Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, is a paradise for people who love to be in nature and check out local attractions. It is a land of picturesque towns, wineries and breweries, farm-to-table dining, and U-pick farms, all surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. This region also boasts the famous Shenandoah National Park, featuring Skyline Road, Luray Caverns, and numerous hiking trails. For those who seek history, the Shenandoah Valley played a crucial role in the Civil War and is a fascinating location for history buffs. With so much to do and see, planning your visit can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight things to do in Shenandoah Valley to help you create an itinerary that will ensure you experience the best of this beautiful region.
Where in Virginia is the Shenandoah Valley?
The stunning Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Alleghenies to the west encircle the Shenandoah Valley.
It is about 1 1/2 hours north of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and spans about 200 miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, to Roanoke, Virginia.
The 50-mile-long and 6-mile-wide Massanutten Mountain Range, which rises from the Shenandoah Valley floor between these two mountain ranges, is home to the enormous and well-known Massanutten Resort.
The Shenandoah Valley was formerly thought of as the American Frontier and was very important in the American Civil War, which will excite history buffs.
Shenandoah National Park Activities
The breathtaking Shenandoah National Park will likely be the top attraction when people look up things to do in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.
The park was established in 1935 and now spans almost 200,000 acres along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the park’s numerous waterfalls, 500 miles of hiking trails through lush forests, and 75 picturesque mountain vista points.
The famed Appalachian Trail traverses a significant portion of Shenandoah National Park.
1. Travel Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Road.
After the conclusion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Skyline Drive picks up the trail and continues 105 miles through Shenandoah Valley National Park on the crest of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the most scenic drives in the United States is this one.
Get ready for limitless vistas of the Massanutten Mountain Range, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Shenandoah Valley. Plan your route carefully to include hiking trails, places to picnic, the best places to see the scenery, and places to stay.
A viewpoint can be found every few miles. Despite the magnificence of each vista, you might get worn out. Planning your breaks carefully is important because the views on either side of the road vary.
While the West has more mountains and broad views of the Shenandoah Valley, the East is more mountainous with lush vegetation.
A few noteworthy vantage points include Range View Overlook, which offers one of the best views of the park’s northern region; South River Overlook, which is excellent for sunrise viewing; Baldface Mountain Overlook; and Moormans River Overlook.
There are numerous entrances to Skyline Drive, but the ones that allow you to travel from one side to the other—Rockfish Gap Entrance Station in the south or Front Royal Entrance in the north—tend to be the most well-liked.
The Thornton Gap Entrance is also well-known since a town where you can stay is close by.
One of the best activities in Shenandoah National Park is taking the Skyline Drive, which shouldn’t be rushed. We advise staying at Skyland Resort or Lewis Mountain Cabins, which are about halfway down the trip, if you want to spend a full day enjoying the drive.
Visitor Center at Dickey Ridge
We advise visiting the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center if you want additional details about the drive and the sights to view. You may acquire maps and information from park rangers there, which is to the north of the drive.
You can find out everything there is to know about the wildlife you might run into, such as black bears, and what to do if you do.
As there are none along the route, it’s also one of the few restrooms.
Get acquainted with the area, familiarize yourself with the treks, and learn about the ranger programs from the park rangers who are stationed here to serve as your resource for all things Shenandoah National Park.
2. Take a hike on the Dark Hollow Waterfall Trail.
The most well-liked and ideal hike for families hiking in Shenandoah National Park is the 1.4-mile loop hike to the Dark Hollow Waterfall. If you want to spend more time admiring the falls, give yourself at least an hour and consider bringing a picnic lunch.
From the first vantage point, which is not at the bottom of the falls, you can see the waterfalls the best. To reach the exact bottom of the falls, continue walking a short distance down the route.
The hardest portion of the climb out is from the bottom of the falls to the top of the falls, which is a bit of a steep ascent. After that, the ascent becomes more gradual.
If you have time, you can spend more time exploring the Big Meadows region. For example, you can stop at the Byrd Visitor Center and stay at Big Meadows Campground (or Big Meadows Lodge if you don’t like to camp).
