#1 Location
Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg offers the perfect basecamp for adventure whether your passion is rock climbing, advanced singletrack, fly fishing or leisurely hikes. Start your day watching the sun rise from Shenandoah National Park and watch it set from the George Washington National Forest. Then, spend your evening in Downtown Harrisonburg with friendly people, hearty local cuisine and hand-crafted beer.
#2 Cycling
Harrisonburg is a recognized bronze cycling destination and local Hillandale Park and Rocktown Trails offer 12 different sustainable shared-use trails with three levels of difficulty including stacked loop trails developed in part by the IMBA. Serious cyclists won’t want to miss the nearby Massanutten Mountain Bike Park featuring a lower lift which provides access to beginner and intermediate trails and an upper lift which offers advanced jump and singletrack trails for experienced riders.
#3 Hiking
Opportunities abound to hike in the Shenandoah National Park which is easily accessible from the Swift Run Gap entrance off Route 33. Try the Riprap Hollow circuit which leads to Chimney Rock and beautiful views as well as the steep descent to Dark Hollow Falls. On the other side of Harrisonburg, visit the George Washington National Forest and hike to High Knob Fire Tower. At an elevation of 4,107 feet, you’ll have incredible 360-degree views.
#4 Gear
Looking to pick up some gear or trail maps? The knowledgeable staff at Walkabout Outfitters, Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, Shenandoah Bicycle Company, Bluestone Bike & Run or Rocktown Bicycles are happy to oblige. They know the trails, have used the gear and can offer first-hand advice.
#5 Great Craft Beer
After a day of extreme adventure, ice cold artisan beer awaits in Downtown Harrisonburg at one of five craft breweries all within walking distance: Brothers Craft Brewing, Friendly Fermenter, Pale Fire Brewing, Restless Moons Brewing and Three Notch’d Valley Collab House. Pick up a Beerwerks Trail Passport and collect enough passport stamps to receive a free Trail T-shirt.
#6 Exceptional Food
Harrisonburg is home to over 200 restaurants from popular chains to award winning locally owned restaurants including the first Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint and Kline’s Dairy Bar, a local favorite since 1943. Whether you are looking for Benny Sorrentino’s, massive, 28-inch pies or Sushi Jako’s Loveboat of nigiri and sashimi you won’t leave hungry. For those looking for heathy options try an Acai bowl at Pulp or Quinoa bowl at Greens & Grains Café.
#7 Entertainment
There is no shortage of great live music playing at our restaurants, breweries, and wineries on any given weekend. Visit The Golden Pony to hear the best bands in the region. Looking for the perfect way to end a day of outdoor adventure, try axe throwing at Beards & Broads.
#8 Lodging
Consider spending the night in a cottage at By the Side of the Road Getaway Lodging or in a historic property like the Friendly City Inn or Joshua Wilton House. Harrisonburg has 25 name brand hotels to choose from as well as Airbnb options and the independent Hotel Madison within walking distance of Downtown Harrisonburg.
#9 Fishing
A perfect day fishing begins and ends in Harrisonburg whether you are looking to fish in the cold mountain streams of Shenandoah National Park or the mighty Shenandoah River or reel in some trout or bass at Lake Shenandoah or Silver Lake Mill. Harrisonburg has a variety of tackle shops: Dubby’s Fishing and Hunting, Mossy Creek Fly Fishing Shop, and Runion’s Hunting and Fishing with a wealth of expertise on the best fishing holes and lures.
#10 Experience / Locals
Harrisonburg has a friendly, knowledgeable, welcoming community where adventures can swap stories and advice and feel right at home. Harrisonburg is home to many outdoor enthusiasts from professional cyclist, Jeremiah Bishop who organizes the local Alpine Loop Gran Fondo to professional climber Lester Zook who offers guided caving, climbing and boating excursions. Come discover why Harrisonburg is Adventurous by Nature.
