Your jumping off point for the great outdoors of the Shenandoah Valley is centrally located Augusta County, Virginia. It’s a gateway for both Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, boasts lakes, rivers, hiking trails, and excellent cycling routes. What’s your pleasure? Here are few teasers to whet your appetite.
Water
Sherando Lake is actually two lakes and they’re nested within national forest at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Lyndhurst. Pull in your camper and stay a while or choose to fish, paddle, or even swim from the sandy beach. Hiking trails traverse the recreation area and connect to others along the Parkway.
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Hiking
A popular hike within Shenandoah National Park in Augusta County is Riprap Hollow. Set off from the trailhead at the Riprap parking area at mile 90 of Skyline Drive and plan to spend the day. At more than nine miles long and not considered easy, the trail is incredibly scenic and includes a spring-fed swimming hole perfect for cooling off and picnicking.
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Cycling
Easy cycling or hard? Here’s one of each! The South River Greenway along downtown Waynesboro is a paved trail perfect for families with little ones just starting out on their two-wheel adventure. It parallels the South River, is shady, and has portable toilets along the way for those quick little emergencies.
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Now for the tough one. If you didn’t know, Augusta County is home to a 36-mile IMBA Epic mountain biking loop called the Southern Traverse. It’s rated difficult and for good reason: it throws 3,000 feet of climb at its singletrack challengers with a max grade of 27% as you ride the spine of the ridge between Augusta and Highland Counties. The George Washington National Forest gives its own obstacles, of course, so leave this one to the well experienced.
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For a place that offers a little bit of everything outdoorsy – including a geologic formation and a music festival – head to Natural Chimneys in Mt. Solon. Visitors are welcome to do all the activities already mentioned here, as well as attend the annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival occurring this year June 21-23.
Are you ready to get outside in Augusta County? Show us what you’re up to by tagging us on Instagram!
Header Image: Red Wing Roots Music Festival at Natural Chimneys. Photo by Jay Sansone and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.