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SHENANDOAH VALLEY

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Rapid River in George Washington Forest. Hidden Valley B&B seen in distance (where Richard Gere and Jodie Foster were filmed in the movie Summersby.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, once separate entities, have combined to provide over 1.8 million acres of natural beauty extending from Winchester to Big Stone Gap. The George Washington portion of the national forest encompasses over a million acres of northern forests spreading across the Blue Ridge, Massanutten, Shenandoah and Allegheny mountain ranges. Its highest point is 4,463-foot Elliott Knob, just to the west of Staunton.

Within the George Washington section there are 1,700 miles of roads from interstate highways to rough woods roads and 910 miles of hiking trails, with an additional 45 miles of motorized trails. These trails range from short paved interpretative walks to longer hiking loops and even more challenging backcountry long distance trails.

Three interpretative trails can be entered near the Massanutten Visitor Information Center, off Route 211 just three miles east of New Market. Families particularly enjoy the short walks like Discovery Way a 2/10-mile paved trail that begins just south of the visitor parking lot. Another option is the Massanutten Storybook Trail, a paved 1/4-trail that offers a scenic overlook of Page Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Interpretative signs reveal the geological story of the development of this mountain range. (To reach this trailhead, take Route 211 east of New Market for five miles then turn left on Chrisman Hollow Road, FDR 274, and head north for 1 1/2 miles.)

For the visually impaired, there is the Lion’s Tale National Recreation Trail, a 1/2-mile sensory trail that deals with forest ecology. (Follow above directions but continue 8 miles past the Massanutten Storybook Trail on Chrisman Hollow Road.)

There are numerous loop trails offering an array of scenic delights. One of the most popular is the three-mile Crabtree Falls Trail. Along the trail you’ll see five cascading waterfalls that drop a total of 1,200 feet; it’s the highest drop in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The best spot to enter this trail is from Route 56, east of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Montebello. The five-mile loop trail to the rocky peak of 4,032-foot Mount Pleasant affords outstanding views of the countryside. This is not an easy hike but it will reward your effort. Long distance trails include the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Wild Oak National Recreation Trail, the Shenandoah Mountain Trail and the Great North Mountain Trail. For those who prefer to see the sights from the comfort of their car, there is the Highlands Scenic Tour, a 20-mile scenic drive through the mountains. Details on any of these trails and additional recreation options within the national forest are available at the Massanutten Visitor Information Center (open May through October) and at various ranger district offices throughout the forest.

Now linked with this northern forested area is the Jefferson National Forest, roughly 710,000 acres in west-central Virginia. Here you’ll find more than 1,100 miles of trails, 500 miles of trout streams, six fishing lakes and four swimming lakes. Four trails are especially noteworthy: the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Cascades National Recreation Trail, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. Few hikers can manage the total 2,000-mile distance of the Appalachian Trail, but within Jefferson National Forest it is possible to sample 300 miles of this historic walkway up the eastern United States. For the weekend hiker, the four-mile round trip Cascades National Recreation Trail that leads to a striking 66-foot waterfall is ideal. Another scenic four-mile hike is offered along the Mount Rogers National Recreation Trail from the Fairwood Valley to the Appalachian Trail near Mount Rogers, the highest point in the state. Finally, there is the 68-mile horseback and wagon train trail. The open grassy meadows of Pine Mountain’s high country near Mount Rogers is only open to hikers and horseback riders. There are, however, two scenic byways that let automobile passengers enjoy the mountain vistas.

You can link up with the 16-mile Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway near Wytheville. It takes you past old farms, through forested areas, by the trail heads for numerous hiking options, to scenic overlooks, picnic spots, fishing ponds and campgrounds. At Big Walker Lookout, there is a swinging bridge and observation tower that can be enjoyed from April through October. The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway provides automobile passengers a look at the natural beauty of this area during its scenic peak in the autumn when the leaves turn. Another scenic area within the Jefferson National Forest is the Guest River Gorge (see selection).

To obtain information on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests you can call the forest supervisor’s office at (540) 265-6054.

Directions: From I-81 take Route 211 three miles east of New Market for the Massanutten Visitor Information Center. You will be able to pickup trail maps and complete information on recreational options within the national forest.

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The National Parks Conservation Association will offer free guided hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Hikers will explore different trails and learn how to protect themselves from air pollution. In addition, participants will receive a free guide on how to have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable visit in our national parks. WHO: National Parks Conservation Association WHEN: Every other Sunday, July 16-October 22 Hikes begin at 2:00 p.m. WHERE: July 16 - Rapidan Camp Hike Hike the Mill Prong Trail to Rapidan Camp, President Herbert Hoover's summer retreat. Rapidan Camp has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Be advised, this 4.2-mile hike will offer some steep spots and stream crossings. Meet at Milam Gap Parking Area, Mile Marker 52.8. July 30 - Story of the Forest Trail An easy 1.8-mile loop will highlight the wonders of the Blue Ridge forest. This is a good hike for children. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center, Big Meadows, Mile Marker 51.0. August 13 - Big Run Loop A loop trail through the hardwood forest and park wilderness. Difficulty: easy to moderate. Meet at Doyles River parking lot, Mile Marker 81.1. August 27 - Snead Farm, Dickey Ridge Trail Loop A 3.2-mile loop near the Front Royal entrance to the Park that includes barn remains from Snead Farm and beautiful views of Signal Knob and the Shenandoah Valley. Difficulty: easy to moderate. Meet at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Mile Marker 4.6. September 10 - Hawksbill Summit Enjoy a 2.8-mile loop hike to the spectacular views of the highest mountain in the park. Difficulty: moderate. Meet at Hawksbill Gap parking area, Mile Marker 45.6. September 24 - Stony Man Nature Trail Hike 1.4-miles to the peak of Stony Man Mountain, acclaimed photographer Hullihen Williams Moore, author of Shenandoah: Views of Our National Park, will join us. Difficulty: easy. Meet at Stony Man Nature Trail parking lot, just inside the north entrance to Skyland, Mile Marker 41.7. October 8 - Compton Peak Hike 2.4-miles on the Appalachian Trail. Difficulty: moderate. Meet at Compton Gap parking lot, Mile Marker 10.4. October 22 - Whiteoak Canyon Hike 5.2-miles to the Upper Whiteoak Falls, a scenic cascade. Difficulty: moderate. Meet at Whiteoak Canyon parking lot, Mile Marker 42.6. Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its members, and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation's natural, historical, and cultural heritage for generations to come. NPCA has more than 300,000 members, including more than 10,000 members in Virginia. For more information, visit: www.npca.org/mid_atlantic.