George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Active and Adventure Travel Guide

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Travel Guides Near George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

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Aerial view of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Virginia
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Virginia (Wikimedia)
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George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Active and Adventure Travel Tips

By Alistair Wearmouth
  • Hike the Wild Oak Trail, a 26-mile loop that follows the North River before ascending to a ridgeline and the 4,351-foot summit of Little Bald Knob. Tackle the trail in a manageable five or ten-mile section for a dayhike, or make it a two- to three-day weekend backpacking trip.
  • Ascend 3,200-foot Great North Mountain on your mountain bike, riding a trail that’s a mix of gravelly Forest Service fire roads, ridgetop doubletrack, and some tricky sections of knotty singletrack. The nine-mile loop serves up 1,500 feet of vertical—not a climb for inexperienced or unfit riders.
  • Fish for wild trout in the forest’s hundreds of miles of streams and rivers. The fly-fishing on Jackson River offers you a shot at hefty rainbow and brown trout, while smaller mountain streams harbor native brookies. The forest’s ponds, lakes, and riverways are home to nearly 100 species of fish, so no matter where you dangle a line, you probably won’t go home empty- handed.
  • Paddle the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, languidly drifting through a bucolic landscape of pasture, limestone cliffs, forested slopes, and mountain views. Luray-based Shenandoah River Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes.
  • Set off from milepost zero as the scenic 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway begins its journey south from Waynesboro, Virginia (also the southern end of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive). Spring and fall offer up a riot of seasonal colors, although traffic on the road may get congested, especially at weekends.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Overview

Measuring nearly 1.8 million acres, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are steeped in American and pre-American tradition. The combined area was a one-time home for Indians, a passageway for pioneers, and a battleground during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Today, the forests offer an assortment of recreational experiences in one of the East's largest expanses of pristine land. Available activities include hiking, fishing, backpacking, biking, camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving. Read More

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Hotels

from: $149

The Homestead Resort

Best Resorts & Lodges
1766 Homestead Drive
Hot Springs, VA 24445 Map

Distance: 35.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
from: $216

The Greenbrier

Best Resorts & Lodges
300 West Main Street
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 Map

Distance: 56.5 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0

Elizabeth Furnace Campground

c/o Lee Ranger District, 109 Molineau Rd.
Edinburg, VA 22824 Map

Distance: 85.1 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

Wild Oak Trail

expert favorite attraction
c/o North River Ranger District, 401 Oakwood Drive
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Distance: 43.6 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

The Wild Oak Trail forms a 25.6-mile loop—mostly favoring ridgetops—beginning at the... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

North River Gorge Trail

expert favorite attraction
c/o North River Ranger District, 401 Oakwood Dr.
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Distance: 49.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: A little more than four miles, North River Gorge Trail snakes between Lookout and Trimble... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Shenandoah River

expert favorite attraction
c/o Lee Ranger District, 109 Molineu Road
Edinburg, Virginia 22824

Distance: 84.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: One of the great things about George Washington National Forest is its proximity to the Shenandoah... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
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Airports

Major Airports near George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Distance (mi.)
Richmond International Airport/Byrd Field 108.4 map
Greensboro Piedmont Triad International Airport 117.8 map
Washington Dulles International Airport 130.3 map

Other Smaller Airports near George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Distance (mi.)
Lynchburg Preston-Glenn Field 27.4 map
Staunton Shenandoah Valley Airport 42.7 map
Roanoke Municipal Airport 48.0 map

Feature Articles

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