Things to do in
the Shenandoah Valley.

500 miles of maintained trail from easy overlook walks to multi-day backcountry routes. Old Rag Mountain is the park's most iconic hike — book a day-use permit well in advance.

The AT runs the full length of Shenandoah National Park along the Blue Ridge. Multiple access points from Skyline Drive. Section hikes from Front Royal to Waynesboro are popular.

1.8 million acres of national forest with hundreds of miles of trail and far fewer crowds than the national park. Ramseys Draft Wilderness, Highlands Scenic Tour, and Signal Knob are highlights.

The Massanutten ridge offers challenging ridge-line hiking between Front Royal and Harrisonburg. Signal Knob at the north end has exceptional 360° views of the valley.

One of Virginia's most photographed hikes. A rocky scramble to a dramatic quartzite spire with views of the southern valley. Moderately strenuous, 4.7 miles round trip.

75 named overlooks along the 105-mile drive. Many are reached by short walks of under a mile. Hawksbill Summit, Stony Man, and Bearfence Mountain are among the best.

The largest caverns in the eastern US and Virginia's most visited attraction. The Great Stalacpipe Organ — genuine stalactites tapped to produce music — is unlike anything else on earth. Stays 54°F year-round.

The only Virginia cavern with elevator access. Features unique "bacon" formations and diamond cascade formations. American Celebration on Parade museum on site.

105 miles along the Blue Ridge crest from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap. Speed limit 35mph by design. Fall foliage drive ranks among the finest in the East. Annual pass or fee required.

Six thousand acres of four-season resort. Skiing and snowboarding December–March, water park May–September, golf, mini-golf, and adventure activities year-round.

Living history museum with relocated working farms from England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa alongside a frontier Virginia farm. Outdoor, immersive, and underrated.

The birthplace and presidential library of the 28th president. The 1856 manse and restored garage containing Wilson's 1919 Pierce-Arrow presidential limousine are both remarkable.

A cluster of wineries in the Page Valley with Blue Ridge backdrop views. Rappahannock Cellars, Wisteria Farm & Vineyard, and Cave Ridge Vineyard are the anchors.

Over 30 wineries from Winchester to Waynesboro organized into a self-guided wine trail. The valley's German heritage makes it particularly suited to Riesling and aromatic whites alongside bold reds.

The valley's apple-growing heritage has produced a strong craft cider scene. Potter's Craft Cider, Blue Toad Hard Cider, and Bold Rock Cider all have valley connections or tasting rooms.

Multiple outfitters run tubing trips on the South Fork near Luray and the main stem near Front Royal. Typically May–September. One of the most popular summer activities in the valley.

Both forks of the Shenandoah offer excellent flatwater paddling. Outfitters provide rentals, shuttles, and guided trips. The South Fork from Luray to Bentonville is a classic float.

The SVBT is a 26-mile route on low-traffic valley roads connecting Harrisonburg to Staunton. The valley's flat floor makes it accessible to casual cyclists. Road and gravel options abound.

The South Fork of the Shenandoah and numerous mountain tributaries support wild and stocked trout fisheries. The Rapidan and Staunton Rivers are noted wild trout streams.

Old Rag Mountain's lower slopes and Seneca Rocks (just west of the valley) are premier climbing destinations. The valley's quartzite ridges offer quality traditional climbing.

The George Washington National Forest has numerous swimming holes on national forest land. Statons Creek Falls and Bald Mountain Lake are locally loved spots with no crowds.

Full indoor/outdoor water park at Massanutten Resort. Open May–September outdoors, year-round indoors. Best booked in advance during summer peak weeks.

A small rescue zoo adjacent to Luray Caverns. Good complement to a cavern visit for families with young children. Focus on rescue and rehabilitation.

U-pick orchards throughout the lower valley. Peak season is September–October. Stribling Orchard in Markham and Marker-Miller Orchards near Winchester are long-established operations.