The Shenandoah Valley is beautifully decorated with all the colors of autumn, and what better place to enjoy a slower pace than right in the thick of it in national forests, national parks, and wilderness areas?
National Forest
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests cover 1.8 million acres in Appalachia, which includes western Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. As the 36th largest chunk of public land in the United States, it’s a treasure trove of thriving wildlife and beloved trails, including the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway. Within this National Forest there are eight wilderness areas; special places with special designations.
Lake Moomaw | Bath and Alleghany Counties
The 2,530-acre cold water Lake Moomaw is mountain fed from the Jackson River and is popular with fishermen and boaters. Multiple camping areas surround the lake and the swimming areas at Bolar Mountain and Coles Point are excellent places to beat the heat when summer rolls around.
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Sherando Lake | Lyndhurst
Somewhat a misnomer, Sherando Lake is actually two lakes – an upper lake great for fishing and paddling, and a lower lake with a sandy beach. Camping is available and there are 29 RV sites as well. Hiking trails loop through the recreation area.
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Tips for Being a Good National Forest Visitor
- Do not enter areas that are marked closed, as there is a reason they’re closed.
- You are responsible for your own safety.
- Stay on marked paths and roadways to protect the land and vegetation.
- Park only in designated areas.
- Leave the area the way you found it.
The Department of Forestry has a complete list of rules for your reference.
Wilderness Areas
- James River Face | Rockbridge & Bedford Counties
- Devil’s Marbleyard is a popular hike/climb accessed from the Belfast Trail
- Priest | Amherst County
- The Appalachian Trail is the only trail within this wilderness area
- Ramsey’s Draft | Augusta County – Mountain House Day Use Area
- Rich Hole | Rockbridge & Alleghany Counties
- Rough Mountain | Alleghany & Bath Counties
- Saint Mary’s | Augusta County
- Three Ridges | Nelson County
- Thunder Ridge | Rockbridge, Botetourt & Bedford Counties
- The smallest wilderness area in Virginia at 2,428 acres
- Separated from James River Face Wilderness by Petites Gap Road, the two areas combined are more than 11,000 acres.
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National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Of Virginia’s 22 national parks, Shenandoah National Park is the most popular and most visited. Skyline Drive runs through the nearly 200,000 acres making it an accessible destination for those who love recreation, sight-seeing, and even great dining. Skyland and Big Meadows are overnight accommodations with restaurants, or you can camp or book a cabin. Both offer outstanding views, too. Spend some time in Shenandoah and you’ll spot big wildlife and be able to gaze at an unobstructed dark sky. It’s truly a special place overlooking the Shenandoah Valley.
- Hikes for Kids
- Horseback Riding
- Waterfall Hikes
- Calendar of Park Sponsored Events
- Calendar of Concessioner Sponsored Events
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