Eight Reasons to Keep Your Front Royal Adventure Going Through the Winter

Photo Credit: Anne Walker

The Front Royal area is rightly famous for its outdoor attractions such as the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, the Shenandoah River, and more. A favorite playground for lovers of all things outdoor adventure, Front Royal definitely sees the most visitors during spring, summer, and fall. But there’s no reason not to keep the adventure going through the winter! Read on for eight reasons why a winter adventure in the Front Royal area can also be a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors. You’ll be packing your (warm) gear and heading out in no time!

1. Nature’s Beauty is Still Stunning in Winter
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Photo Credit: Nevin Gibson

You have to be a little braver to get out there in the winter, but once you do, you’ll find a world of beauty still awaits you in the Front Royal area. You’ll spot stunning frozen waterfalls on the rock formations that line Skyline Drive. With leaves off the trees and the cold temperatures clearing the air, visibility is better in the winter, too. You’ll enjoy views you can’t see any other time of year. The clear also makes winter the best time of year for stargazing. And there are few better places to enjoy the night sky than in the low-on-light-pollution areas surrounding rural Front Royal. 

2. Solitude is Easier to Come By
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Photo Credit: Elizabeth Coffey

During the more popular outdoor adventure seasons, it can take some hiking to find a quiet campsite, a secluded trail, or a peaceful lookout. With less adventurers out there, winter can be a great time of year for lovers of solitude to hit the trails. Animals like the peace and quiet, too. You might even have a better chance of some exciting wildlife sightings. 
 

3. It isn’t THAT Cold
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Average daytime temperatures in Shenandoah National Park range from 29 to 39 degrees farenheit. So while temperatures do drop in the winter, the Front Royal outdoors can be a more comfortable place to adventure than more frigid regions. Hint: if you’re heading to Shenandoah National Park, remember that in the park can be as much as twenty degrees colder than in the valley below. Plan and pack accordingly!

4. The Front Royal Area is a Great Place for Winter Sports
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Sledding in winter

Winter sports are a great way to have fun, but they can only be enjoyed under certain weather conditions. Make winter a season you’ll look forward to by learning a classic winter sport. The Front Royal area has great locations for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These lesser-known winter sports will leave you looking forward to next winter! 
 

5. Getting Outdoors in the Winter Boosts Your Mood
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Photo Credit: Dorlan Vice

It can definitely be harder to get motivated for an outdoor excursion in cold weather. But if winter’s cold and dark has you feeling down, it may be just what you need. Getting outside in the winter might sound depressing, but it’s actually a great way to improve your mood and sense of well-being. You’ll come home from even a short adventure feeling better than when you left. 
 

6. You’ll Enjoy Your Cozy Cabin all the More When It’s Cold Outside
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Winter Cabin

A cabin style Airbnb, especially one with a wood stove or fireplace, can be the perfect setting for the kind of cozy winter vibes that just aren’t around in the summer. Book one of the Front Royal area’s many fantastic Airbnbs, and you’ll enjoy the ultimate cozy place to unwind from your adventure. 

7. Your Camping Trip Can Be Even More Adventurous
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Winter camping adventure

Not for the faint of heart, the inexperienced, or the poorly equipped, winter camping might be the ultimate outdoor adventure. Staying outdoors in the winter with just a tent and a (very warm) sleeping bag is not the right adventure for everyone! But if you’re an experienced adventurer looking to take your camping expertise to the next level, it’ll be an unforgettable experience. If you plan to camp during the winter, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. See here for tips on making a winter camping trip safe and enjoyable. 
 

8. You Can Easily Get the Gear You Need
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Seasonal Camping Gear

Having the right clothes and equipment can make all the difference between a day of misery and an exhilarating adventure. That’s never more true than in the winter! Front Royal’s Mountain Trails has you covered for all your outdoor equipment needs. With it’s handy location right in town, it’s a convenient stop on your way out to find adventure. 
 
So keep coming to Front Royal for adventure all winter long! With starry skies brighter than you’ve ever seen, expansive views, new activities to try, and accommodations for everyone, it’s truly a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered.