The Blue
Ridge Mountains, scenic country roads, rivers and forests and state
and regional parks provide the perfect setting for a wide range
of outdoor activities and adventures
all year long.
Hiking
Giant
boulders line the trail and spectacular views reward your efforts
from the top of Old Rag
Mountain in Madison County, a favorite among hikers who return year after
year. Sky
Meadows Park in Fauquier County offers panoramic views of the
surrounding farms and access to the Appalachian Trail. Culpeper’s
regional parks offer the perfect place for a leisurely
hike or a more active workout at fitness stations located along
the pathways. Hike along level, paved walking trails or take a
more adventureous nature trail. Many of Culpeper’s parks
are marked with interpretive panels with information about the
history that happened nearby. For a more extensive walk back in
time, visit one of the preserved
battlefields.
Shenandoah
National Park offers many outstanding trails for hiking in
the serenity of the woods, past waterfalls and with sweeping vistas
of the surrounding valleys. White Oak Canyon is perhaps the best
waterfall hike in the park.
Camping
Gather around a campfire and sahre an evening
under the stars with family and friends at the Rappahannock
River Campground,
Shenandoah Hills Campground and other places to camp.
Horseback Riding
Here in the heart
of horse country, the choice is yours! Experience the beauty
of the Piedmont from the back of horse at ranches such as the Marriott
Ranch,
Inn
at Kelly’s Ford,
Lantern Lane Farm, Graves
Mountain Lodge and Oakland
Heights Farm in Orange.
Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled rider, they will take
you and your family on memorable rides through fields, woods and
mountains. Horseback riding, trail riding and fox hunting
are offered at specialty inns such as Conyers
House Country Inn & Stable.
Equestrian events take place in the region throughout the year.
Enjoy the thrill of watching a race, steeplechase or other equestrian
event or visit a horse farm during Culpeper’s Harvest Days
Farm Tour. For more information, check the Calendar of Events.
On the Water
If you prefer gliding
quietly down a river or an afternoon of fishing, the Rappahannock,
Rapidan, Rose, Robinson, and Hughes rivers
offer great canoeing, kayaking and rafting and tranquil places
to cast a line. Regional outfitters like the Rappahannock
River Campground stand ready to help equip and take you to
a good place to begin your adventure. The Rose River Vineyard and
Trout Farm and Graves Mountain Lodge Trout Pond in Madison
County offer fishing in breathtaking
moutain scenery.
Rappahannock is home to the headwaters of the Rappahannock River
as well as 755 miles of streams and rivers, including the Thornton,
Hazel, Jordan and Hughes rivers, offering opportunities for fishing
and kayaking.
The
Kelly’s Ford access point on the Rappahannock River
is a popular put-in location for boats, canoes and kayaks. Friends
of the Rappahannock
advocates for restoration of and volunteer opportunities on the
river and sponsors a summer fishing day camp for children.
The region’s lakes:
Bicycling
Explore the region close
up as you bicycle along winding
scenic byways for one or several days. Stop at
local wineries and historic towns. Replenish your energy at restaurants
that range from gourmet to basic fare and rest your tired legs
at one of the many outstanding B&Bs.
The town of Remington has
a network of bicycle routes which wind through Fauquier's countryside
and Civil War history. Brochures are available to download at visitfauquier.com.
In Culpeper,
you can can ride through history on country roads with stops at
local
battlefields .
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Piedmont region on a
luxury bicycle adventure. Tour
D’Epicure’s fully supported cycling
vacation packages are led by experienced cyclists and include luxury
accommodations, five star dining and fine Virginia wines.
Hunting
The region’s wildlife
management areas provide thousands of acres of woods and open spaces
where you can hunt deer, turkey, woodcock, and grouse.
Golf
photo credit: Jannette Voorneveld |
If hitting the links is
your idea of a perfect day, the region has golf courses in beautiful
settings. There are also places to swim, play tennis and walk in
regional parks. Find information on the county recreation
pages below.
Put
your hiking or riding boots, bicycle, golf clubs or fishing rod
and gear in the car and come enjoy The Virginia Piedmont.
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