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Front Royal, VA

Recreation & Toursim

Outdoor sports are what Front Royal-Warren County is all about! Activities such as backpacking, camping, Civil War tours, golf, hiking, horseback riding, tennis and a variety of river sports lead the list.

Front Royal, where the Skyline Drive begins, is the only town to actually share a border with the Shenandoah National Park. Within the 105-mile-long expanse of this world-famous park, backpacking is very popular. The Appalachian Trail passes just two miles south of Front Royal and provides world-class hiking and backpacking opportunities as it winds its way from Maine to Georgia along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are trails for just about every level of expertise, from the most difficult to the easiest, including Limberlost Trail, which is great for children and offers handicap accessibility.

Just five miles west of Front Royal is the George Washington National Forest and the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation area. Trails with names like Buzzards Rock, Tuscarora and Signal Knob offer a variety of lesser-used but equally exciting and challenging trails. Each of these trails provides a variety of spectacular views. Campground camping, back-woods camping and trout fishing are but a few of the popular activities in this pristine setting.

Front Royal is the official Canoe Capital of Virginia — and with good reason. The north and south forks of the legendary Shenandoah River join here to form the main stem of the Shenandoah, which continues a northward flow to its confluence with the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry. The rivers offer a variety of boating, fishing and swimming opportunities, with occasional areas of relatively mild class I, II and III rapids. Several boat launch sites are located throughout the county. Bring your own canoe, or rent from one of our fine outfitters. They will assist you with logistics such as drop-off and/or pick-up services and provisioning. Rafting and tubing are also popular river sports for families and are provided by our outfitters.

Camping is popular in a variety of settings, including back-woods, family campgrounds and riverside camping. The Shenandoah National Park, the George Washington National Forest and the Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Shenandoah River State Park offer both family and backwoods options.

Four golf courses offer 90 of the most scenic and challenging holes in golf. All are private courses and are open to the public. Each course has its own distinct personality, with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and Massanutten mountains, as well as the Legendary Shenandoah River, as typical backdrops.

Summer activities include weekly live performances of a variety of music in the Town Square on Friday evenings. Annual festivals include The Festival of Leaves on the second Saturday of October and the Virginia Wine & Craft Festival on the third Saturday in May.

There are many ways to spend your time here! Call, write or e-mail us for our Visitors Package. We look forward to your visit.

Town of Front Royal Visitors’ Center

Front Royal, VA 22630
800-338-2576 or 540-635-5788
tourism@ci.front-royal.va.us
www.ci.front-royal.va.us

Shenandoah National Park

Open year-round, Shenandoah National Park is home to the famous Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds across the crests of mountains through the entire length of the park. Along the way are scenic vistas showcasing the spectacular landscapes to the east and the west.

The park is much more than just Skyline Drive, however. There are over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the renowned Appalachian Trail. Each trail holds its own surprises, whether it is a hidden waterfall or panoramic view, and there is a trail for each skill level. Hikers may run into one of the many species of wildlife found in the park or find apple trees, stone foundations and cemeteries of inhabitants from long ago.

In addition to trails, there are also camping and lodging facilities available. Visitors Centers are open mid-May through late October.

Canoeing

Declared “Canoe Capital of Virginia” by the General Assembly, Warren County boasts some of the finest opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Commonwealth. Enjoying a float down the world-renowned Shenandoah River as it flows through the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and lush farmlands is just a phone call away.

The legendary Shenandoah River — the Valley’s premier attraction — offers float trips geared to novice paddlers, so no experience is necessary. Visitors may choose -adventures from as short as one hour — a great way to have time to visit other area attractions — to voyages lasting several days. Included in Virginia’s Birding and Wildlife Trail, the Shenandoah offers travelers special opportunities to float, swim and explore ancient Native American sites and view natural -history first hand. Special programs such as moonlight paddles or easy “hike and float” trips to and from the Guest Shenandoah River State Park are available. Guided and -unguided fishing trips for smallmouth bass are available from outfitters who have attained some of the nation’s highest professional ratings. What better way to enjoy autumn than an uncrowded drift through some of the state’s finest fall foliage.

Everyone can paddle, so don’t pass up the opportunity to take home a great Shenandoah memory. Enjoy “Virginia with a Splash!” (See Canoe & Canoe Trips Listing on page 46.)

Contributed by Trace Noel, Shenandoah River Trips

Skyline Caverns

Skyline Caverns is the closest natural wonder to the nation’s capital and hosts nearly 100,000 visitors each year. People come from all around to experience the rare Anthodites, unique formations of delicate white spikes, spreading in all directions, including upwards, from their position on the cave ceiling.

The guided tour featuring the cave’s geological history takes adventurers deep underground. Award-winning lighting systems allow visitors to enjoy the splendor of The Capital Dome, Rainbow Trail, The Painted Desert, The Wishing Well, The Grotto of Nativity, Cathedral Hall, The Shrine, Fairyland Lake and much more. Included are three underground streams and the 37-foot Rainbow Waterfall.

Don’t forget a jacket on the tour; the caves stay a cool 54 degrees year-round. Located at the Northern Entrance to Skyline Drive, Skyline Caverns is open at 9 a.m. daily. For additional information please call 800-296-4545.

Wineries

Front Royal is also home to beautiful wineries nestled in exquisite surroundings.

Rappahannock Cellars is relatively new to the area, producing its first vintage in 2000. A new tasting room has been opened for the public to experience the different tastes, textures and aromas unique to Virginia wineries.

The winding roads of the Northern Shenandoah Valley will take you to North Mountain Vineyard and Winery. A beautiful place for weddings, private parties, birthdays and anniversaries, North Mountain also invites visitors to taste their wines, picnic on the stunning property and just enjoy their surroundings.

The Oasis Winery has 100 acres of -planted vines and holds the distinction of being the oldest winery in the state. Wines produced at Oasis Winery consistently win gold medals in the most prestigious international and national wine competitions. Residents and visitors to the area can indulge at one of the numerous open houses, where guests enjoy live music and free hors d’oeuvres and admission, in addition to the regular tours and tastings.