The idea of “adventure” awakens something deep within the human spirit. After all, adventure is the topic of many of our favorite stories, books, and movies. We literally spend hours thinking and talking about adventures. 

​So if you’re feeling bogged down with the business of everyday living, consider embarking on your own new adventure: an outdoor adventure! There’s nothing that can freshen your perspective and breathe new life into your everyday quite like spending a day (or a few!) adventuring in the great outdoors. 

If you’re seeking to satisfy the adventure-lover within you, put the Front Royal area at the top of your list of destinations. With a fantastic location at the Gateway to Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find plenty of scope for adventure here. Oh, and did we mention that this vibrant small town is also known as the Canoe Capital of Virginia? Call it nature’s playground if you like. With river, forests, and mountains all nearby, every adventure-lover will find something to enjoy in the Front Royal area. Don’t put your next adventure on hold. Make plans today to discover the adventure of Front Royal.  

The Adventure of Front Royal
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The first ingredient in planning your adventure is, of course, the adventure itself! You’ll find plenty to keep you busy in the Front Royal area. Let us give you some ideas. 
 
The Shenandoah National Park is a great place to start. It’s Front Royal’s most famous landmark, and it’s a sought-after destination for adventure-lovers from all over the U.S. Mountain bikers and rock climbers will find plenty to enjoy in Shenandoah National Park, and in the greater Front Royal area too. If you’re looking for a memorable hike, see here for some local recommendations. Spoiler alert: two of the hikes on this list feature swimming holes! 
 

Prefer to plan your next adventure on the water? There’s no better place than the Canoe Capital of Virginia! From kayaking to tubing to fishing (with lots more in between), the Shenandoah River is an endless source of adventure and fun. Check out one of our local outfitters, such as Front Royal Outdoors for everything you need to make your dream river adventure a reality.  
 

The Supplies (Find What You Need in Front Royal)
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Don’t forget to plan a stop in the town of Front Royal to stock up on food and any gear that you’ll need. Blue Wing Frog is a classic favorite food stop for our outdoors loving visitors. They offer wholesome, homemade food to eat in, and they’ll even pack it as a picnic for you to bring with you. 

Meanwhile, if you’re missing an essential piece of gear, Mountain Trails should be able to help you. You’ll find a range of high quality outdoor equipment here, from water bottles to tents and everything in between!
 

Sweet Refreshment (Front Royal’s Happy Ending)
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Outdoor adventures help you work up an appetite, and there’s no better way to reward yourself than with a drink and a bite to eat at one of Front Royal’s favorite breweries. Check out Front Royal Brewing Company or PaveMint Taphouse to give your adventure a perfect ending. Nothing pairs with a beer and a burger quite like the feeling of slightly aching muscles! Cheers to the adventure!

​And if you think you won’t be able to tear yourself away after dinner, check out our lodging options. There’s camping, hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, something for everyone to love. Make your visit to Front Royal all the more relaxing by settling in for the night. 
 

Maybe your idea of adventure is canoeing the river, scaling a rock face, challenging yourself with a new hike, or taking on some mountain trails with a bike. Whatever the case, you’ll find that your perfect adventure awaits you in Front Royal, Virginia. Don’t wait any longer to discover all our small town has to offer!
 

Spring with its restrictions sprang into oblivion quickly and the outlook for summer is not looking much less restrictive. Gym space and time is limited; running in the heat is not fun; and public swimming pools are closed. So, what is the best physical activity in the summer of 2020 in our beautiful Shenandoah Valley?

Riding a mountain bike on one of our scenic trails could be the answer!
 
Mountain biking is the ideal experience for anyone who wants to exercise and connect with nature. There are some skills that mountain bikers need to possess while acknowledging the difference in mountain bikes, biking styles, techniques, and terrains.
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Everyone knows any physical activity is good for you. We have all heard about the “runner’s high.” But when you do any activity that gets your blood flowing and triggers the release of endorphins.
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You never get bored with mountain biking as the trail is always changing. No route is ever the same. The texture of the dirt on the trail is different and there can be more rocks, fallen branches, or other unexpected obstacles.

Mountain biking gets you places much faster than hiking. In warm weather everything around is more beautiful. The stillness and majesty alone are worth it.
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Here are a few of them to get you started on your mountain biking journey:
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• Make sure your bike is well-maintained and serviced

Having your bike properly serviced and checked before any ride is the thing to do first. Being sure you have a bike tool/repair kit with your essentials, well ... is essential!

• Building a Strong Foundation

It is crucial to build a strong foundation before working on speed and intensity. This can be achieved through working on endurance, strength, and balance. An amateur should spend at least 1–2 months building this foundation base.

• Stay Healthy

Workouts and rides exhaust the body in the beginning. Be sure to take consistent breaks to give your body a rest. In addition to eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains, do not forget to drink lots of water! (Plan ahead and pick up a great pre-packed lunch and snacks at one of Front Royal’s great restaurants, like the Blue Wing Frog and Manor Line Market for a super fresh and healthy option to have along the way!)

• Break biking routine into two parts

Most of those who are new to mountain biking, likely to get tired every 15 mins. But do not stop practicing, just do not go overboard. Take turns between immense effort for 15 mins and taking it easy for 15 mins. This flow pushes the body.

