The Shenandoah Valley is home to the best outdoor activities near DC. Not only can you do the basic things like hiking and biking, but you can also launch off on a hot air balloon or glider, climb and descend rocks, play a variety of “golf” sports, and much more.
From the hub of a mountain resort like Massanutten Resort, you can learn to mountain bike, test your skills at the Mountain Bike Park, or really get gritty on the Western Slope. Additionally, there are 18 holes of golf to aim for and a Family Adventure Park with zip lines, a ropes course, climbing wall and guided climbing excursions, and more. There’s fun on the mountains for the littlest to the largest.
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For more biking, just close your eyes and point to a map of the Shenandoah Valley. There are bike shops aplenty and backroads that are worthy of your time. However, Harrisonburg is the Bicycle Capital of the Shenandoah Valley, and it’s an excellent place to start your grand two-wheel expedition.
Paddle the rivers of the Shenandoah Valley with a guide or on your own. Rent equipment from Shenandoah River Outfitters or Front Royal Outdoors to easily and quickly get on the water. Their designated put-ins make it a breeze to float, fish, or paddle your day away.
How are the night skies where you are? Can’t see the stars? We can fix that. Head to Shenandoah National Park or Natural Bridge State Park (a designated International Dark Sky Park) to appreciate a clear view of the planets, stars, meteors, and more. Guided events make it easy to get help identifying what you see.
Blackrock Summit in Shenandoah National. Photo by Rex Robichaux, IG account: @rex.on.life; courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
- June 8: Stargazing Under a New Moon at NBSP
- July 5: Independence Day Stargazing at NBSP
- July 26: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower Watch at NBSP
- August 10: Perseid Meteor Shower Watch at NBSP
Other great activities within and around Shenandoah National Park are the waterfall hikes and swimming holes. Some of our favorites are White Rock Falls, St. Mary’s Falls, and Goshen Pass.
Get a running start and sail over the Shenandoah Valley with you hang glide from Shenandoah National Park (special use permit required) or Woodstock Tower. Shenandoah County is a hub for other aerial sports as well, like hot air ballooning in Edinburg and skydiving in New Market.
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More than bouldering or scrambling, legitimate rock climbing is a thing in the Shenandoah Valley, and we have guides to help you learn the ropes (pun intended). Experienced folks like the members of Wild GUYde Adventures, Blue Ridge Mountain Guides, and Teamlink will outfit you with gear and teach you how to climb in the wild, not on a wall.
More adrenaline needed? Connect with Appalachian Adventures in Luray to rent an ATV for an hour or two. Ride their private mountain trails and have blast! Do you have your own ATV and you’re looking for a place to ride? Shenandoah County is home to Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System within George Washington National Forest.
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There’s golf and then there’s FlingGolf. Oh, and don’t forget about disc golf. Whether you’re putting around in the traditional way, flinging the ball with a stick, or zipping a disc like a frisbee, there are places for you to do your thing in the Shenandoah Valley. Connect with Jonathan Bellingham at Capon Springs and Farms in Capon Springs, West Virginia to learn about FlingGolf. He is a top-ranked FlingGolfer and offers clinics at the resort, as well as hosts tournaments. The Potomac Highlands Regionals Team Tourney is June 14-16, 2024.
For disc golf, check out the new Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge, Virginia, or any of those listed below.
- Bryce Resort, Basye
- Jim Barnett Park, Winchester
- Limestone Ledges, Mauertown
- Sherando Park, Stephens City
- Rockland Park, Front Royal
- Westover Park, Harrisonburg
- Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista
- Swover Creek Farms & Brewery in Edinburg
- Bedford has many parks with disc golf courses
Meet a horse and sweetly ask if you may saddle up. Trail rides are available in the Shenandoah Valley at places like Fort Valley Ranch in Fort Valley, Stable B Stables in Staunton, and even inside Shenandoah National Park.
In conclusion, it’s time to break away from the nation’s capital and get back to nature. Breathe the fresh air, appreciate the noises of the great outdoors, and reclaim your sanity. It’s time. See you soon. #EpicExperiencesAhead
Header Image: Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park. Cliford Mervil IG account: @cliford.mervil; courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation