Things to Do

Outdoors

Hiking

Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park (SNP) offers one of the most popular hikes in the mid-Atlantic region, with many spectacular panoramic views and one of the most challenging rock scrambles in the park. Old Rag and White Oak Canyon trail-heads, as well as trail-heads in other locations, provide access from below Skyline Drive to multiple trails in Shenandoah National Park as well as connections to the Appalachian Trail. Use the maps of Rappahannock County and SNP to locate hiking trail heads. In and near Rappahannock County, also enjoy canoeing, backpacking, orienteering, mountain biking, white water rafting, rock climbing, spelunking, skiing and almost any other outdoor activity that you can think of. Check out the George Washington National Forest, providing innumerable opportunities for outdoor recreation. See the resource links and listings below for more information.

Fishing

You can fish within SNP and the county, if you have the appropriate licenses. 5-day and annual permits are available online for both residents and non-residents. Special stocked trout streams, National Forest, state Wildlife Management Areas, and SNP require additional permits. Limits on size and harvests are available on the DGIF website, Trout Regulations. (see link below)

Mountainbiking

Whether you enjoy biking up dirt trails or along paved roads ... Virginia inspires mountain bikers to new heights of awareness and exhilaration. Sometimes you just have to stop the exercise and breath in the beauty that surrounds you. Check out the state tourism website for links to nearby areas such as Elizabeth Furnace, within The George Washington National Forest, just north and west of Rappahannock County. You can also explore the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area just south of the county in neighboring Madison County. The WMA requires a daily use permit of $4 or $23 annually, obtained online at the DGIF link below. The WMA borders SNP and offers stream-side and ridge riding.

Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Access rivers and streams in Rappahannock County at the intersections of state road bridges only. Also, fish throughout Shenandoah National Park. Valid Virginia fishing license required at all times for adults, resident children 16 years and older, non-resident children 12 years and older. In addition, a trout stamp is required to fish in areas designated as "stocked trout waters." Licenses and regulations are available online at the link below.
www.dgif.virginia.gov/licenses
866.721.6911

Hunt Harris, Tennis Professional
National champion, mid-Atlantic regional champion, collegiate all-American, internationally experienced and successful player and coach of numerous teams and individuals.
Rates: vary according to length of instruction time, number of participants, etc.
Hours: by appointment
huntoldragon@earthlink.net
540.987.8888
PO Box 141 / Washington, VA 22747
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Ragged Mountain Resource Center
Educational and recreational programs related to the local and regional natural environment, including day and night hikes (season and weather dependent), camping and additional resource networking.
Rates: vary according to activity
Hours: by appointment
huntoldragon@earthlink.net
540.987.8888
PO Box 141 / Washington, VA 22747
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Shenandoah Mountain Guides
Shenandoah Mountain Guides is internationally known for quality instruction and guiding. It offers exceptional educational programs in canoeing, backpacking, orienteering, survival/outdoor skills, mountain biking, outdoor leadership, rock climbing and environmental awareness.
shenandoahmountainguides.org
866.455.8672

Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah — a wilderness oasis in the busy East. In gazing across the horizon from the peaks of Shenandoah National Park, it's hard to believe you are just 75 miles from the bustle of our nation's capital. Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah's past or just relax in the wonder of the wilderness. From Rappahannock County, proceed west on Route 211 seven miles from Sperryville to the Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Drive or come into the park by way of trails located on the eastern slopes of Rappahannock County at designated trailhead entry points.
nps.gov/shen
headquarters 540.999.3500 / emergency 800.732.0911
3655 Lee Hwy / Luray, VA 22835
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