• Braking correctly

The key to riding safely is to use brakes wisely. Practice riding a bike before going on any trails to determine how much braking power the tires have. Learning how much or how little to squeeze the brake levers, is what prevents falls over the bike on many dangerous hills!

• All eyes on the trail

It is vital to know exactly where to look while biking. Do not look directly down at the wheel or what is in front of it. Instead, use peripheral vision to keep track of the trail, to avoid any obstacles. Small rocks and roots are okay to ride over; make sure to adjust speed and position accordingly.

Special considerations on bicycling on the Skyline Drive
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Bicycling is permitted along Skyline Drive and on paved areas in the park. Bicycling (road and mountain bikes) is not permitted on trails, unpaved roads or in grassy areas.* Because Skyline Drive is a two-lane road with steep hills and numerous blind curves, cyclists are urged to use extreme caution.

Visitors should be prepared to operate their bicycles during periods of low visibility, or while traveling through a tunnel, or between sunset and sunrise, by exhibiting on the operator or bicycle a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear. During periods of fog, reflectors will not provide necessary safety for bicyclists. Lights on both the front and rear of the bicycle are required. Mountain areas can experience dramatically different weather than what is being experienced in the lowlands, so be prepared!

Donations were received by the Shenandoah National Bicycle Coalition and Planet Bike of 150 lights to be given to visitors at the entrances for safety of the bicyclists arriving without a rear light. Lights are supposed to be dropped off as the visitors exit.

*Bicycling from Skyline Drive is permitted on Rapidan Fire Road for approximately one mile. At the end of this mile, there is a sign indicating no bicycles are permitted beyond that point.

BIKE TRAILS AND BIKE PATHS

Local Trails & Greenways
414 E Main St Front Royal
 
Sherando Park Mountain Bike Trails
Address: 200 Landgrant Ln.
Stephens City, VA 22655
Phone: (540) 665-5600
 
Eastham Park
Address: Luray Ave.
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: (540) 636-4600
 
Elizabeth Furnace Recreational area
Address: Fort Valley, VA 22652
Phone: (540) 984-4101
 
Buzzard Rock Trailhead
Address: 3087 Mountain Rd.
Front Royal, VA 22630
 
Shenandoah River State Park
Address: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: (540) 622-6840
 
Rockland Park
Address: 250 Rockland Park Way
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: (540) 635-7750
 
Sherando Park
255 Lakeview Circle
Stephens City, VA 22655
Phone: (540) 665-5678
 
Low Water Bridge Campgrounds
Address: 192 Panhandle Rd.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: (540) 635-7277
 
Sky Meadows State Park
11012 Edmonds Ln.
Delaplane, VA 20144
Phone: 540-592-3556
 
Shenandoah River State Park
350 Daughter of Stars Dr.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: 540-622-6840;
 
Whitney State Forest
Address: Lee, Morton Ridge
Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone: (804) 492-4121
 
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove
Address: Middletown, VA 22645
Phone: (540) 869-3051
 
Shenandoah National Park
17157 Skyline Dr.
Front Royal, VA 22630
540-999-3500
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Shopping for Bicycle or Bicycle Repair
 
Do you need a new bike or maintenance/repairs done on your bike? Here are some bike sales and repair shops to check out.
 
Mountain Trails Front Royal
120 E Main St.
​Front Royal, VA 22630
540-749-2470

Blue Ridge Bicycles
2228 Papermill Rd # G
Winchester, VA 22601
540-662-1510
 
Shenandoah Bicycle Company is open and operating, ready to assist you!
135 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-437-9000
 
Wyse Cycles
540-383-4119
ben@wysecycles.com
 
Haymarket Bicycles
4414 Costello Way
Haymarket, VA 20169
703-754-1911

​Some final, yet important considerations:

Remain on open forest roads

• Get tips and learn about the area from locals if you can.
• The intent of road closures is to balance popular public use with the sustainability of natural resources.
• Closed roads will be posted. Not all bicycle trails are open to off-highway vehicle use.
• Wilderness areas are off-limits to all vehicles, including bicycles.
• Comply with signs and barriers and leave gates as you found them.
• Some trails cross private property and are subject to deed restrictions, which prohibit vehicular travel of any kind.
• Respect public and private property by practicing minimum impact cycling.

Watch over the environment

• Stay on trails and roads designated for use.
• Minimize erosion by staying on trails and not cutting switchbacks.
• Avoid wet, muddy areas as they are more susceptible to erosion.
• Do not ride on snow-covered roads!
• Do not disturb wildlife or livestock.
• Teach new riders trail etiquette—lead by example.
• Don’t litter.

Ride carefully, remain in control

• The forest is for everyone. Be considerate of hikers and equestrians.
• Always wear a protective helmet and other gear. 
• Ride single file in the middle of the trail to avoid widening the trail.
• Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Horses spook when they see an unfamiliar object, especially one that moves quickly and quietly.
• Slow down and use caution when passing others. If necessary, dismount your vehicle or bicycle on the downhill side and wait for horses and hikers to pass.
• Control speed always. Approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend.

ALWAYS be prepared

• Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
• Don’t ride alone. Tell someone where you plan to ride and then stick to your plans.
• Don’t take unnecessary chances—help for emergencies may be miles away.
• Make sure you have a first aid kit and other safety gear with you when riding in the forest.

 
Remember: You are responsible for your own safety
and for the safety of those around you.