With a little imagination and good hiking shoes, one can visualize how important the locks were to the Rockbridge County and its economy. The locks, known by different names over the years, make tracking a bit of a challenge. To see more easily accessible ruins of the canal, begin by taking Rt. 60 East toward Buena Vista. On the left about 4.2 miles is Ben Salem Wayside Park.
Rubble remains of the dam, but the locks are in good condition.
Continue east on Rt. 60 into Buena Vista. Following along the river occasional sights of ruins remain. At the first stoplight make a right onto Rt. Drive through Buena Vista toward Glasgow, turn right about 4.8 miles past Buena Vista onto Rt.