North Garden, Virginia

This little lake close to Charlottesville is my favorite place for an after work kayak, SUP, or just picnic by the water. It's a 20min drive from town, and the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge with water views. No gasoline powered motors allowed, but anything else you can g...

Riverview park has tons of options for getting outside around Charlottesville, VA. Part of the Rivanna Trail runs through here, so if you are really ambitious, this trail goes around the entire city. There are paved trails right along the river, so you can choose your activity. Running, biking, a...

This little hike is one of the most popular in the area, and for good reason! It's a short and steep one mile to the top, but the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park to the east, are some of the best around. It's somewhat of a tradition for students from the Universit...

The reservoir is located in the Piedmont Hills just outside the city of Charlottesville, Virginia. So technically Charlottesville Reservoir is not in Shenandoah National Park, but it is only a few feet outside of the park, and it has an outstanding view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that make up th...

Along the hike, there are four "official" swimming holes to jump in, but you can make your own at any time. Go in the springtime for a great waterfall at the end the feeds into a swimming hole, and in the fall for a wonderland of foliage. The official name of this hike is Moorman's River, but an...

From the parking area at Turk Gap (MP 94.1), cross over the Skyline Drive.  The Appalachian Trail (AT) intersects right here, and take the AT south by taking the trail on the left.  After 0.2 miles you will turn right off of the AT onto the blue-blazed Turk Mountain Trail.  The trail junctions me...

This place has it all : a bomb fire pit, live music, distillery, restaurant, 48 taps, mountain views, and more!  Not to mention, it’s in a great location for exploring. It’s close to tons of breweries, wineries, and cideries, it’s just a few miles from the Appalachian trail, and close to Shenando...

Starting from the Dripping Rock Parking area at MP 10 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, head north on the white blazed Appalachian Trail (trail leading into woods from parking lot- don't cross the road). In about 20 steps the trail splits- go right. In another 20 steps or so the trail splits again but t...

This cozy little overlook is very simple to get to. If you are coming from I 64, after taking exit 99 towards Shenandoah National Park, turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway when the exit comes to a "T-stop". From there, it's 10 miles down the Parkway on your right. You will see a clearly marke...

Moormans River Overlook is one of the few eastern facing overlooks in Shenandoah National Park’s Southern District, which makes this a prime location for watching the sun rise when in this part of the park.  At mile post 92 off of Skyline Drive, Moormans River Overlook offers photographers a 180 ...

Located next to Wintergreen Resort, Devils Knob is super easy to get to and has an amazing 180 degree panoramic view. Looking Southwest over the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 3,800 foot overlook had a great view of Three Ridge Mountain and the Priest. Located on Devils Kno...

From the parking area at Reids Gap, start off on the white-blazed A.T heading south as the trail begins on the left side of a clearing. You will begin climbing Meadow Mountain shortly and in .8 miles arrive at the top of the ridge, where you will continue on downhill for another .8 miles until y...

Note: We usually get a chance to take this trip in the summer, so please pay attention to the weather and pack accordingly. This description is for a July/August hike and the temperatures were in the 80s during the day and 60s at night. During this time of year rain showers are always a possibili...

There are two route options, both are under 2 miles and are suitable for hikers of all experience levels. The shortest option, a 1-mile circuit, follows the Appalachian Trail from the Blackrock Summit parking area, which is just north of mile marker 85 on Skyline Drive. With only 175-feet of ele...

Sherando Lake is a beautifully maintained dog/family friendly campground situated between two lakes. Upper Sherando Lake is available for fishing only but the larger, 25 acre, Lower Sherando Lake offers swimming, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach.  The campground is divided into three ...

From the parking lot at MP 81.1 on the Skyline Drive, take the trailhead to the left of the sign with the trail map. Immediately you'll cross over the Appalachian Trail-stay straight on the blue-blazed trail to Doyles Falls. The trail will descend rapidly for 1.3 miles to Upper Doyles Falls (28' ...