The Rose River Falls is another well-liked hike where you can observe waterfalls and many scenic features. It leads to a stunning 67-foot waterfall and links to the Dark Hollow Waterfall Trail. It’s worthwhile to include this in your hike if you have the time.
3. Riding a horse at Jordan Hollow Stables
We enjoy horseback riding, and the Virginia Highlands are a lovely location to do it while taking in the scenery.
Horseback riding is an option across the little Hawksbill Creek and across the 140-acre property’s network of paths.
The trails at Jordan Hollow Stable wind through lovely farmland and provide a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.
4. Go around Downtown Luray
At the tourist center, be sure to look for the LOVEworks sign.
The Luray caverns and horseback riding are both close to Luray. Spend some time strolling through the tiny downtown and browsing a few neighborhood shops.
The 2-mile Hawksbill Greenway trail travels through town and along Hawksbill Creek. There are locations where you can soak your feet to escape the summer heat. We strolled across a small portion of downtown, passing the Cliffside Pocket Park and Butterfly Garden, two gorgeous public areas.
Visit The Valley Cork for a local beer or wine glass, or stop by Wide Porch Coffee for a superb cup of coffee.
5. Inhale the lavender scent at Purple Wolf Vineyard and White Oak Lavender Farm.
A favorite Shenandoah Valley activity is visiting the Purple Wolf Winery and White Oak Lavender Farm, both of which are about 20 minutes from Massanutten.
For a small fee, you can visit the lavender farm’s beautiful gardens, which include a labyrinth, farm animals, and chairs where you can sit and think. There is also a section that is accessible without a charge.
When you’re finished, grab some lavender ice cream for the kids and proceed to the wine tasting area and gardens for lavender wine sampling. A popular treat in the Shenandoah region is blackberry ice cream, which you may also enjoy (or look for wild blackberries when hiking).
You can sample six lavender-flavored wines from the Purple Wolf Vineyard (white, rose, and red). There are more conventional whites and reds to sample if lavender-flavored wine is too flashy for you. But head here if you’re seeking unique vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley.
The wine garden is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy. Make sure to live by the saying “Just Breathe and Relax,” which is attractively placed all over the farm.
6. Visit Chiles Peach Farm to Pick Fruit
Are you prepared for the best peaches you’ve ever eaten?
The Chiles Peach Orchard is located not far from the Shenandoah Valley National Park’s southern gate. Peaches, blueberries, and strawberries are available for picking in fields that offer stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A farm market featuring fruit, jams, apple cider doughnuts, and ice cream is also present.
7. Visit Blue Mountain Brewery to Sample Craft Beer
After you’ve finished picking peaches, proceed to the Blue Mountain Brewery, a popular stop for travelers on the Shenandoah Valley Road trip route.
the first rural brewery in the area to open its doors in 2007, and it opens at 11:30 a.m. You can see why it’s a favorite given its mountainous location, full-service restaurant, and wide variety of craft brews.
8. Visit Veritas Vineyards and Winery for a Wine Tasting
Did you know that Virginia’s top region for wine production is the Shenandoah Valley? The ideal place to learn about Virginia wines is Veritas Vineyards & Winery, which is adjacent to Blue Mountain Brewery and many other wineries.
Andrew and Patricia Hodson set up the vineyard in 1999 on a small horse and cow farm. This 20-year-old family business makes great wines, from sparkling whites to reds that are perfectly balanced.
The Shenandoah Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape into nature or explore local attractions. From the stunning Shenandoah National Park to the quaint downtown of Luray, there is something for everyone in this region. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas, pick their own fruit at Chiles Peach Farm, go horseback riding at Jordan Hollow Stables, and sample unique wines at Veritas Vineyards and Winery. With so many activities to choose from, planning your visit to Shenandoah Valley can be overwhelming. But with this guide, you’ll be able to create an itinerary that perfectly suits your interests and ensures that you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Virginia.
