Find your way back to the fresh air and great outdoor activities in Shenandoah County. After a long cold winter indoors, it’s time to get out and enjoy the mild temperatures of spring. With over 178 miles of trails throughout the George Washington National Forest there is sure to be a way to breathe in the mountain air with a hike, a bike ride or a ride on horseback.
Start with a gorgeous stay in one of many “glamping” spots like BallyBrook Farm, The Black Bear Tent or stay right on the river in the Cottage on the Seven Bends. They offer rustic but comfortable accommodations where you feel like you’re camping in total luxury. The nice thing about these places is that you get to be outdoors with a few more of the comforts of home. Prefer to rough it? There are plenty of camping and cabin locations linked HERE as well as a variety of other types of lodging. You can fuel up for the day with an amazing breakfast at the Pancake Underground where they serve some of the most creative pancake and waffle dishes, both sweet and savory.
Fort Valley Ranch, located in a valley within the Shenandoah Valley is a wonderful spot to gather with friends and family for a ride through the mountains, over creeks and with waterfall views. One hour, 90 minute and half-day rides are available with a reservation. Fort Valley Ranch also offers accommodations for guests to bring their own horses with cabin rentals, RV hook-ups and rustic camping sites.
Another highlight in Fort Valley are the OHV trails. If you have your own Off-Highway Vehicle bring it out to enjoy the 36 miles of wooded trails with great views of the valley below. These trails represent the largest OHV trail system on public land in Virginia. You may access the trails at South Peters Mill Run Trailhead, Edinburg Gap Trailhead, and Taskers Gap Trailhead. Click HERE for a map.
For those who enjoy hiking, there are hiking trails to accommodate every ability from steep all- day hikes with rock scrambles and incredible views, to short, paved wheelchair accessible hikes also with incredible views. This is a great time of year as the redbuds begin peeking through the trees and wildflowers on the forest floors emerge.
One of the great perks of being in a rural and agricultural region is the fresh and local foods served. So many of the restaurants in Shenandoah County are committed to serving foods grown right here in the area. Places like The Woodstock Garden Cafe, Box Office Brewery and Penelope’s Cafe offer creative and thoughtful lunch menus with locally grown ingredients whenever possible.
For those who wish to try something new or check off a bucket-list item, Shenandoah County has you covered. How about a couple of rounds of Disc Golf? There are two great locations for Disc Golf with all skill levels in mind. At Limestone Ledges there is a course for intermediate to advanced and one for beginners and fun for the family. At Swover Creek, it’s a great place to go with a group in a relaxed atmosphere where after your round of disc golf you can enjoy a craft beer and wood-oven fired pizza.
As for the bucket-list item, treat yourself to the thrill of a lifetime at Skydive Shenandoah with expert tandem instructors for some of the most spectacular views.
Cover photo: Disc Golf at Swover Creek Farm Brewery
All photos courtesy of Visit Shenandoah County
