Shenandoah County has a lot to offer outdoor lovers, including Seven Bends State Park, George Washington National Forest, and the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.

The hiking scene is tops, but you’ll also find five-star post-hike stops for celebrating with friends, like Muse Vineyards in Woodstock and Box Office Brewery in Strasburg.

In this week’s newsletter:

Let’s make your next hike one to remember.

—Erin Gifford 🥾

P.S. This week’s presenting sponsor, Shenandoah County, puts you close to Virginia’s top outdoor adventures. But, have you heard of the Noah Shenandoah Cup?

P.P.S. If you like what you see, please follow me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Sure, we all daydream. But some of us have discovered a place where those dreams come true—in the most unexpected, wondrous ways. You can drift on rivers and hike nearly 200 miles of trails in the George Washington National Forest.

Waking up in the morning is the start of endless possibilities for adventure, celebration with friends, or refreshing your spirit in solitude. Whatever you dream of, find it in Shenandoah County. For more, go to VisitShenandoahCounty.com.

Shenandoah County blends scenic Appalachian hikes, winding river valleys, and quiet rural charm into an uncrowded outdoor escape just off I-81.

Covering Woodstock, New Market, Mount Jackson, and beyond, it’s a place built for slow mornings, big views, and time outside between trailheads and outdoor patio relaxation.

Here’s how to spend a spring weekend outdoors in Shenandoah County:

A short hike from Little Fort Campground leads to Woodstock Tower and one of the best overlooks in ShenCo, with inspiring views across the Shenandoah Valley.

Hike trails along the Shenandoah or get on the water at Seven Bends with contactless kayak rentals at the Hollingsworth Access. Reserve online up to one week in advance.

Book a 1–1.5 hour guided ride at Fort Valley Ranch to explore the George Washington National Forest. An on-site campground means the fun doesn’t need to end after the ride.

Check off regional must-dos like Shenandoah Caverns and Big Schloss while working through the Shenandoah Valley’s Epic 100 Bucket List of 100 must-dos in the region.

Wind down with a glass of wine at an open-air favorite in Shenandoah County like Muse Vineyards in Woodstock, which sits adjacent to Seven Bends State Park.

Unwind at Muse Vineyards, a scenic retreat nestled along the Shenandoah River in the heart of Virginia wine country. Just minutes from Shenandoah National Park and the charming town of Woodstock, it’s the perfect stop after a day of hiking or exploring.

Sip estate-grown wines, including crisp whites, bold reds, and elegant rosés, paired with French-inspired cuisine from the on-site kitchen. Relax and take in mountain and river views as you settle into a welcoming vineyard experience. Visit MuseVineyards.com.

Crisman Hollow Road in Shenandoah County has reopened for the season—unlocking access to some of the area’s best hikes, including:

A 3.8-mile out-and-back with a full-body rock scramble. Think Devil’s Marbleyard, but on a smaller scale. Climb to the top for big George Washington National Forest vistas.

This 2.2-mile out-and-back follows the orange-blazed Massanutten Trail to an overlook with postcard-worthy views of New Market and Shenandoah Valley farms and pastures.

A 5.8-mile out-and-back with rocky scrambles and a stunning ridgeline. The summit delivers wide-open views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Shenandoah River below.

This 2.6-mile out-and-back hike is steep, short, and a bit tricky to find, but it’s so worth all the effort. Pass a quiet pond before reaching a peaceful overlook with mountain views.

Note: The Massanutten Storybook Trail remains closed due to March 2024 fire damage.

Treat yourself to a great meal and craft beer at Box Office Brewery after your hike in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Located in downtown Strasburg, just 5 miles from Buzzard Rock Trail. Live music every weekend and no cover charge.

The venue is a historic theatre with original painted murals on the walls, original tin ceilings, and 1930s movie posters! Voted best Brewery, Wings, Chef and Live Entertainment Venue! Visit BoxOfficeBrewery.com.

Strasburg makes it easy to craft a full day outdoors. Whether you’re up for a gentle hike or a more ambitious trek, this town delivers. Here are three ways to hit the trails.

But first, breakfast. Before setting out, fuel up at Queen Street Diner or Strasburg Diner. Both serve the kind of hearty, no-fuss breakfasts that just work before a hike.

For a laid-back hike, the 2.9-mile Buzzard Rock Overlook out-and-back is a solid choice, with stream crossings, rooty sections, rock scrambles, and a rewarding overlook.

Ready to level up? Go for the 6.2-mile Buzzard Rock hike. It follows the same trail, but stretches farther, adding rocky outcrops and sweeping ridgeline views. Worth it.

If you want to go all-in, plan around Signal Knob, a 10.7-mile hike to a Civil War-era overlook. Plus, a few bonus rock scrambles along the way.

Celebrate a hike well done at Box Office Brewery. Set inside the historic Strand Theatre, it’s a great spot to kick back with a rotating list of beers on tap and a full menu to re-fuel.

Many Virginia State Parks host ranger-led hikes on weekends and throughout the week. Most programs are free, though standard parking fees may apply.