Car‑Light Living from Uplands: Trails and the Silver Line

Wish you could swap a few car trips each week for fresh air, river views, and errands on foot? If you live in or near Uplands in Covington, you can. With the Jackson River Scenic Trail close by, a compact downtown that keeps improving, and a few regional transit options, car-light living is realistic most days. In this guide, you’ll see how to tap into trails, buses, and rail for a simpler, more active routine. Let’s dive in.

Why car-light living works in Covington

Jackson River Scenic Trail access

The Jackson River Scenic Trail is a multi-use, finely crushed gravel path that follows the river for roughly 14 to 16 miles with several trailheads. The Intervale Trailhead sits just outside downtown Covington, putting daily walks, runs, family rides, and scenic spins within easy reach. You’ll find restrooms at trailheads and picnic spots along the way. Learn more about access points and amenities on the official trail page at the Jackson River Scenic Trail site.

Rentals, e-bikes, and shuttles

No bike? No problem. Alleghany Outdoors operates at the Intervale area and offers bike and e-bike rentals, plus shuttles that make one-way rides simple. They also provide kayak and tubing trips on the Jackson River, which means more outdoor fun without a full day of driving or hauling gear.

Getting around without the car

Local bus for everyday trips

RADAR Transit’s Mountain Express runs a deviated fixed-route service that links Covington with nearby towns like Clifton Forge and Iron Gate. It’s a low-fare, rural bus option that can deviate short distances for ADA riders. Service is not high frequency, so you’ll want to plan ahead for errands and appointments. See details on the Mountain Express service overview.

Rail for occasional longer travel

For city visits or regional trips, Amtrak’s Cardinal line stops at Clifton Forge, about 10 to 15 miles from Covington depending on your route. The Cardinal operates tri-weekly, so it’s best for planned travel rather than a daily commute. Check station and route details on Amtrak’s Clifton Forge station page.

Taxis, rideshare, and airports

Taxis and rideshare apps operate in the area, though availability can vary in small markets. For flights, Covington residents typically use Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport or Greenbrier Valley Airport. The city provides a helpful roundup of options on its transportation page.

Downtown errands on foot

Olde Town Covington is getting better for walking

Covington is investing in a more walkable, vibrant downtown through the Virginia Main Street program. Projects focus on historic preservation, storefront improvements, sidewalks, and public space upgrades that support a compact, pedestrian-friendly district. Explore the city’s designation and goals in this Virginia Main Street update. Zoning also supports a pedestrian-oriented town center, which you can see in the municipal code.

A sample car-light day from Uplands

• Morning: Walk or bike to the Intervale area for a riverfront ride, or take a short stroll on the trail before work.
• Midday: Hop on the Mountain Express for an appointment or quick errand if it fits your schedule.
• Afternoon: Pick up groceries at a nearby store like Food Lion on South Craig Avenue, then head home on foot or bike if you are close.
• Evening: Meet friends downtown for dinner and a relaxed walk back.

Weekend nature escapes without long drives

Lake Moomaw, Falling Spring Falls, and Douthat State Park are popular nearby outdoor spots for hiking, fishing, paddling, and scenic views. These destinations pair well with the trail network, giving you a full menu of low-drive adventures. A quick overview and local context are available via the Jackson River Scenic Trail’s site.

What car-light does not mean here

Covington offers strong ingredients for a walkable routine, but it is still a small, rural city. There is no commuter rail, and bus service is not high frequency. Think car-light, not completely car-free: trails for daily activity, downtown for many errands, and transit or taxis for occasional trips.

Quick tips to live car-light in Uplands

• Map your nearest route to the Intervale Trailhead and downtown so short trips feel easy.
• Use e-bikes for hills and cargo to replace more car errands.
• Check Mountain Express times and build errands around the schedule.
• Budget for a few taxi or rideshare trips each month for appointments or airport rides.
• Verify trail conditions before big rides, especially after storms or in winter, using resources like TrailLink’s Jackson River page.

Ready to find a home that fits a walkability-first lifestyle? Reach out to Eve M Thompson for thoughtful guidance and a plan that supports how you want to live.

FAQs

How close is the Jackson River Scenic Trail to downtown Covington?

• The Intervale Trailhead is just outside downtown, making the trail convenient for daily walks and bike rides with river views.

What is the Mountain Express bus and how does it work?

• It is a low-fare, deviated fixed-route service connecting Covington with nearby towns; expect rural transit frequency and plan trips ahead.

Can I realistically live car-free from Uplands in Covington?

• You can go car-light for many days using the trail and downtown amenities, but most residents still rely on a car for some trips.

What are my options for longer trips without driving far?

• Use Amtrak’s Cardinal at Clifton Forge for planned regional travel, and consider Roanoke-Blacksburg or Greenbrier Valley for flights.

Where can I rent bikes or get a trail shuttle?

• Alleghany Outdoors at the Intervale area offers bike and e-bike rentals plus shuttles for one-way rides on the Jackson River Scenic Trail.