In addition to world-class beer along the Beerwerks Trail, there are countless reasons to visit the Shenandoah Valley. One of the biggest draws is the great outdoors. Read on for a roundup of hiking, paddling, and cycling best bets, each within a short distance of a Beerwerks brewery.
Hikers
Step outside in our neck of the Shenandoah Valley and you’re likely to trip over a trailhead. With Shenandoah National Park to our east and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest all around us, your options are unlimited. Here are a few of our favorites within an easy drive of a Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail brewery.
Humpback Rocks
30 minutes from Stable Craft Brewing
The short (2 miles round trip), steep Humpback Rocks
hike will get your blood pumping. And from the open, rocky top, you can see for miles up and down the Valley. If you’re looking for something longer, you can add two additional miles along the Appalachian Trail, which will provide a gradual descent and solitude that the well-traveled up-and-back does not. This popular hike includes a stroll through an interpretive farm, representing the regional architecture of the late 19th century.
Crabtree Falls
45 minutes from Skipping Rock Beer Company
1,200-foot Crabtree Falls, is one of the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfalls in the East. The first portion of the trail is paved for universal access, and the incredible views of the lower part of the falls start almost immediately. The ease of the beginning gives way to steep switchbacks repeatedly reconnecting with the falls, and offering several vantage points and viewing platforms. Rest and snack at the top, taking in the magnificent view of the Tye River Valley.
Hone Quarry
30 minutes from Restless Moons Brewing
Southwest of Harrisonburg in the George Washington National Forest, Hone Quarry Recreation Area 0ffers three hikes of varying difficulty. The shortest option is Hidden Rocks Trail, a moderate 2.5-mile hike following Rocky Run where hikers can enjoy a small pool and waterfall. Hone Quarry Ridge (5 miles) climbs through white pine and hemlock forests to follow the ridge, offering several nice views. Oak Knob (7.9 miles) also climbs to high ground. It offers two overlooks with beautiful views and opportunities to watch birds.
South River Greenway
10 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing
The South River Greenway trail system will one day connect Waynesboro’s Constitution Park with Ridgeview Park and eventually the Crozet Tunnel. For now, the trail stretches for 1.2 miles along the South River and connects Constitution Park with the YMCA. The short walk (or bike ride with your young kids!) is flat and paved, and the scenery provides interest as it varies from river to industrial to park. Make sure you bring your binoculars and look for birds. You can park at either end of the Greenway.
Elliot Knob
50 minutes from Three Notch’d Valley Collab House
Itching to climb to the highest point in Augusta County, see spectacular views, and get a chance to frolic in waterfalls? Located in George Washington National Forest, the Elliot Knob hike boasts all this and more. Early on, the hike ascends gradually along Falls Hollow Run as it works through the forest. The second half, along a fire road, will make your quads cry! The summit is open and grassy, and offers wonderful views and a private place to eat your lunch.
For more great hikes, visit Knot Your Boots and Hit the Beerwerks Trail.
Paddlers
The Valley is rich in aquatic resources, from placid mountain lakes to white water dashing through mountain passes. Load up your boat and chase the perfect paddle.
Upper James River Water Trail
20 minutes to Great Valley Farm Brewery
The Upper James River Water Trail stretches along 64 miles of the James River as it winds through Rockbridge and Botetourt Counties. This area is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing, and has been designated a Virginia Scenic River. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries operates 12 public access points with free parking. Rapids vary and can reach class III at normal water levels.
Sherando Lake Recreation Area
35 minutes to Bedlam Brewing
Get ready to float your kayak or canoe on 25-acre Sherando Lake this fall. Nicknamed the Jewel of the Blue Ridge, the lake will please visitors who want to boat, swim, fish, or hike. Paddle to the island, or hop out of your boat and wade from the sandy beach. The recreation area offers bathroom and shower facilities, a picnic area, a campground, and plenty of parking. Day use fee applies.
Lake Shenandoah
20 minutes to Brothers Craft Brewing
Located just outside the City of Harrisonburg, Lake Shenandoah is a good option for easy paddling and a quiet day on the water. The shallow (under three feet) 36-acre lake features a parking lot and a paved boat ramp. The lake is a good spot to watch migrating waterfowl. It’s also home to numerous year-round avian residents, and pollinator insect species like Monarch butterflies can be seen along its shores. No motorized engines, swimming or wading allowed.
Goshen Pass
45 minutes to Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co.
