| Betsy Bell Wilderness Park |
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This park offers a magnificent view of the Shenandoah Valley from its observation platform (elev. 1,959 feet), which looks due east toward the Blue Ridge Mountains. The summit has picnic facilities and an observation area. The park may be reached by turning onto Betsy Bell Road from Greenville Avenue (Route 11). Mountain bikers may wish to test their endurance by tackling the entire length of the access road. It offers a difficult climb, a breathtaking view, and an exciting downhill run. Hikers will find a welcome natural area to explore and may catch a glimpse of the deer herd which haunts the slopes. |
540-332-3945
Betsy Bell Rd.
Staunton
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| Blue Ridge Parkway |
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Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular components of the National Park System. "America's Favorite Drive" winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past seemingly endless vistas. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway by car or motorcycle or take it a little slower by bicycle. |
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| Confederate Breastworks Trail on Shenandoah Mountain |
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Elevation: 2875 ft. Located less than 2 miles west of Ramsey's Draft, this site is not only a mountaintop summit, but it is also bears historical significance as one of Virginia's preserved Civil War battlefields. This site offers a walking tour (winding, half mile loop) with interpretive signage along the Confederate Breastworks on Shenandoah Mountain. At an approximate elevation of 3500 feet, this is also a wonderful site for hawk-watching in the fall. The scenic views from an open vista along this county-line mountain peak attract most travelers along US 250. The Shenandoah Mountain Trail runs north and south along the crest of the mountain. Hiking trails also lead down to the Ramsey's Draft watershed. |
540-885-8028
North River Ranger District
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| Crabtree Falls |
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The Crabtree Falls Trail features a series of five cascades and a number of smaller ones that fall a total distance of 1,200 feet. The trail provides views of the falls from overlooks constructed to accent the beauty of the valley. The first overlook is just 700 feet from the lower parking lot, making it an excellent stopover for travelers. The more adventuresome hiker may continue to Crabtree Meadows where the trail ends, or to the Appalachian Trail, which is just one half mile beyond Crabtree Meadows. |
11581 Crabtree Falls Hwy. (Rt. 56)
Montebello
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| George Washington and Jefferson National Forest |
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These two national forests stretch from one end of Virginia to the other, as well as extending into West Virginia, along the ruggedly beautiful Appalachians. Virtually every type of outdoor recreation activity you can imagine is available. Of course hiking, fishing, mountain bicycling and camping lead the way, but don't forget hawk watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, nature photography, and orienteering. |
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| Gypsy Hill Park |
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A sprawling 214 acre park that includes a public golf course, football and baseball stadiums, a gymnasium, a lake, two playgrounds, three youth baseball fields, a public swimming pool, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, the Gypsy Express Mini Train, the Duck Pond and a bandstand. Pavilions with modest outdoor cooking facilities and picnic tables are spread throughout the park. 1.3 mile circular roadway is a designated play street and is suitable for walkers, bicyclists and rollerbladers. Hours: M-Su 4:00 am-11:00 pm Fees: Free (pool and certain athletic games have entrance fees) |
540-332-3945
600 Churchville Ave.
Staunton
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| Humpback Rocks |
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Visitors can tour a collection of nineteenth-century farm buildings. The area also houses a visitor center with exhibits, a picnic area, and trails. Interpretive programs during the summer months, staffed with costumed rangers who demonstrate mountain crafts and skills. Hike to the top of Humpback Rocks for spectacular views. |
Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
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| Montgomery Hall Park |
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148 acres of rolling hills offers quiet woodlands and hiking, fitness and birding trails. The park also has softball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, a disc-golf course, soccer complex and a public swimming pool. Hours: M-Su 4:00 am-11:00 pm Fees: Free (pool and certain athletic games have entrance fees) |
540-332-3945
1000 Montgomery Ave.
Staunton
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| Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness |
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Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness in the George Washington National Forest is a rugged and steep piece of land on the eastern side of Shenandoah Mountain, a region redolent with memories of America's Civil War. One of the largest tracts of virgin forest left in the eastern United States has been preserved here. Among the variety of plants you may see are some virgin hardwoods and hemlocks standing in the upper elevations and a more typical Appalachian forest of tulip poplar, red oak, and basswood. Watch for deer, bear, and the many smaller mammals that inhabit the woods of Virginia. |
540-885-8028
North River Ranger District
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| Shenandoah National Park |
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Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness. |
540- 999-3500
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| Sherando Lake |
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Known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sherando's beauty and history are part of the lives of several generations of Virginians. Families bring their children to Sherando and relive memories of their own parents bringing them. Swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking and camping are among the activities you can enjoy. |
Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District
96 Sherando Lake Rd.
Lyndhurst
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| Skyline Drive |
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Skyline Drive, the only public road through Shenandoah National Park, rides the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles through the park, then joins the Blue Ridge Parkway which connects [the Skyline Drive to...] Shenandoah to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC. |
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| St. Mary’s Wilderness |
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The U.S. Congress designated the Saint Mary's Wilderness in 1984 and it now has a total of 9,835 acres. The largest Virginia Wilderness on national forest land, it is located in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. It has elevations ranging from 1,700 feet to 3,400 feet, and includes 17 miles of trails. Along the Saint Mary's you can fish for native trout, walk through rhododendron and mountain laurel, and discover a lovely waterfall. The area was mined for iron ore and manganese until the mid-1900s, and evidence of those bygone days remains along the Saint Mary's River Gorge. |
Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District
Steeles Tavern
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