Construct Your Outside Bucket Checklist in Harrisonburg, VA – Sponsored Content material

With entry to the George Washington Nationwide Forest and Shenandoah Nationwide Park in addition to nineteen accessible public parks, Harrisonburg, VA is the right place to construct your outside bucket record and rediscover your public lands. Trip with world-renowned cyclists, check your limits at an all-terrain park, discover one of many final remaining fireplace towers and stroll within the footsteps of thru-hikers. Climb, trek and scramble to new heights and soak up dazzling views of the evening sky. 

Discover One of many Final Remaining Hearth Towers

Providing panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and Appalachian Mountains, Excessive Knob Hearth Tower is likely one of the final remaining fireplace towers east of the Mississippi River and the one stone tower remaining in Virginia. Climb to the highest of the hearth tower to get pleasure from 360 diploma views and breathe the cool mountain air. A 3 mile hike leads you to this gorgeous marvel. 

Tip: After climbing to Excessive Knob Hearth Tower, descend Route 33 east in the direction of Harrisonburg to fish or kayak at Switzer Lake or get pleasure from a secluded picnic by the riverside at Riven Rock Park. 

Trek, Boulder and Climb to New Heights

Trek by means of scenic wooded pathways to Hidden Rocks, a secluded sandstone cliff within the George Washington Nationwide Forest. Climb the crag from the bottom as much as reveal a surprising overlook hidden between the mountains, and soak up spectacular views of the valley under. Rappel down the cliff for an invigorating expertise, after which discover the waterfalls and vistas of the Hone Quarry Campground and Recreation Space. For extra superior climbing, go to the rock face at Rawley Springs or go bouldering at Second Mountain. 

Tip: Carry your individual gear or climb with the assistance of an skilled information, resembling Wild GUYde Adventures. Contemplate visiting Horizons Edge Sports activities Campus to strive Clip ‘n Climb, a difficult expertise for climbers of all skills.  

Scramble to a Beautiful Mountain Summit

Enterprise into the backcountry in an overlanding rig, the place you possibly can traverse rocky terrain and boulder by means of mud holes and difficult obstacles. Climb to the summits of Flagpole Knob and Meadow Knob, the place at over 4,000 ft it is possible for you to to soak up panoramic views of the George Washington Nationwide Forest, Massanutten Mountain, and Shenandoah Nationwide Park. Then, head south alongside the ridge in the direction of Reddish Knob for much more unimaginable views. 

Tip: Have your individual rig? Make Harrisonburg your basecamp and discover the world like an area! Terra Overland will work with you to plan an expedition catered to your ability degree and pursuits. In your approach to the path, gasoline up on the Pleasant Metropolis Meals Co-op and seize lunch at one of many metropolis’s genuine delicatessens. 

Discover the World Beneath Your Ft

Pull up your coveralls, click on in your headlamp and prepare to discover the world beneath your ft! The caves beneath the floor of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County boast ceilings as excessive as a home, and passages tight sufficient for probably the most adventurous amongst us to squeeze by means of. Journey by means of cave techniques to seek out distinctive formations, grand cavern rooms, and uncommon fossils.  After your journey, emerge into the daylight and delight in the fantastic thing about the world’s pristine forests. 

Tip: Cave with an skilled knowledgeable like Wild GUYde Adventures. After your expedition, cease by the JMU Mineral Museum to see an extension assortment of subterranean minerals from world wide, or head to Elk Run Mining Firm to buy regionally crafted jewellery from gems which were mined from beneath the earth.

Check Your Limits on the Trails

Located within the shadows of the Alleghany and Massanutten Mountains, Harrisonburg is a Prime Mountain Bike City and IMBA Bronze Degree Trip Heart. Hidden throughout the woods of Hillandale Park, the Rocktown Trails are a system of stacked loop trails providing various ranges of problem. Trip by means of sweeping uphill climbs, sidewinding single tracks, and small drops, or check your limits on the pump observe.

Tip: After a day of using, gasoline up and luxuriate in a refreshing craft beverage at one of many Metropolis’s 5 craft breweries. Brother’s Craft Brewing is host to month-to-month biking and operating occasions and socials organized by the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition. 