Goshen Pass, where the Maury River cuts through Little North Mountain, is one of the most popular sites for catching whitewater in Virginia. This beautiful six-mile trip includes powerful class II, class III, and even named class IV rapids like Corner Rapid and Devil’s Kitchen. To stretch out your day, tie up your kayak and take a hike or explore the boulderscape scattered in the riverbed.
Waynesboro Water Trail
5 minutes to Basic City Beer Co.
Want to paddle through town? The Waynesboro Water Trail, part of the longer South River Blueway, meanders along four picturesque miles of the South River from the Ridgeview Park Boat Ramp to the Basic Park Boat Ramp. Easy-access boat ramps and mild class I and class II rapids are great for beginners. The water trail offers paddlers views of the city’s residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational zones.
Need more places to launch your kayak? Want information on guided floats? Check out Beautiful Waters: Paddling and Water Sports along the Beerwerks Trail.
Cyclists
Fall is an incredible season to tour the valley on your bike, pumping your legs and breathing in the colors of the changing leaves. Here’s a mix of mountain and road biking adventures.
Chessie Nature Trail
5 minutes from Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen
Originally a railroad bed for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, the flat Chessie Nature Trail stretches for 7.2 miles between Lexington and Buena Vista and is great for riders of all ages and abilities. The route has parking at both ends and can be completed as a longer out-and-back ride. It follows the Maury River and the rural surroundings alternate between wooded areas and farmland. The final mile near Buena Vista parallels a cliff along the river. Look for cows and wildlife along the way.
Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park
10 minutes from Pale Fire Brewing
If you’re looking to give your mountain bike a workout in downtown Harrisonburg, check out Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park. The park’s system of stacked-loop, single track trails offers three levels of difficulty for riders. The trails, cared for by the Shenandoah Valley Bike Coalition, stay in great shape and feature man-made and natural obstacles. Be prepared to share this popular area with hikers and runners.
Montgomery Hall Park
5 minutes from Queen City Brewing
Riders looking for thrills in Staunton need go no further than Montgomery Hall Park, which boasts 4.1 marked miles of single track. The twisting trails offer switchbacks and roots as well as steep drops and climbs. There’s not much in the way of rock obstacles, but you can still get plenty dirty here. Since the trails are maintained by Staunton Parks and Recreation as well as local riders, they stay in excellent condition.
The Southern Traverse
55 minutes from The Friendly Fermenter
Hard-core mountain bikers rave about The Southern Traverse, a 36-mile ride through George Washington National Forest. This route will blast you with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, much of it in the first four blistering miles. Once you summit Shenandoah Mountain, there’s an incredible 11-mile single track ride along the ridge, several extremely technical rocky areas, and a thrilling five-mile section that descends over 1,100 feet. The final section of the route follows rolling country roads.
Staunton Frog Pond Smoky Row
1 minute from Redbeard Brewing Company
Road bikers looking for an intermediate ride should try the 22-mile Staunton Frog Pond Smoky Row route. It starts in Staunton at Black Dog Bikes, but quickly leaves to embrace the rolling hills and spectacular scenery west and south of town. The loop offers sustained climbs, downhill glides, and recovery sections. The ride, which is entirely on paved roads, concludes back in Staunton.
If you can’t get enough biking the Valley, read Bike the Valley, Brake for Brews for additional options.
Some Upcoming Events
September 21, Lexington: Nasty 9 Trail Run at Brushy Hills. There’s also a 4-mile version of this challenging trail run.
September 28, Waynesboro: The Coyner Springs Kite Fly is an old-fashioned celebration featuring kite races, apple slinging, hay rides, and more.
September 28, Waynesboro: The Chili, Blues, n’ Brews festival celebrates good food, good music and good beer.
September 27-29, Staunton: The Queen City Mischief and Magic festival celebrates all things magical in downtown Staunton.
September 29, Harrisonburg: Alpine Loop Gran Fondo bike race. Events are happening throughout that weekend.
October 12, Waynesboro: Enter the annual Fall Foliage 5k & 10k race/walk to explore the neighborhoods and parks of Waynesboro.
October 12-13, Waynesboro: Artists at the SVAC Fall Foliage Art Show show off their works against the backdrop of downtown Waynesboro.
October 19, 2019, Lexington: Chessie Trail Half Marathon and 5K. This flat trail race hugs the Maury River between Lexinton and Buena Vista.
October 18-20, 2019, Staunton: Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival will offer mapped and supported riding opportunities for all abilities.
