For the adventurous spirit, the Shenandoah Valley offers plenty of unforgettable outdoor activities in Northern VA! Get out and challenge your mind and body with these unique to the Valley outdoor challenges amid our spectacular scenery.
Top Things to do in Northern Virginia
Best Outdoor Activities & Adventures
Water Sports, Zip Lining & More
Front Royal Canoe Co.
Let the adventure begin with a self guided canoe, tube, kayak, and raft trips on the scenic, south Fork of the Shenandoah River. Open April – October.
River Riders
Outside Magazine rated Harpers Ferry as one of America’s top five city getaways for white water rafting, tubing, kayaking and canoeing. River Riders offers it all as well as canopy tours, stand up paddle boards, zip lining and mountain biking.
Horseback Riding
Royal Horseshoe Farm
Located in Front Royal, VA. Certified instructors provide riding lessons, or enjoy scenic trail rides.
The Rocking S Ranch
Family owned and operated, offering lessons as well as trail rides with Bill. Reservations required.
Marriott Ranch
Enjoy riding through pastures, across creeks, in peaceful woods or among grazing cattle. 45 minutes from the inn, but one of the best!
Double H Stables
They offer some of the most unique trail riding experiences in the area, and cater to all levels of riders.
Explore the Parks
State Arboretum at Blandy Farm
700 acre University of Virginia Research Facility situated in the North Shenandoah Valley. Over 8,000 trees and shrubs with walking trails and historical sites. Open year round dawn to dusk and just 2 miles from the inn.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is your escape to recreation and re-creation. Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, quiet wooded hollows—plan a hike, a meander along Skyline Drive, or a picnic with your honey 105 miles of scenic views and hiking. Here are a few of our favorite hikes in this ruggedly beautiful natural setting.
- Snead Farm Dickey Ridge Loop Trail
3.4 mile trail, moderate to easy trail for all skill levels, featuring wild flowers - White Oak Canyon Trail
9.5 mile trail that features a waterfall and several smaller pools for swimming and dunking - Old Rag Mountain Loop Trail
This hike is one of the most popular in Virginia and is rated difficult, but definitely worth it! Best from March through November. Each time you reach the summit, you realize you haven’t! There are several false summits along the way.
Sky Meadows State Park
1,132 Acres on the Eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sky Meadows has a large picnic area and many interconnecting trails. Sky Meadows Park has become a popular destination for families and more experienced hikers alike. The lower trails pass through rolling fields and cross babbling brooks, with the upper trails above Bleak House providing spectacular views of the Piedmont.
Biking
Virginia Bicycling Federation
The Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive offers a challenging, 105 mile cycling experience as this breathtaking route follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Front Royal to Afton, Virginia. We have bike route maps for anywhere from 7 to 50 miles! Bike the scenic back roads of Clarke County and enjoy the Shenandoah Valley away from the main roads, past pristine farms and scenic views.
Winchester Wheelman
Great source for rides through rolling country lanes and less traveled roads from 7 to 50 miles.
Golfing
Shenandoah Valley Golf Club
27 holes of Blue Ridge Paradise, Rated 4 stars.
Bowling Green Country
The views will transport you back in time to the “Old Dominion”.
Caverns
Luray Caverns
The East Coast’s largest and most popular caverns. Check out the car & carriage museum as well!
Shenandoah Caverns
Thrilling visitors from around the world, Shenandoah Caverns is the only cavern in Virginia with elevator service. Explorers of every age and ability will discover an underground world of adventure.
Skyline Caverns
Skyline Caverns is the closest natural wonder to the Nation’s Capital.