By Virginia Brooks

FALL 

The Shenandoah Valley is home to many of the most scenic views in Virginia. Each fall, these views are enhanced by the landscape mosaic of beautiful fall leaves, intertwining hues of amber, crimson and gold. 

According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, leaves roughly tend to peak in boldness of color between Oct. 10-31. It is during this short time period where visitors flock to Skyline Drive, Massanutten Resort or one of the many scenic overlooks in the area to catch the perfect glimpses of the foliage. 

Massanutten Resort provides scenic chairlift rides seasonally, which is an alternative way to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Aubrey Grubbs, senior at JMU, took advantage of the chairlift at the end of October, the month of peak foliage. 

“The perspective from above offers a whole new appreciation for the beauty of fall leaves,” Grubbs said.

Grubbs described the experience as something she recommends and would love to do again. With the area offering various options for foliage viewing, the most unique is from above. 

WINTER 

Paired hand in hand with the unpredictable Virginia weather comes a chilling winter for the Valley with low temperatures and strong winds. Some outdoor enthusiasts continue hiking and mountain biking, however, snow sports are the most seasonal choice. 

The Shenandoah Valley typically receives on average 19-24 inches of snow per year. 

While not as ideal as mountains out west,  many residents and visitors return each year to one of the many resorts — Bryce, Massenutten and Wintergreen Resorts — in the Valley to participate in a variety of winter sports.

While skiing and snowboarding are the most commonly thought of snow sports, snow tubing is another option of an outdoor activity that is accessible to most. Snow tubing is riding an inflatable tube down a hill, much less steep than a typical skiing or snowboarding hill. Tubing is available typically from mid December to early March. 

SPRING

As temperatures begin to rise, many enjoy hiking and spending time outside. Camping at Shenandoah National Park is an affordable and great way to stay immersed in nature while being close to many other activities in the Valley. Big Meadows (insert hyperlink) campground is centrally located in the SNP and close to many hikes ranging in difficulty from Bearfence Mountain Trail, a quick mile loop, to Old Rag Mountain, a more difficult 9-mile loop perfect for a day trip. 

Big Meadows is a campground offering many campsites and amenities. It is closed until the beginning of the spring and is available to both tent and RV campers. It is recommended to bring a tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, and plenty of food, but watch out for bears. 

SUMMER 

Summer in the Valley means temperatures averaging in the high 80s. Taking advantage of the many rivers and creeks that run through the Valley is a scenic and affordable way to cool off. There are many places to take a plunge such as the falls in St Mary’s Wilderness and Blue Hole. 

There are also many companies that offer tubing trips down the river. This is a relaxing way to cool off and spend a day. Shenandoah River Outfitters offer what they consider to be “the best tubing trips” in the Valley. They offer many start times for a 3-mile relaxing tube down the river. 

 

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