The solution to hot days is cold mountain water. Make a splash this summer in the Shenandoah Valley, where the rivers and lakes are nature’s finest refreshment.
In the northern Shenandoah Valley is the Shenandoah River, a northward flowing tributary to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. In fact, the entire Shenandoah Valley is Chesapeake Bay watershed.
On the Shenandoah you will find plenty of outfitters to support whatever aquatic adventure you wish to pursue. From guided fishing expeditions to multi-day paddling with overnight camping, there are memorable adventures to be had. Riverside campgrounds are plentiful, and if you’re quick, a riverside cabin could be yours, too. They book fast!
- Shenandoah River State Park – camping and cabin rentals; river access
- Shenandoah River Outfitters – equipment and cabin rentals, camping
- Shenandoah River Adventures – equipment rentals and camping
- Front Royal Outdoors – equipment and cabin rentals, camping
Waterfalls are the most highly sought after experience in the Shenandoah Valley, and in particular, Shenandoah National Park. There are several hikes featuring waterfalls, and some feature swimming holes at their base. These falls flow best after the rainy spring season, but a good summer thunderstorm is also a great contribution.
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Moving down the Valley, there’s a great stop at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sherando Lake Recreation Area is actually two lakes within George Washington National Forest. The upper lake is great for fishing while the lower lake features a sandy beach for swimming. Camping is available, and if you’re up for it, there are hiking trails to explore more.
The James River begins south of the Shenandoah Valley but flows into it by way of Rockbridge County, where Lexington is the county seat. This section of the James is called the Upper James River Water Trail, and it, too, is a Chesapeake Bay tributary. Like the Shenandoah, there are outfitters and accommodations to make your water explorations easy.
East of the Valley, but in the Valley in our heart is Smith Mountain Lake, the second largest lake in Virginia with 500 miles of shoreline. Get on the water by way of marinas, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, or public access points. Note that boat operators require a license in Virginia, so be sure to properly prepare for your SML adventure beforehand.
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Build your Shenandoah Valley weekend around water, whether it’s to swim it, paddle it, float it, or boat it. There are plenty of options from the top of the Valley to the bottom.