Campus
Nestled in foothills of Virginia’s majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Southern Virginia University’s beautiful campus is home to a friendly and engaging community whose collective motto is Love One Another.
“This Campus Has Serenity Conducive to Learning…”
“…not all campuses have such a sense of peace. I think that’s why the Lord chose mountain tops and sacred groves for his teachings. When the rush, noises, and pressure of everyday life do not distract us, we can more easily connect with the Spirit of the Lord.”
— Elder Ronald A. Rasband, New tabSept. 16, 2016
Good Views Only
Experience life in the heart of Virginia’s idyllic Shenandoah Valley, where you are surrounded by vibrant green hills, rolling rivers, and charming red brick towns. Our town, Buena Vista, means “good view” in Spanish—and it lives up to its name. The surrounding views are spectacular.
A National Park in Your Backyard
Explore the wonders of our nearby Shenandoah National Park—home to the world-famous Appalachian Trail with its picturesque hikes, sparkling waterfalls, and quiet caves—one of the most photographed places in America.
Explore Local Activities
With so much to do in our surrounding area, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Use the menu below to find popular locales based on activity.
Dinky Hill
The trails behind the Lofts wrap around Dinky Hill
New tabThe Chessie Trail
Trail begins by Hwy 60 in Buena Vista at the bridge that crosses the Maury
New tabReservoir Hollow Trail
Trail begins at 12th street
The Flood Wall
Entrance at 21st or 10th street
New tabBluff Mountain
20-minute drive to trailhead
New tabAppalachian Trail
20-minute drive to access
New tabHouse Mountain
30-minute drive to trailhead
New tabThe Devil’s Marbleyard
30-minute drive to trailhead
New tabMount Pleasant
40-minute drive to trailhead
New tabCole Mountain
40-minute drive to trailhead
New tabSpy Rock
40-minute drive to trailhead
New tabSharp Top
45-minute drive to trailhead
New tabMcAfee Knob
1-hour drive to trailhead
New tabDragon’s Tooth
1-hour drive to trailhead
New tabTinker Cliffs
1-hour drive to trailhead
New tabNatural Bridge State Park
20-minute drive
New tabThe Foot Bridge
30-minute drive
New tabHigh Bridge Trail State Park
2-hour drive
New tabStatons Creek Falls
20-minute drive
New tabPanther Falls
30-minute drive to trailhead
New tabCrabtree Falls
45-minute drive to trailhead
New tabFalling Spring
1-hour drive
New tabLake Robertson Recreation
30-minute drive to campsite
New tabOtter Creek
30-minute drive to campsite
New tabPeaks of Otter
45-minute drive to campsite
New tabBlue Ridge Parkway
8-minute drive to access point
New tabRoute 39: Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway
10-minute drive to access point
New tabBen Salem Wayside
5-minute drive
New tabJordan’s Point Park
12-minute drive
New tabCave Mountain Lake Recreation
35-minute drive
New tabDouthat State Park
45-minute drive
Plan Your Campus Visit
There is no feeling quite like being on campus. That’s why we’ll reimburse 20 cents per mile up to $400 of your travel expenses so you can experience it for yourself!
East Coast Style
We’re ideally located within a few hours drive of many must-see destinations in the United States. See which nearby cities, history, and adventures you can explore with your classmates and friends with Southern Virginia University as homebase.
Link to east coast pageExplore