry and landfill site
Outdoor activities
Walking, hiking and mountain biking
Park hours
Seasonal; confirm current hours with the City of Waynesboro
Sunset Park sits on a hill above Waynesboro, with open views toward the city and the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors can come for a walk, ride the trails, picnic on the lawn or pause at one of the overlooks. The park has a shelter, benches, restrooms and upper and lower parking areas; check the city's page for current hours and shelter-rental details before setting out.[1]
The park's setting is part of its story: it was created on a 107-acre city property that includes a closed landfill. After the landfill closed in 2003, the city developed plans to make the site available for passive recreation and trails. Sunset Park opened to the public on June 4, 2024.[2]
Plan a trip to Sunset Park
Why visit Sunset Park?
Sunset Park offers a different perspective on Waynesboro: its elevated location brings the surrounding valley into view, while its lawn, overlooks and trails make room for both a short stop and a longer outdoor visit. It is a city park rather than a developed visitor attraction, so the main draw is time outside—walking, riding, picnicking and watching the light change over the landscape.[3]
Start here
For a first visit, head to the upper lawn and overlooks to take in the broad views, then decide whether to stay for a picnic or explore the paths. The city describes a short loop around the lawn and meadow, as well as a longer network of hiking and biking trails that begins near the lower parking lot.[4]
What to see and do
Take in the overlooks
Pause at the viewpoints and look across Waynesboro toward the surrounding valley. Sunset is a popular time to visit, but confirm the park's seasonal closing time before planning an evening stop.
Walk the lawn loop
Follow the short walking loop around the lawn and meadow for an easy stroll close to the park's open space and views.
Explore the trails
Hiking and mountain-bike trails extend into the wooded parts of the property. The City of Waynesboro describes roughly four miles of trail; check local guidance for current trail conditions and use.
Bring a picnic
Use the open lawn, benches or picnic tables in the shelter for a relaxed outdoor break. Shelter reservations are handled by the city; confirm availability and booking details directly.
History and significance
The land now used for Sunset Park includes the site of a former quarry and the city's closed landfill. The landfill closed in 2003 in accordance with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality requirements. The city later set out to provide public access for passive recreation and create a trail system for walking and mountain biking.[5]
The city began working toward a park plan about a decade after the closure, with assistance from Virginia Tech's Community Design Assistance Center. In 2018, Waynesboro received a Virginia Department of Transportation Recreation Access Grant for improvements to the gravel access road. Construction began in 2023, and the park officially opened on June 4, 2024.[6]
Planning a visit
Sunset Park is at 300 N. Winchester Avenue in Waynesboro. The city lists seasonal opening hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in spring and summer, and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in fall and winter. Hours can change, so check the official park page before visiting, especially if arriving near closing time.[7]
The park has upper and lower parking lots, a year-round restroom, a picnic shelter, benches and open lawn. The trails begin near the lower lot; expect an outdoor setting and check current trail information before heading out. Contact the city for shelter rental arrangements and any questions about access or conditions.[8]
Nearby attractions
Waynesboro
Explore the Shenandoah Valley city surrounding Sunset Park.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Find more mountain scenery and outdoor destinations in Virginia's Blue Ridge region.
Shenandoah National Park
Plan a separate visit to the national park's mountain roads, trails and overlooks.
Virginia Scenic Drives
Browse scenic routes for a longer drive through Virginia's landscapes.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Sunset Park, City of Waynesboro, City of Waynesboro, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Sunset Park, City of Waynesboro, City of Waynesboro, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Sunset Park, Visit Waynesboro, Waynesboro Tourism. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Sunset Park, City of Waynesboro, City of Waynesboro, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Sunset Park, City of Waynesboro, City of Waynesboro, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Sunset Park, City of Waynesboro, City of Waynesboro, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Sunset Park, City of Waynesboro, City of Waynesboro, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Sunset Park, City of Waynesboro, City of Waynesboro, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.