At 2,190 miles, the Appalachian Nationwide Scenic Path is likely one of the longest trails on the planet. As a distinguished Appalachian Path Group simply minutes from the path, Harrisonburg is a gateway for this once-in-a-lifetime journey! Stroll within the footsteps of thru-hikers, trek by means of historic forests, and cease for images at iconic vistas. Discover backcountry shelters and leaf by means of pages of tales written by hikers in shelter logs. The Appalachian Path is accessible by means of the Swift Run Hole entrance station of Shenandoah Nationwide Park.

Tip: When you are in Harrisonburg, gear up at Walkabout Clothes shop. Their pleasant, skilled workers are pleased to supply suggestions for day journeys and weekend hikes and tricks to benefit from your journey.

Soak up Dazzling Views of the Night time Sky

Shenandoah Nationwide Park has lengthy been often known as one of the vital stunning locations to view the evening sky. Carry your binoculars and a blanket to Huge Meadows, the place you possibly can see the Milky Approach on the darkest nights. Bundle up as you look ahead to capturing stars, or chat with an beginner astronomer about what they’re able to see by means of their telescope. Stargazers can typically be discovered trying to find distant planets and faraway galaxies. Cease by one of many overlooks on Skyline Drive to view constellations on a transparent and cloudless evening, or drive west in the direction of Reddish Knob for a extra secluded stargazing expertise. 

Tip: Contemplate attending a stargazing occasion in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. Earlier than your go to, plan your journey to the John C. Wells Planetarium at JMU or attend a viewing with the Shenandoah Valley Stargazers. The Planetarium provides exhibits by reservation solely. 

Trip with World Famend Cyclists

Biking fanatics flock to Harrisonburg every year to compete in a wide range of biking occasions, together with the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, Harris Roubaix, Shenandoah Valley Century Trip, and Rockstar Problem. The Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, a long-distance group trip, race, and pageant, is hosted by Jeremiah Bishop, a pan-American gold medalist and internationally acknowledged bike owner. Trip with Bishop on winding filth roads and steep climbs, bike into the George Washington Nationwide Forest over rugged mountain ranges, and again into Downtown Harrisonburg. Announce your arrival  with a Swiss Glocken bell and have fun with different cyclists over a smorgasbord of meals.

Tip: Upon your return, cease by one of many metropolis’s pleasant and educated outfitters. Shenandoah Bicycle Firm, Bluestone Bike and Run, and Rocktown Bicycles are pleased to get you race prepared and share their favourite routes with you!

Enterprise into the Backcountry in an Overlanding Rig

Enterprise into the backcountry in an overlanding rig, the place you possibly can traverse rocky terrain and boulder by means of mud holes and difficult obstacles. Climb to the summit of Flagpole Knob, the place at 4,190 ft it is possible for you to to soak up panoramic views of the George Washington Nationwide Forest, Massanutten Mountain, and Shenandoah Nationwide Park.

Tip: Head south alongside the ridge in the direction of Reddish Knob for much more unimaginable views. Carry your individual rig and hop on a Zoom name with an area clothing store to discover ways to discover Virginia like a local. Gas up on the Pleasant Metropolis Meals Co-op and seize lunch at one of many metropolis’s genuine delicatessens. This route may also be biked or hiked. 

Watch A whole lot of Species of Birds and Butterflies

The Edith J. Service Arboretum at JMU, a public city backyard and woodland sanctuary, is Misplaced Shoe Loop of the Virginia Chicken and Wildlife Path and residential to lots of of species of birds and butterflies. Hear because the sound of songbirds fills the forest cover within the spring and cardinals, catbirds, and mockingjays fly overhead. In the summertime, watch as inexperienced herons stride gracefully throughout the pond and pollinators float between blooming milkweed and magnolia. 

Tip: Study from a naturalist at a birdwatching monarch tagging workshop, or take a guided stroll with one of many arboretum’s resident consultants. The Edith J. Service Arboretum hosts a wide range of thrilling occasions yearly!