For special needs parents, it can be tough to find activities that whole family can enjoy together. But doing so is totally worth it. You don’t want your special needs child to be left out of those great memories that siblings share. Not to mention it’s more efficient if everyone can have fun at the same time! And that’s worth taking into consideration… After all, special needs parents are some of the busiest people in the world!
 

The good news is that the Front Royal area has plenty of opportunities for special needs family fun. We’ve done the research to round up a selection of accessible Front Royal destinations that will appeal to all different abilities and interests.

​Whether you’re planning a trip to the Shenandoah Valley, or already live in the Front Royal area, this post is for you. Read on for a comprehensive list of accessible activities that parents and siblings will also enjoy. Everyone’s included!
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​No doubt about it, the top tourist attraction of the Front Royal area is Shenandoah National Park. With its stunning mountain views, the park attracts over one million visitors every year. It’s also one of the most accessible of America’s National Parks. In fact, this park was specifically designed with driving in mind. In an era when cars were first becoming widely available, the park’s designers planned that the central feature of the park should be Skyline Drive, a road leading all the way down the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can enjoy the park’s major attraction without ever having to leave your car! There are also plenty of accessible picnic spots with stunning views, conveniently located right by the road.
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If you're not already aware, individuals with disabilities are entitled to a free lifetime pass to our National Park system! Learn more here!
 

​With a variety of accessible facilities, including lodging and camping, Shenandoah National Park is a welcoming destination for the special needs family. For a fully accessible hike, check out the Limberlost Trail. Shenandoah National Park is beautiful all year long, but it’s a particularly popular destination in the fall.

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​For special needs families in the local area, North Star Stables offers both able-bodied and therapeutic horseback riding lessons, for riders of all capabilities. You won’t find a more welcoming environment! Head instructor Teresa Pilegaard is a special needs mom herself. She’s seen the benefits of therapeutic riding in all areas of development: physical, mental, and emotional. North Star Stables is truly a treasure of the Front Royal area. There isn’t another PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor for hours around! The best part? Able-bodied siblings are welcome at North Star Stables too. All the kids can jump in and experience the benefits of horseback riding!
 
Note: due to medical clearance requirements, North Star Stables is unfortunately unable to offer one-off sessions for traveling families.
 

​If you’re thinking that water fun is an essential part of summer, we agree! And Warren County does too! Special needs families can enjoy the Claude A. Stokes Community Swimming Pool, which features a lift to assist those with mobility challenges to into the pool. Or for splashing and sprinklers, visit the splash pad at the Dr. Saul Seide Memorial Gardens. You’ll find it’s fully accessible and fun for all the family. Within the same park, you’ll also find Free Wheeling Way, a wheelchair accessible playground structure, complete with accessible picnic tables.  It’s a recipe for a day of summer fun at the park.

Several of Front Royal’s other parks also feature accessible walking trails. The beautiful Eastham Park walking trail is located right on the banks of the Shenandoah River. Other options are the Skyline Soccerplex trail and the Rockland Park walking trails. Enjoy in the summer, or any time of year!

​After a day at the pool, on Skyline Drive, or on horseback, there’s still more to enjoy in Front Royal!

Arts and craft lovers will want to check out Explore Art and Clay. The studio is wheelchair accessible and offers paint your own pottery sessions. Come make memories painting a mug, plate, or seasonal decoration. They’ll give your work of art a professional finish. Budding sculptors should check their event schedule for the Kids Clay Club sessions. Projects can be adapted to suit different ability levels.

Finally, bowling is an all-time favorite for family fun. Bring the whole family to Royal Family Bowling Center. The lanes that are fully wheelchair accessible, and bowling ball ramps are available. Kids and adults of all abilities can play.
 

​When the whole family’s together, you’ll make memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Start your adventure in Front Royal, Virginia. It might be as simple as a day at the park, or as exciting as a series of horseback riding lessons. Whether you’re coming for a visit or here to stay, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the unique opportunities you’ll find in the Front Royal area.
 

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.

Go Camping

Everyone has a different reason to go camping. Many want to disconnect from high tech and reconnect with the outdoors. Families go camping to get away from distractions at home and to rejuvenate relationships. Camping means different things to different people. 
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Not sure where to stay? Here are some great choices!
 

• Gooney Creek Campgrounds 
• Front Royal RV Campground  
• Mathews Arm Campground  
• River Run Campground, LLC  

• Low-Water Bridge Campground   
• Mountain Lake Campground  
• Twin Rivers Campground  ​

Support the Community by staying at a local B&B

Staying at a bed and breakfast is the perfect choice of lodging when you need a relaxing escape. You can find B&Bs almost anywhere you go, and they provide much better value than hotels. From personalized attention to delicious food, there are many reasons to choose a bed and breakfast over a hotel - especially in Front Royal. 

When you are on the road, away from home, travelers seek to experience a deeper connection with the places they visit. The bed and breakfast industry, is known for its hospitality, which is why you see many B&B’s and Inns receive great ratings for this very quality.

Each bed and breakfast has its own history and its own style of accommodation. A B&B gives you the sense of being home because the rooms are both comfortable and elegant.

B&B’s are small businesses. Innkeepers take tremendous pride in their work. Not only that, they feel a responsibility to make sure their guests are comfortable and cared for.

And then there is the food! Home-cooked meals, with locally sourced ingredients, make the start of the day an enjoyable one. A freshly-prepared, delicious breakfast means the world to travelers who are far from home.

Front Royal and Warren County have a bevy of choices:
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• Caledonia Farm-1812 Bed & Breakfast
• Cedar Point Farm
• Blue Hill Farm VA LLC
• The Marriott Ranch Bed and Breakfast
• Woodward House On Manor Grade
• L'Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast
• Glen Gordon Manor
• Blue Mountain Escape B&B
• Mountain Home