Discover Front Royal
    • Home
    • Spring 2022
    • Events Calendar
      • Winter 2021-22
      • Leaf Report 2021
      • Summer 2021
    • Plan Your Visit
      • Adventure and Stars
      • Off the Beaten Path
      • Wine Lovers
      • Pawfect Adventures
      • Adventurous Eats
      • Adventure Awaits
      • Get Out and Golf
    • Explore, Eat, Stay
      • Get Outdoors
      • Eat & Drink
      • Play & Stay
    • Photo Contest
    • Contact
    • Blog
    • Visitor Guide

Blog

  • MEDIA/PRESS
  • CONTACT US
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • VISITOR GUIDE
  • VIDEO
Picture

Front Royal, the Canoe Capital of Virginia

6/15/2020

 
Picture
Now that the imposed limitations from COVID-19 are almost behind us and summer is on its way, having fun outdoors can mean being on or in the water. Canoeing and kayaking are not only great for seeing picturesque views, but a wonderful way to relax and destress from the hectic pace of day-to-day life. Finding peace and quiet on the water is all part of the overall experience. 

With one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of America’s landscape, the Blue Ridge Mountains, for its backdrop, the Shenandoah River is undoubtedly what so many residents and nature-loving people enjoy most about Front Royal. In 1999, Front Royal received the honor of being named the “Canoe Capital of Virginia”.  The river is controllable for beginners but includes expanses of thrills as well. The canoe has been used for trade and transportation along the river since the earliest recorded history in the Valley, so enjoy the history, beauty, and tradition that canoeing entails in the Shenandoah Valley.

Picture
Front Royal is fortunate to have two forks of the river running through our land:
​
The South Fork Shenandoah is a popular destination for canoeists and kayakers. The nearness of the river to the more urban areas of Virginia and the bucolic beauty of the valley attracts thousands each year. Several canoe outfitters operate on the South Fork and traffic can be heavy on certain sections of the river during the summer months. Twenty (20) public access points along the entire length of the river creates the opportunity to plan many different float trips of varying distances.

The North Fork is a relatively small, shallow river and is very accessible to wade angling. This part of the river is ideal to float, canoe or kayak. Clear water, pleasant scenery, abundant wildlife, and mild whitewater make the North Fork a paddler’s dream.
​

Fishing opportunities on the North Fork:

  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Sunfish
  • Fallfish
  • Muskellunge
  • Other fish species: American eel, white sucker, northern hogsucker, common carp, crappie, yellow bullhead, and channel catfish ​
Picture
Consider these other benefits of canoeing and kayaking in the Front Royal’s portion of the Shenandoah River:

  • Breathtaking landscapes of farms, forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy while floating down the river. 
  • Waterway wildlife is generally less shy around canoeists and kayakers. Enjoy seeing things that walkers and cyclists rarely get to see.
  • A chance to meet new and interesting people. Most nature clubs have a thriving social scene and attract members of all ages and interests.
  • Exercise! Canoeing and kayaking offers one of the best upper body workouts by using most of the muscles in your arms and shoulders.
  • Gives you something to look forward to. Break away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life and enjoy floating on the smooth waters of the river. 
  • Family-fun approved! The whole family can enjoy and be involved. Canoeing is a very accessible sport and is great for kids and adults alike. Spending quality time with them makes great memories that will last a lifetime.
  • It is less expensive than you think. Many canoe clubs will offer free test sessions and rent out equipment at very reasonable rates.

Prior to jumping into your canoe, don’t forget these necessary and practical health and safety tips for canoeing and kayaking:
​
  • Learn how to paddle from experienced teachers. Contact a local club.
  • Know how to use your first aid kit. Take a first aid course if you feel it is necessary.
  • Make sure your preparation and skills are adequate for the water you plan to paddle through.
  • Be visible to other crafts. Put reflective tape or fluorescent paint on your helmet, life jacket and canoe or kayak.
  • Always wear your personal floatation device and helmet.
  • Make sure you know about potential hazards in the proposed waterway.
  • Check weather conditions before you paddle.
  • Do not paddle alone. Always tell someone about your plans, including where you intend to paddle and when you expect to be back.
  • Dress for the conditions. Apply 30+ SPF sunscreen (or higher) to all exposed areas of skin.
  • Avoid dehydration. Take plenty of water to drink.
Picture
​Canoe outfitters along the Shenandoah River normally provide a shuttle service, drop you off and let you float back a chosen distance to the outfitter headquarters. Looking for a local Front Royal shop to help?

Some combination of canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, rafts and paddleboards, may be rented from Front Royal Outdoors, Downriver Canoe Company or Shenandoah River Outfitters. 

Launching your own vessel is popular, too, and many access points/boat ramps are found in or near Front Royal.  

One of Virginia’s many state parks is nearby as well—the 1600-acre Shenandoah River State Park. It is located eight miles south of town on Route 340, offering miles of riverfront and mountain trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as cabin rentals, a new zipline and tent camping.

From beautiful mountains, lush pastoral farmland and glistening river waters, Front Royal’s nature will astonish both young and old. Mark your calendar, Friday, June 26th is National Canoe Day! Make it a weekend getaway by renting a cabin, staying in a nearby Bed & Breakfast, and or local hotel. Now is the time to plan your trip to enjoy a river experience in the Canoe Capital of Virginia! 

Skyline Drive is Ready for Your Must-Take Road Trip This Spring

6/4/2020

 
Picture
Celebrating Spring was not the same here in Front Royal last year. Locals and tourists alike missed wandering through the spectacular Shenandoah National Park, taking in the stunning scenery and enduring rugged outdoor adventures. As a popular destination for weekenders in Warren County and nearby regions, drivers could travel the 105 mile road in about three hours. Those three hours did not account for the temptation to stop, look, picnic, play or simply explore so much of what is Skyline Drive.
 
But finally, the Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive and all trails are now open.  Everyone needs a change of scenery, especially after a year of confinement. If you only have one day to spare, consider a day trip from Front Royal to some amazing nearby destinations - small towns, wineries, challenging hiking trails, and gorgeous mountain landscapes—all within three hours of the entrance to Skyline Drive. 
​
Picture
Soon rumbling motorcycles will come in from I-66 transporting cruise riders, the Harley riders and young-at-heart senior riders. Cars will park on the side while waiting for an order from Spelunker’s. We will see the magnificent landscape dotted with flowering dogwood, redbud, and wild plum trees. We will travel the trails artfully displaying colorful azaleas, pink-and-white mountain laurel and hundreds of wildflowers strewn on the forest’s floor.
 
COVID-19 Updates

Updated March 8, 2021

Now that the Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, and all trails are open, please recreate responsibly by following the guidelines below. Park facilities are beginning to open for the spring season. Please refer to our 
operating hours for more information on opening dates and hours for visitor centers, dining areas, lodges, campgrounds, and picnic areas.

Recreating Responsibly

When recreating, please follow local area health orders and recreate responsibly by keeping social distance, wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained, avoiding high risk activities, and staying home if you feel sick.

The 
CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all Park functions and recommend that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
​
Be sure to plan. Before visiting Shenandoah National Park, plan to keep safe.
  • Minimize the use of cash, plan to pay your entrance fee with a debit or credit card.
  • Plan your activities to maintain social distancing. Visiting less popular overlooks and taking hikes on less popular areas are helpful. 
  • Park maps or hiking maps are not being given out, so be sure to download them and bring them with you! Park maps and trails

​To help navigate the park, download the Park App, as well as the offline content, before arriving in the park.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/shen and social media channels: https://www.facebook.com/shenandoahnps/, https://twitter.com/ShenandoahNPS, and https://www.instagram.com/shenandoahnps/. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please visit www.goshenandoah.com for updates about park concessioner, Delaware North’s operations.
 
As the weather gets warmer and the dangers of the coronavirus are lessened, grab a picnic basket filled with your favorite foods. Do not forget the blanket, insect repellant and a few rain ponchos. Your day to tour Skyline Drive awaits. 

It may have been a silent spring last year, but the roar of excited crowds and fragrance of nature’s beauty beckons you to take a must-take road trip this Spring.
Picture
Shenandoah River

    Author

    Discover Front Royal

    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020

    Categories

    All
    Activities
    Adventure
    Apple Picking
    Autumn
    Biking
    Bird Watching
    Blue Ridge Mountains
    Cabin
    Camping
    Canoeing
    Climbing
    Contest
    Craft Beers
    Craft Festivals
    Day Trips
    Dining
    Discover Front Royal
    Discovery Series
    Downtown Rebound
    Entertainment
    Events
    Family
    Family Fun
    Farms
    Festivals
    Fishing
    Foliage
    Food
    Fun
    Fun Facts
    Gardens
    Getaway
    Gifts
    Golf
    Health
    Hiking
    Historic
    Historic Sites
    Holidays
    Homesteading
    Indoors
    Kayaking
    Kids
    Leaf Peeping
    Local
    Locals
    Lodging
    LoveVA
    Main Street
    Meadery
    Mountain Biking
    Movies
    Music
    National Parks
    Nature
    Orchards
    Outdoor Recreation
    Parks
    Pets
    Photography
    Picnic
    Real Estate
    Recreational Activities
    Restaurants
    Rock Climbing
    Scenic Drives
    Seasons
    Shenandoah National Park
    Shenandoah River
    Shenandoah Valley
    Shop
    Shopping
    Shops
    Skiing
    Skyline Drive
    Special Needs
    Sports
    Spring
    Star Gazing
    Staycation
    Summer
    Swimming
    Things To Do
    Tourism
    Town Of Front Royal
    Trails
    Travel
    Virginia
    Virginia Tourism Corporation
    Visit Front Royal
    Warren County
    Wildlife
    Wine Festival
    Wineries
    Winter

    RSS Feed


DIRECTIONS

To say all roads lead to Front Royal is not an exaggeration. From the numerous winding state roads lined with gorgeous fields and farms, to fast-moving multi-laned interstates, you’ll find an easy commute to our community. Once here, we can personalize all your travel needs. ​

​Front Royal/Warren County Visitors Center
414 East Main Street
Front Royal, VA 22630

Phone: 540-635-5788

Open Mon - Sun
9:00 AM to 4 PM

​
Directions
HELPFUL LINKS
​
Front Royal Trolley (PDF)
Front Royal Visitors Guide
​Front Royal Weather Forecast
​
Shenandoah Valley

Visit Shenandoah
ABOUT US
​
Front Royal/​Warren County is conveniently located within the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and offers numerous recreational activities, historical landmarks, and annual events in and around us. Visit Front Royal to find out why it’s the perfect location for your next family reunion, business meeting,  destination wedding, get-away weekend or ... new home!
Read More

​CONNECT

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
© 2021 Discover Front Royal | Contact Webmaster | Privacy
Theme by ROOMY THEMES
Site powered by MMES inc
Theme by ROOMY THEMES
  • Home
  • Spring 2022
  • Events Calendar
    • Winter 2021-22
    • Leaf Report 2021
    • Summer 2021
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Adventure and Stars
    • Off the Beaten Path
    • Wine Lovers
    • Pawfect Adventures
    • Adventurous Eats
    • Adventure Awaits
    • Get Out and Golf
  • Explore, Eat, Stay
    • Get Outdoors
    • Eat & Drink
    • Play & Stay
  • Photo Contest
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Visitor Guide