The perfect destination

Horseback riding, hiking, off-roading makes county an outdoor haven

Find your way back to mountains, rivers, fresh air and all the outdoor activities you love, whether on the ground, in the sky or on the water. Only 90 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah County is the perfect weekend destination.

With over 178 miles of trails in the George Washington National Forest, there’s plenty of room for horseback riding, or hiking on foot along trails of every difficulty level,

Shenandoah County Top 5

including some that are accessible by wheelchair and others with rock scrambles and steep climbs. All of them promise incredible views.

Shenandoah County also has the largest network of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails in the state, as well as options for road and mountain biking. Bryce Resort’s Mountain Bike Park features eight lift accessed trails with features unique to the resort. Trails at the resort range from beginner to advanced, some of which are more than 2 miles in length.

At Seven Bends State Park, one of Virginia’s newest state parks, visitors can put in kayaks, canoes or tubes and float the North Fork of the Shenandoah from one end of the park to the next, stretching one full “bend” of the river or about 1.5 miles. There also is a walking trail along the river and a few places where you can wade in or just get your feet wet.

Experience Shenandoah County by air and check off a bucket list item either with a thrilling tandem skydive or with a quiet trip through the valley in a hot air balloon.

Perhaps a different take on adventure would be the many great places to shop to find interesting or unique items, including an antique emporium, multiple flea markets, thrift shops, small boutique shops and art galleries. You could easily spend a weekend exploring the small towns that make Shenandoah County a truly special place, or stop in at one of eight different wineries and three breweries for a relaxing afternoon.

There are a variety of accommodation styles available from tent camping to “glamping” or hotels, home rentals and rustic cabins. Dining options include simple country-style diners, fine dining, unique casual fare and some of the best bakeries and coffee shops in the region. Many restaurants take advantage of the area’s abundance of fresh foods grown and raised locally. Find all of these things and more to plan your trip at VisitShenandoah County.com. Bring the whole family and find your way back to good times together enjoying the fresh air and outdoor activities.

Did You Know

The Shenandoah County Courthouse in Woodstock is believed to be the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the United States. Constructed in 1795, it has been serving as a courthouse for more than two centuries.

n Historic covered bridges: Shenandoah County is home to two historic covered bridges – the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge and the Hupp’s Mill Bridge.

n Wolf Gap Recreation Area: Located in the George Washington National Forest, the Wolf Gap Recreation Area in Shenandoah County is known for its unique “Lost City” rock formations. These sandstone formations resemble a city skyline and have been shaped by erosion over time.

n The Shrine Mont Retreat Center: Situated near Orkney Springs, the Shrine Mont Retreat Center is a tranquil retreat known for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. The center’s outdoor cathedral, made entirely of logs, is a notable and unusual feature.

n The Edinburg Mill: The Edinburg Mill, located in the town of Edinburg, is a historic landmark that once served as a Civil War hospital. Today, it is home to a museum showcasing the history of the Shenandoah Valley and hosts various events and exhibits throughout the year.

n The Great Chicken Escape: In 2018, Shenandoah County gained attention when a large group of chickens escaped from a poultry farm during a storm. The incident became known as “The Great Chicken Escape,” and local residents and authorities worked together to capture the wandering fowl.

GEORGE C. MARSHALL’S LEESBURG, VA