Warren County is a launch pad for outdoor explorations and known as the Canoe Capital of Virginia. Paddle the north-flowing Shenandoah River in the shadows of Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains this spring; we’ll show you how!
Getting on the Water
Unless you travel with your own vessel and are familiar with the conditions of the Shenandoah River, you’ll need to connect with a local livery. Front Royal Outdoors offers anywhere from short 3-mile trips to multi-day 40-mile trips on the Shenandoah River. Choose to canoe, raft, kayak, SUP, or tube and know that all the equipment you need is included in your fee.
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If you are toting your own boat, push in from Shenandoah River State Park on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Car-top access is available in the day-use area. Make a weekend of it by renting a riverfront tent site or cabin. Appreciate a view of the river from the Bluebell and River Trails. Combining them creates a 3.1-mile point-to-point hike.
Additional riverside camping can be secured at Low-Water Bridge Campground in Bentonville. They rent tubes, canoes, and kayaks for their guests and offer shuttle services for up and down the river.
Just outside of downtown Front Royal is Twin Rivers Campground at the fork of the Shenandoah River. While they do not offer rentals, you can launch from their boat ramp if you’re a guest. RVs are welcome and all RV campsites offer water, sewer, and 30- or 50-amp electrical service.
Did you know spending time in Warren County puts you at the end of the Daughter of the Stars Birding & Wildlife Trail? It makes sense when you consider the diversity and number of species found in the mountains and along the river. Consider the Bentonville to Front Royal River Loop which includes Hazard Mill Landing. Make this a water-based excursion to truly appreciate spring along the river. Expect to see herons, otter, ducks, osprey, damselflies, and much more.
Do More in the Outdoors
The entrance to Skyline Drive is a stone’s throw of downtown Front Royal on Route 340. Take a hike from the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. The Fox Hollow Trail is a good one to stretch your legs, but pets are not allowed.
At mile marker 20.9 Hogback Overlook offers a wide sweeping view of Warren County. You won’t want to skip this photo opportunity.
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Refuel
The Apple House is a must for anyone visiting Warren County. Located in Linden, it has been a generational tradition for many families. Whether you enjoy a full meal or simply grab a dozen “famous apple butter donuts,” you’re already well ahead of those who haven’t.
Plan your Warren County aquatic escape at DiscoverFrontRoyal.com.
Header image by Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.