CREDIT: KARI WATSON
STAUNTON CITY PARKS Betsy Bell Wilderness Park
This park offers a magnificent view of the Shenandoah Valley from its observation platform (elev. 1,959 feet), which looks due east toward the Blue Ridge Mountains. The summit has picnic facilities and an observation area. Mountain bikers may wish to test their endurance by tackling the entire length of the access road. It offers a difficult climb, a breathtaking view, and an exciting downhill run.
Once included on the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World,” Natural Bridge is located 45 minutes south of Staunton.
Natural Bridge
This Virginia Landmark, once owned by Thomas Jefferson, is a 215-foot limestone arch. Natural Bridge, along with the surrounding 1,500 acres is slated to become Virginia’s newest state park.
Natural Chimneys
It’s hard to imagine, but the Shenandoah Valley was once the floor of a great inland sea. Centuries ago, as that sea receded, the forces of nature carefully etched out an unusual formation of solid rock. The seven Natural Chimneys tower as much as 120 feet above the pastoral terrain of the Shenandoah Valley.
Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness Area Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness is a rugged and steep piece of land on the eastern side of Shenandoah Mountain, a region redolent with memories of America’s Civil War. One of the largest tracts of virgin forest left in the eastern United States has been preserved here. Among the variety of plants you may see are some virgin hardwoods and hemlocks standing in the upper elevations and a more typical Appalachian forest of tulip poplar, red oak, and basswood.
Shenandoah National Park
The Park provides more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some hikes will lead you to spectacular waterfalls or viewpoints while
A sprawling 214-acre park that includes a public golf course, football and baseball stadiums, a gymnasium, a lake, a skate-boarding park, two playgrounds, three youth baseball fields, a public swimming pool, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, the Gypsy Express Mini Train, a dog park, the duck pond, and a bandstand. The Park’s 1.3-mile circular loop is a designated play street and is suitable for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages.
Montgomery Hall Park
148 acres of rolling hills offers quiet woodlands and hiking, fitness, and birding trails. The park also has softball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, a disc-golf course, soccer complex, and a public swimming pool.
One of “America’s Favorite Mountain Towns” — Travel+Leisure others penetrate deep into Shenandoah’s wilderness areas. Car access is provided by the Skyline Drive. nps.gov/shen
Sherando Lake
Known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sherando’s beauty and history are part of the lives of several generations of Virginians. Families bring their children to Sherando and relive memories of their own parents bringing them. Swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and camping are among the activities available.
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VisitStaunton.com
Many of our region’s best bicycling trails are located just outside Staunton in Augusta County. For a full list of on and off road biking options, from five to 50 miles in length, visit bikethevalley.org
Skyline Drive
Located along the crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive is a 105mile scenic byway that traverses the entire length of Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive is considered one of America’s best drives. Plan to stop for a picnic at one of 75 overlooks and relax with breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Virginia Piedmont. visitskylinedrive.org
St. Mary’s Wilderness
Congress designated the Saint Mary’s Wilderness in 1984 and it now has a total of 9,835 acres. The largest Virginia Wilderness on national forest land, it has elevations ranging from 1,700 feet to 3,400 feet, and includes 17 miles of trails. Along the Saint Mary’s River Gorge you can fish for native trout, walk through rhododendron and mountain laurel, and discover a lovely waterfall.
“America’s Best Fall Bike Rides” 800.342.7982
LET’S RIDE CREDIT: WOODS PIERCE
COURTESY OF NATURAL BRIDGE
Gypsy Hill Park
Local area cycling enthusiasts often meet at Black Dog Bikes in downtown Staunton for the following fast-paced road rides: • Tuesday Evenings — Medium-Paced Road Ride. Brisk ride through the scenic Shenandoah Valley countryside. Get a good workout without going hardcore. 15-20 miles. • Thursday Evenings — Fast Road Ride. The highly acclaimed weekly World Championship Road Ride of Augusta County! This is a fast-paced ride with regroups. KOMs and sprints will have you digging deep into your suitcase of courage. Or not. 25-30 miles. Riders gather at 5:30pm. Call 540-887-8700 before you show up. (April to October)
FALL FOLIAGE BIKE FESTIVAL (Every October)
Shenandoahbike.org
— U.S. News & World Report 23