Outdoor Recreation
The Shenandoah Valley is every outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! From hiking and biking trails to horseback riding and golfing, you’ll never run out of fun things to do. Here is a quick look at some outdoor hot spots in our area that we’re sure you’ll love just as much as we do.
Hiking
North Entrance: Front Royal, VA | (540) 999-3500
There are many things to do in Shenandoah National Park, one of those things being hiking. This 105-mile long park lies astride the Blue Ridge Mountains with long vistas into the Shenandoah Valley to the west and Virginia’s Piedmont to the east. The Appalachian Trail roughly parallels the scenic Skyline Drive along the ridge top and there are other ridge-top trails with side trails to overlooks and waterfalls. Open year round, weather permitting. If in doubt, call the number above for current road conditions in the park. For even more detailed information, you may benefit Guide to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive.
You’ll find there is a near endless list of hiking trails to explore within the Shenandoah National Park, great fishing on the rippling rivers, rolling country roads perfect for cycling and so much more.
George Washington National Forest
Fort Valley Entrance: Waterlick, VA | (540) 984-4101 Signal Knob is the distinctive peak most clearly visible from Vaucluse. The highlight of this challenging nine to 12-mile hike is the view from a famous Civil War signal station site. The National Forest has many other well-marked trails through thousands of acres of mixed-use land (one of the mixed uses is hunting – we don’t recommend hiking in late fall and winter in areas where hunting may be taking place).
Paris, VA | (540) 592-3556
The heart of this 1800-acre park was a gift to the Commonwealth of Virginia from Paul Mellon. Several short hikes leave from a restored 1840’s farmhouse and wind through a blend of pasture and woodlands.
Canoeing |
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Front Royal Canoe Company
Front Royal, VA | (540) 635-5440 Canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals on the Shenandoah River on novice to intermediate class waters. April through October. Luray, VA | (800) 622-6632 Similar to Front Royal Canoe Company, but located further away from Vaucluse. Good if you want to start and end your trip from the Luray area. |
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Horseback RidingHume, VA | (540) 364-3741 Guided trail rides on a 4200-acre working cattle ranch at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Front Royal. Open daily year round except Mondays. Reservations required. Private rides (walk, trot, and canter) are available Tuesday through Friday. Winchester, VA | (540) 868-9427 Working Angus cattle ranch. Rides led by a rodeo champion, the ranch Herdsman or one of their cowboys. Horses are all working mounts. Reliance, VA | (540) 636-4523 Trail rides on 450 acres of private trails. Trotting and cantering are welcome. Open year round. Reservations required. |
BicyclingWinchester, VA | (540) 662-5744 If you don’t want the hassle of taking them on a trip, you can rent from Element Sports! Located in Winchester just 20 minutes away from The Inn at Vaucluse Spring, this bike shop has everything you need to go on a leisurely pedal through town or explore some rugged trails. Winchester, VA The Winchester Green Circle is a lovely paved trail located about 20 minutes away from The Inn at Vaucluse Spring. During your pedaling, you’ll experience gorgeous landscaping as you travel throughout the area. When completed, this trail will connect some of the most popular attractions in the town such as historic sites, local favorites, and other major destinations. |
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GolfingFront Royal, VA | (540) 636-4653 Area’s finest. 27-Hole course rated 4 stars and a “Great Value” by Golf Digest Magazine. Mountain views from every hole. Winchester, VA | (540) 722-7111 Distinctive rock boulders, water, and orchards give this 18-hole course its character. Front Royal, VA | (540) 631-9661 The area’s newest 18-hole golf course. Washington Post says it has “a challenging layout and gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Front Royal | (540) 635-7814 Formerly known as Jackson’s Chase, this golf club provides a warm and inviting environment with great food and fun social events. Stephens City, VA | (540) 869-8600 Nearby and fun! Triple decker driving range, 9 hole golf course, 18 hole miniature golf course, practice sand trap and putting green. |